TRIBUTES have poured in for a well-loved illustrator whose artwork was adored by many.

Angela McKay, from Brighton, passed away at 56. She is well-known for her line and wash sketches of animals, portraying them as comedic characters, and pictures of landscapes. Brightonians also remember Ms McKay’s street market stall in Upper Gardner Street every Saturday where she sold her books and artwork.

She used “The Real McKay” as a logo and brand name. She moved from Glasgow to London in her twenties, and then to Brighton.

She had worked with high-profile clients including Smithsonian Magazine, House of Fraser, English Garden Magazine, RPS Publishing and IB Tauris Publishing.

Her niece, Emma McKay, who is a travel blogger, said: “I will always remember the good memories I had with my aunt.

“We encouraged each other as we began new freelance jobs, and shared a love of travel and talked about our family history. I miss her so much.

“My aunt was very talented. She did a lot of photography, had a quirky fashion taste, was quiet in nature and she even once worked as a babysitter.”

Close friend and fellow artist Mary Jane Ansell, 46, said: “I had known Angela for more than 12 years.

“Our paths crossed when we were taking part in the Open House festival. Angela had her exhibition in Springfield Road and I had mine in North Laine.

“We got on very well, we went to art shows together and we would drive to the South Downs, enjoy a cup of tea and show each other our sketches.

“We always shared ideas and gave each other feedback. Angela was very much involved in the community.

“Her drawings are very clean, smart and unique, which also reflects her as a person.

“She was always smartly dressed. She likes drawing animals, scenery and illustrated maps.

“Her stall attracted a lot of people, even those who don’t usually look at art came to admire her work. She added light humour and wit to her illustrations.

“She was a very dear friend, a totally unique character and I miss her very much.

“She also liked making videos and writing poems and lyrics. Gardening was a big hobby of hers too.”

Ms McKay passed away earlier this year. Her memorial service will take place this Friday at 1pm at the Extra Mural Cemetery, in Lewes Road, Brighton. Donations are welcome to her chosen charities the Cancer Trust, The Samaritans and Macmillan.