Barkha Lohia is an Indian illustrator based in Toronto, working across picture books - both fiction and non-fiction, chapter books, and editorial illustration. Her practice is rooted in mixed media and material exploration, using charcoals, watercolours, soft pastels, pencil colours, and layered processes to build texture and mark-making, allowing process and materials to shape the visual language of each project.

She works closely with narrative and theme, adapting her approach to suit a wide range of stories, from quiet, reflective moments to playful, character-driven narratives. Nature often enters her work as a lived and observed presence, shaping mood and atmosphere, while lived experience, careful observation, and cultural memory add emotional depth and sensitivity to her storytelling.

She is interested in working on stories that explore family, spirituality, immigration, identity, the natural world, and adventurous narratives that balance humour with heart. When not working, she can often be found sipping chai and exploring the vast natural spaces across Canada.

Barkha has worked with clients and publishers including WWF, Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Pratham Books, Room to Read, and Orca Book Publishers. Her recent picture book Bird Brothers by Rina Singh (Orca) was released this year, with another title forthcoming in 2026.