TALKING WITH ARTISTS, VOLUME 1

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cummings, Pat, ed. 1992 TALKING WITH ARTISTS: Vol 1. New York: Bradbury Press, 1992. ISBN 0027242455.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Pat Cummings selected a group of fourteen children’s book illustrators (Victoria Chess, Pat Cummings, Leo and Diane Dillon, Richard Egielski, Lois Ehlert, Lisa Campbell Ernst, Tom Feelings, Steven Kellogg, Jerry Pinkney, Amy Schwatz, Lane Smith, Chris Van Allsburg and David Wiesner) and interviewed each of them using the same eight questions concerning their lives and careers as illustrators for children’s books. Questions range from “Where do you get your ideas?” to “What is a normal day like for you” to “Do you ever put people you know in your pictures?” and “What do you use to make your pictures?” The questions were compiled from the most common questions asked when Pat Cummings visits schools and lectures on books and art. Artwork created by each illustrator as a child and as a published illustrator is included. A section of the book is devoted to a glossary of art and general terms such as gouache, cross-hatching and art director. The final section gives a list of each author’s five favorite books that they have illustrated.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Each of the fourteen illustrators in Volume 1, including the editor, Pat Cumming was allow to tell how they became an illustrator for children’s books and artist using their own words. The use of their own voice made it possible for the reader to see some of the real personalities expressed by the illustration.

The discussions of typical workdays and work places helped to show the individual places that were used as stimulations and motivations for each artist. I was struck by the fact that most of the illustrators had a love for drawing but took very different routes to feeling secure enough to try the life of an artist as an occupation and livelihood. I was also struck by the fact that each of these artists was entrepreneurial, competitive, and driven. I had the impression, as several stated, that although they were “required” to do other things to make a living, their lives would still be dominated by art.

As expected, the art in the book reflected the many styles of the artists and was magnificent. A variety of mediums were presented, sometimes reflecting the backgrounds of the artists and the fortunate encounters with other artists and supporters who helped them develop their styles.

A consistent book layout and format makes it possible to compare one artist to another. The simple glossary will increase the understanding of the “art-novice” reader, and the list of books by each author will allow the teacher or student to select other books, materials and art by the illustrator.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT (S)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Grade 3-8-- Conversations with Victoria Chess, Leo and Diane Dillon, Richard Egielski, Lois Ehlert, Lisa Campbell Ernst, Tom Feelings, Steven Kellogg, Jerry Pinkney, Amy Schwartz, Lane Smith, Chris Van Allsburg, and David Wiesner form the content of this book. All say that ``practice, practice, practice'' is the key to success. The illustrators that Cummings interviewed and her own comments are primarily aimed at young people who love to draw. They tell about how they got started, and where they get their ideas and techniques. There are chatty bits of information about the artists themselves, examples of their childhood drawings, and beautifully reproduced samples of current work. The same questions are asked of each contributor, but the answers range from serious commentary to lighthearted humor. The cumulative result is a short course in how to succeed in the book business, and general agreement that illustration is a tremendously satisfying and enjoyable occupation. Young artists will learn a lot; teachers and other children will also love it. Well designed and well conceived, this book will be welcomed in all those classrooms in which children's literature has become central to the curriculum.” --Shirley Wilton, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

THE HORN BOOK: “An inspired concept, executed with class


5. CONNECTIONS
For students wanting to do more about illustrators of children’s books, see the following:

Preller, James, THE BIG BOOK OF PICTURE BOOK AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS. ISBN: 0439201543

Kovacs, Deborah. MEET THE AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS. ISBN: 0590490974