The Little Nuthatch — inspirational artists
Inspirational Artists I grew up on... Leonard Weisgard.
The Little Island was written by Golden MacDonald and illustrated by Leonard Weisgard. Golden MacDonalad was actually a pen name for Margaret Wise Brown (known for Goodnight Moon). Another beloved book from my collection of picture books from childhood. This one features lush illustrations of topics dear to my heart still, like a pair of Belted Kingfisher's!
Inspirational Artists I grew up on... Wanda Gag.
Wanda Gag was alive from 1893-1946 and the artist behind Millions of Cats, the oldest American picture book still in print. Definitely an inspirational artist. I hope to one day visit the Gag House in Minnesota (not far from the Betsy-Tacy Society, also on my list!)
Inspirational Artists I grew up on... Robert McCloskey.
Author and illustrator Robert McCloskey won a bunch of awards for his books, he's another legendary artist! I grew up with Lentil and Blueberries for Sal in my collection.
Inspirational Artists I grew up on... Tasha Tudor.
Tasha Tudor is of course one of the most inspirational artists, extremely prolific, a legend! My copy of The Tasha Tudor Book of Fairy Tales is a book I treasure. Tasha Tudor lived from 1915-2008, and in her later years had settled into her cottage in Vermont with "messy gardens". You can visit if you can afford the private tour! I'll admit I wish this would open up to the public one day such as Card Sandburg's preserved home has.
Inspirational Artists I grew up on... Barbara Berger.
I don't have any new art to post, so let me share the art from one of my favorite books growing up: Animalia by Barbara Berger. The coloring and light in Animalia are just gorgeous and so well done. I am also a huge fan of borders in illustration. Barbara Berger writes about creating Animalia on her website here, and you can see more of her beautiful work there as well. Thank you Barbara Berger for being such an inspiration!