My Farewell to Legendary Bookseller George Whitman

I recently saw the celebratory film about Paris and writers -- Midnight in Paris.   One scene shows the front of the legendary bookstore, Shakespeare and Co., in all its photogenic charm, reminding me that I had neglected to visit the bookstore when I was in Paris.  True,  as a young artist I was spending most all of my time in art museums and art stores.  Still, I am unable to resist a great bookstore, so why didn’t I remember to visit this famous landmark -- so perfect for English-reading, book-loving travelers?

So I was quite saddened to learn last month of the passing of 98 year old George Whitman, the founder of Shakespeare and Co., from writer Kristen Espinasse.  She has written her memories of him in her very enjoyable blog.  I was inspired to read more about the bookstore.  It is a reincarnation of the first (also legendary) Shakespeare and Co., which was founded by another American in Paris, Sylvia Beach, and was closed down in WWII.  Whitman’s bookstore, Le Mistral, opened in 1951, but after meeting Sylvia Beach she bequeathed the name Shakespeare and Co. to him.

One story about Whitman that impressed me concerned the entire year the bookstore was closed in the 60’s.  His papers weren’t in order so he didn’t sell a single book that year until the red tape was straightened out.  He kept the doors open, however, as a free library and guesthouse for writers from abroad in exchange for an hour or two of work a day.  A true book-loving, writer-loving individual!  The French grew to appreciate him too – the French Minister of Culture awarding him the Officier des Arts et Lettres medal for his contributions to the arts. He’s buried in the famous Pere Lachaise cemetery near such writers as Collette and Balzac.

I still intend to visit the bookstore.  It’s still there, still catering to English-speaking visitors, still welcoming writers, still watched over by his daughter, and I believe by his dog and cat too. Long may it prosper!

In Search of More Color

I’m still in the mood for color!

I needed more paint from my favorite acrylic paint company....

I was delighted to also find another dose of inspiring joyful color. 

Enjoy! And Happy New Year!

Children's Book Illustrators Show at Chemers Gallery

Every year I look forward to the exhibition of original work by top children’s book illustrators at the Chemers Gallery in Tustin. It was doubly wonderful that the artists whose work is being shown were on hand on the first day of the exhibit -- to speak, to demonstrate their techniques, and to sign their books.

This year’s talented artists were Raul Colon, Mary GrandPre, Elisa Kleven, Robin Preiss Glasser, and Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher.

RAUL COLON

I particularly enjoyed hearing Raul Colon describe his distinctive style, which involves many layers of watercolor washes and colored pencils on Arches watercolor paper. He also described how he makes his signature wavy lines in his illustrations with a favorite scratchboard tool.  Also fascinating was the workbook he shared with us.  In it he has experimented with various color combinations, studies of favorite artists’ palettes and recipes for his own color palette for projects he has done, complete with tiny notations of which colors were layered over which to achieve a particular glowing color.


STEVE JOHNSON and LOU FANCHER

I’m embarrassed to admit I was unfamiliar with the work of Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher -- but now they are new favorites.  A talented and innovative husband and wife team of illustrators, they shared with us their unusual methods of collaboration.  Once they’ve agreed on a color palette, materials, and the effect they want to create, they both work on the same illustrations, passing them back and forth to add touches and details.  Each artist has their own strengths, and the combination of his art school training and her innovative ideas works well for them as a team.  The couple doesn’t always initially agree on how to approach an art project but have truly learned the art of compromise.  With exquisite results.


MARY GRANDPRE


Mary GrandPre entertained us by telling us who -- including a couple of dogs -- had inspired the illustrations of characters in the Harry Potter books -- which included her 2 dogs.  She always chooses projects which are meaningful to her in some way, and said that illustrating a book was like being a movie director.  She likes to vary her style, between that associated with the look of her Harry Potter illustrations and her more sculptural geometric illustration designs, inspired by her love of African art.




ROBIN PREISS GLASSER

Robin Preiss Glasser wanted to tell us that though everyone claims Fancy Nancy’s appearance must be patterned after their own daughter or granddaughter or some other person known to them, actually the real inspiration for the look of little Nancy is her own niece, Jessie.  She spoke of her illustration schedule, which is usually from the hours of 4 p.m. until 2 or 3 a.m.



ELISA KLEVEN


Elisa Kleven is known for her charmingly childlike illustrations and she spoke of the childhood realization she wanted to be an artist, and of her love of paper dolls and dolls which have resulted in several delightful picture books. Her desire, she said, was to take dreams and visions and to share them.  She drew several examples of her distinctive and delightful little characters.



The exhibit runs through Saturday.  I hope to get back to see the wonderful illustrations again!  And I can't wait to see who Chemers invites next year.......

In Search of Color

Maybe because the darker days of winter are finally beginning to appear here in southern California I’ve been thinking a lot about color lately. Or it could be due to working on new pieces for my illustration portfolio... The SCBWI Illustrators Day (one day conference) was a few days ago... Color choices in illustrations are always important as they can help convey emotion and even the setting of the piece. The color palette I used for Signed Abiah Rose was based on early 19th century folk artists’ work. Mostly untrained, they worked with a limited palette -- just primary colors with little use of color mixing. The manuscript I’m now working on will require a darker palette due to the moody setting of the story. But I personally have lately felt a need to be surrounded by bright colors. A foray last week in a search for COLOR -- yummy color combinations -- was more successful than I’d even hoped. Gorgeous colors were almost everywhere I visited.

A shelf in a vintage store

 Wall art advertisement for a funky and arty coffeehouse -- Busters in South Pasadena -- a favorite of mine.

                                 A mosaic in the patio behind the fabulous Vroman’s bookstore in Pasadena

The culmination of my search for color was found in a favorite shop -- Zinnia in South Pasadena. The extremely talented and creative folks there have created a delightful, bright and joyful haven-- a feast for the eye. It’s also a great place to shop for treasures and to take classes.

 Gorgeous floor paintings

Delicious painted and collaged furniture displays for merchandise

.....Artfully colorful inspirations

The effect of all these reds, blues, greens and yellows?  As a human being I was cheered and happy -- as an artist, I was inspired and energized with food for the soul.