Talking With Artists

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Talking With Artists Volume Three: Conversations With Peter Catalanotto, Raul Colon, Lisa Desimini, Jane Dyer, Kevin Hawkes, G. Brian Karas, Betsy Lewin, Ted Lewin, Keiko Narahashi, Elise Primavera, Anna Rich, Peter Sis, and Paul O. Zelinksy

Compiled and Edited By Pat Cummins

Publisher: Clarion Books Published: 1999

ISBN: 0-395-89132-9

2. PLOT SUMMARY:
In this captivating volume, thirteen children's book illustrators share personal stories, photographs and artwork. Each artist addresses how they came to illustrate children's books for a living. Editor Pat Cummins, an illustrator of children's books herself, asked each contributor a series of questions that included topics such as, what a typical work day is for the illustrator, if they have pets or a family, and if they used people that they knew in their illustrations. Each artist included an early piece of artwork from their childhood as well as personal photos and examples of their current work. Also included at the end of the book are art tips that some of the artists shared to help budding young illustrators.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
I was immediately drawn into the personal stories each artist shared. I had never really thought much about how an individual might come to illustrate children's books, and the stories these magnificent artists shared gave me new insights to the world of children's book illustrators. Having each artist "tell" their own story gave the book a personal touch. Children reading this book can connect to the ladies and gentlemen sharing their stories and hopefully gain inspiration from their stories. I believe children will enjoy seeing the photos of "art" these future illustrators created when they were young. Each artist responed to questions with thoughtful insights and encouragement for any young artist. The variety of mediums and styles shown in this book is a great way for students to see how various types of art infulence their work. The questions asked of each artist provide a look inside their daily lives, and what a typical work day is like for an illustrator. I felt like I had a good idea of each person's work style and daily life through these questions. Pat Cummings asks questions of the artists that children would want to know, and really gives the reader a good picture of that artist. Personal photos from each artist help create a connection with the artist as well.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS:
From BOOKLIST: "A special treat for budding artists and wonderful for teachers."

From HORN BOOK: "Informative, enjoyable, and inspirational."

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "While many readers will find the artists' tips that conclude the volume useful, all will appreciate these insightful conversations."

5. CONNECTIONS:
*Share books the featured artists illustrated. This allows students to be exposed to the artists' work.
*Provide some of the mediums the artists use to create their illustrations. Ask students to draw a picture with the materials. Discuss if they found the material easy or difficult to draw with.
*Use a map to locate where each artist lives. Ask students if they think their work is influenced by the area where they live.