BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cummings, Pat. 1992. TALKING WITH ARTISTS (Volume One). Compiled and edited by Pat Cummings. New York, NY: Bradbury Press. ISBN 0027242455
PLOT SUMMARY
Cummings compiles conversations with thirteen artists who talk about their childhood and the important events that led them to a career as an illustrator. Artists interviewed include 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. Cummings also includes a chapter on how she got her start as an illustrator. In addition to providing background information on how they got started, each artist answers 8 questions that range from “do you have any children or pets” to “what do you use to make your pictures”. Samples of artwork from childhood as well as published works are included.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The target audience of this book is children who have aspirations of becoming artists. Reading about the different paths taken by each of the artists to their current level of success can help a child understand that with talent and determination they can also succeed.
The discussions regarding the question, “What do you use to make your pictures?” were especially interesting. Victoria Chess discussed the differences in technical pens and felt tip pens, with an interesting note that technical inks won’t run when they are painted over. David Wiesner noted that he keeps his watercolor paper from getting “lumpy” by soaking it in the bathtub and then letting it dry while taped to a flat board.
While the target audience for this book may be artistically inclined children, it will be enjoyed by anyone who wants a better understanding of how favorite illustrators approach their work.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Young artists will learn a lot; teachers and other children will also love it. Well designed and well conceived…”
From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Unfortunately, the often poignant reminiscences and outstanding talent on display cannot overcome the book's unimaginative layout and distractingly pragmatic text.”
Starred HORN BOOK review: “An inspired concept, executed with class.”
CONNECTIONS
Gather volumes two and three of the TALKING WITH ARTISTS series:
Cummings, Pat. 1995. TALKING WITH ARTISTS (Volume Two). ISBN 978-0689803109
Cummings, Pat. 1999. TALKING WITH ARTISTS (Volume Three). ISBN 9780395891322
Review other compilations of discussions with artists about their work:
Carle, Eric. 2007. ARTIST TO ARTIST: 23 MAJOR ILLUSTRATORS TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR ART. ISBN 9780399246005
Marcus, Leonard S. 2002. WAYS OF TELLING: CONVERSATIONS ON THE ART OF THE PICTURE BOOK. ISBN 9780525464907
Cummings, Pat. 1992. TALKING WITH ARTISTS (Volume One). Compiled and edited by Pat Cummings. New York, NY: Bradbury Press. ISBN 0027242455
PLOT SUMMARY
Cummings compiles conversations with thirteen artists who talk about their childhood and the important events that led them to a career as an illustrator. Artists interviewed include 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. Cummings also includes a chapter on how she got her start as an illustrator. In addition to providing background information on how they got started, each artist answers 8 questions that range from “do you have any children or pets” to “what do you use to make your pictures”. Samples of artwork from childhood as well as published works are included.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The target audience of this book is children who have aspirations of becoming artists. Reading about the different paths taken by each of the artists to their current level of success can help a child understand that with talent and determination they can also succeed.
The discussions regarding the question, “What do you use to make your pictures?” were especially interesting. Victoria Chess discussed the differences in technical pens and felt tip pens, with an interesting note that technical inks won’t run when they are painted over. David Wiesner noted that he keeps his watercolor paper from getting “lumpy” by soaking it in the bathtub and then letting it dry while taped to a flat board.
While the target audience for this book may be artistically inclined children, it will be enjoyed by anyone who wants a better understanding of how favorite illustrators approach their work.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Young artists will learn a lot; teachers and other children will also love it. Well designed and well conceived…”
From PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Unfortunately, the often poignant reminiscences and outstanding talent on display cannot overcome the book's unimaginative layout and distractingly pragmatic text.”
Starred HORN BOOK review: “An inspired concept, executed with class.”
CONNECTIONS
Gather volumes two and three of the TALKING WITH ARTISTS series:
Cummings, Pat. 1995. TALKING WITH ARTISTS (Volume Two). ISBN 978-0689803109
Cummings, Pat. 1999. TALKING WITH ARTISTS (Volume Three). ISBN 9780395891322
Review other compilations of discussions with artists about their work:
Carle, Eric. 2007. ARTIST TO ARTIST: 23 MAJOR ILLUSTRATORS TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR ART. ISBN 9780399246005
Marcus, Leonard S. 2002. WAYS OF TELLING: CONVERSATIONS ON THE ART OF THE PICTURE BOOK. ISBN 9780525464907
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