Drawn In Brooklyn Exhibition

Over the weekend, I went to Brooklyn Public Library's central library branch for their latest exhibit, Drawn In Brooklyn. I was not only inspired by all the wonderful varied styles of work, but also encouraged to keep drawing and stay passionate about what I do. Each artist was so unique; they all used different interesting mediums to complete their work. I highly recommend going - I will be heading back again since I didn't get a chance to view everything in the Youth Wing.

The exhibit includes 34 featured children's book illustrators, all of whom live and work in Brooklyn. The original book art is displayed in the library's Grand Lobby, where you first walk in. On the 2nd floor, balcony cases include installations from the illustrators. Each case holds a different illustrator's handmade work of art. I love that they created 3 dimensional pieces because they probably work in 2D most of the time. In the Youth Wing, displays of their sketches, models, and tools allowed me to see their process. Needless to say, it was very educational for me.

Drawn In Brooklyn is curated by John Bemelmans Marciano and will be on display until January 23, 2011.


Daniel Salmieri - Those Darn Squirrels!


Pat Cummings - Carousel


John Nickle - The Ant Bully


Paul O. Zelinsky - Aweful Ogre Running Wild


Keith DuQuette - Little Monkey Lost

Quentin Blake: Book Art to Wall Art

I found these wonderful and fun wallpapers at Fabrics & Papers. The patterns are designed by one of my favorite British children's book illustrators, Quentin Blake. He's written many of his own stories, but growing up I remember his drawings from his collaborations with author, Ronald Dahl. His work is exaggerated and humorous, but thankfully never cross the line into cartoony art. Check out his official website here.

It's A Book!!!

Check out It's A Book by author & illustrator Lane Smith. I grew up reading and loving his hilarious storybooks (The Stinky Cheese Man & The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs) with Jon Scieszka.

This new title is about a bookish monkey and a techy jackass. The two characters have a funny exchange over what a book can and cannot do. The donkey uses words like 'text, blog, scroll, tweet' while the monkey just says 'no, it's a book'.

Smith chooses his earthy tones well and I've always liked his dry brush, outlined style and textured shapes.

I can really appreciate this book because of its simple message and adorable characters.