Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Happy Birthday To-mie! Happy Birthday To-mie!

I was asked to contribute to a new blog honoring Tomie dePaola for his 75th birthday AND for his life long gift to all of us- his books.

I first saw Mr.dePaola 2 years ago @ the NYC SCBWI winter conference. Altho, I haven't met him- he's been popping up in my life over and over again. I asked my mother if we had any of his books growing up. She knew of him instantly - remembering reading them to us. Off I went to order a few online and immerse myself in his world.

Here's a few things I've learned from studying 3 of his books and drawing his characters.

1. Simple is deceiving. If art looks simply done- simply colored- don't assume it's easy. When it is done well- or really well- like Pancakes for Breakfast; It's actually harder to do. Every element stands out- and you have to be a really great designer to do less. Ya know the whole less is more thing- one of these days I'll get it.
2. I know why my mother liked the books. Now that I've read them as a mother; and not a Snoopy crazed child. You want children to have books that are like warm hugs. Tomie's are.
3. You can learn a lot from drawing other people's characters. -I did know this from the years in cartoon licensing but never applied it to illustration. Like all of the artists parked in front of master paintings at the Met - I may just park myself in front of Tomie's this weekend at the Carle.

Go Check it out and Happy B'day Mr. dePaola!

Three Kisses for Tomie

5 comments:

Nikki S said...

I love the Cookie's Week book. I even did my own rendition of a few of the pages for my portfolio. Check it out!

Vanessa Brantley Newton said...

He is such a wonderful artist! Happy birthday to To-mie. I love the music!!! Anyway, I wanted to tell you thanks so much for your encouraging words. They mean the world to me. I really appreciate you even taking time to stop by. I will you know how things turn out with post and hopefully video!
Hugs till you're purples
V

Anonymous said...

Let's hope Tomie graces us with many, many years of wonderful work!

Roberta Baird said...

How very cool! Your piece is awesome Kelly!

Anonymous said...

I checked out your piece and as usual it was wonderful. Pancakes for Breakfast was one of your favorites. I hope you get to meet Mr. dePaola, it would be great. take pictures to show me. MOM