July 24, 2011

Look! The Art of Picture Books Today



I recently discovered this brilliant exhibition that celebrates the world and illustrations of picture books today.

It was held at The State Library of Victoria from December 2010 until May 2011.

It showcased original artwork, sketches and drawings by more than 40 Australian illustrators, including Bob Graham, Jeannie Baker, Ann James, Shaun Tan, Graeme Base, Leigh Hobbs and Terry Denton.

Didn't get to go? Never mind, because you can still follow the links and learn how illustrators create pictures, generate ideas, and create the stunning works of art that adorn our picture books. Even though I'm not an illustrator, I'm fascinated by how illustrators approach the enormous task of interpreting and illustrating a picture book.


To celebrate, Look! The art of picture books today, the State Library of Victoria ran an illustration competition for children aged 2 to 12. Australian Author and Illustrator Sally Rippin created a magical story called The Dream-spinner. Each month kids across Victoria drew pictures for a new paragraph, and winners in age groups, 2-4, 5-7, and 8-7, were chosen by three judges.

What a wonderful way to engage children with real life author/illustrators, and the practical side of writing and illustrating a picture book.

8 comments:

Charmaine Clancy said...

That would be a great exhibition. Love the way your blog is coming along, very well presented :)
Wagging Tales - Blog for Writers

Anonymous said...

Wow... how gorgeous. I wonder if they'll bring it to Qld. ??

Unknown said...

Thanks Charmaine. I was so impressed I just had to share.

Unknown said...

Hey Michelle,
Thanks for your comment! I hope the exhibition comes to Brissy. I've always had an enormous respect for picture book illustrators but I learnt by watching the links, just how much thought and detail goes into the whole illustrating process.

The exhibition exudes quality works of art and represents how illustrators work toward representing the text, connecting their art work emotionally, and refining their own unique style.

Peter Taylor said...

I have heard mention of it coming to Brisbane - the State Library of Queensland, I believe later in the year or next year, but I can't tell you the dates. I understand that when it's here they are also going to have a concurrent exhibition of Queensland illustrators.

There is an exhibition of work by Shaun Tan, Katherine Battersby, Michelle Pike and others on the walls and around the Central Brisbane Library in Adelaide Street at present until July 31st.

Renee said...

Hi Peter,
Thanks for letting us know about the exhibitions.I can't wait for it to arrive here!As for the QLD author/illustrators that you mentioned, I'm a huge fan and I've had the pleasure of meeting Katherine Battersby and Michelle Pike.

Karen Tyrrell said...

Hi Renee,
I was just going to add info about the Queensland exhibition. Except Peter beat me to it. We discussed these exhibitions and artists the other day at the SCBWI meeting at Brisbane Square library. You'll have to join up. Hope fully I'll see you at the next meeting on 16th October.

Renee said...

Thanks Karen. Joining SCBWI is on my to do list. I always check out their links and drool.