Pamela Lofts

Some more sad news. This time about the well-loved illustrator and artist Pamela Lofts who died on July 4th, 2012.

Although I didn't know Pamela personally, I was a great admirer of her fine illustrations in many children's books over the years.

She will be remembered for her wonderful work in Wombat Stew written by Marcia Vaughan. Also the delightful drawings in Snug as a Hug, also written by Marcia.

Other books, illustrated by Pamela, include Mem Fox's Koala Lou and Hunwick's Egg brought vividly to life by Pamela's gorgeous illustrations.

Besides her work with children's books, Pamela was well-known as a fine artist with many art exhibitions to her credit.

Pamela Lofts will be deeply missed by the art and illustration world.

Jean Chapman

I was very sorry to hear of the loss of Jean Chapman recently.  She was an author who wrote specifically for young people and made a long lasting impact and contribution to the world of children's literature.
She was a lovely person with a lively humorous spirit.

My sister Kilmeny and I were fortunate to have illustrated many of her stories over the years.
Jean compiled various collections of folk tales, poems, activities and songs, retold in her easy going style with close attention to detail.

Her works have been consistently popular, and although the collections I mentioned are now out of print, they are well represented in libraries around Australia.

The illustrations below are from the book, Tell Me Another Tale, a collection written and compiled by Jean Chapman, and first published in 1976.  Kilmeny and I had a great time creating some imaginative illustrations inspired by Jean's writings.

Jean will be sadly missed.

 

 

All illustrations are by Deborah and Kilmeny Niland.

Stuff & Nonsense

These drawings are from a book of humorous poetry which I illustrated way back last century.
The book was published by William Collins Pty Ltd in Sydney, and the poems were compiled by Michael Dugan from various authors.

Each illustration was drawn in black ink.

Illustration by Deborah Niland

Illustration by Deborah Niland

Illustration by Deborah Niland

Illustration by Deborah Niland

Illustration by Deborah Niland

Maurice Sendak

The illustration and children's book world has lost a major figure with the death of Maurice Sendak.
He influenced the techniques of many, many illustrators over the years and his books have been enjoyed by adults and children alike.

I remember the fuss that was made after the publication in 1963 of  his classic Where the Wild Things Are.

'Experts' in child development were adamant that children would be terrified and have recurring nightmares if shown this book. Nearly fifty years later this book is still popular and I'm sure the nightmares have proved to be non-existent.

The beautiful pictures below by Maurice Sendak are from some of his books I still have on my shelves.

Where The Wild Things Are - Maurice Sendak 1963

Where The Wild Things Are - Maurice Sendak 1963

Thr Griffon and the Minor Canon - Maurice Sendak 1963

The Bee-Man of Orn - Maurice Sendak 1964

The Bee-Man of Orn - Maurice Sendak 1964

Outside Over There -Maurice Sendak 1981

A Catty Display

Here are some illustrations from various books of mine featuring the cat.
I've used different techniques for each illustration. Pen and ink, watercolour, and digital.

I'm really a dog person, though.

Annie's Chair

I've recently received copies of my book, Annie's Chair, which has been published in a new Chinese edition.
The publisher is Beijing King Ear Images.  It looks a beautiful production!

I believe this edition is not available in Australia but copies are selling online from here.

Here are some pictures from the book.

Arnold Lobel

I have a small collection of books illustrated by Arnold Lobel.

He was an artist who was an important influence when I was starting out as a book illustrator. I've always admired his work and still do.

Arnold Lobel worked on a wide variety of books and always imbued his illustratrations with warmth and wit.
 He created splendid pigs as in The Book of Pigericks (1983) and of course he was well known for his Frog and Toad series of books (from 1970).

These works below are just some of my favourites.

Happy Christmas!

Illustration by Deborah Niland

Happy holidays!

Delightful paintings

I love these simple paintings from old Japan.
Unfussy and elegant.
Superb.

A Favourite Book

I like to hang on to children's books that have impressed me.

The one I've chosen today, dates from 1971, and is called The Pedlar of Swaffham.  It's written by Kevin Crossley-Holland and illustrated by Margaret Gordon.  It's published by Macmillan.

The story in this book is based on an East Anglican folk tale set in the 15th century.

I love the illustrations!  They are influenced by the style of the woodcut, and are a perfect match for this medieval tale.
Margaret Gordon has illustrated two books similar to this one, The Green Children and The Callow Pit Coffer..
They were also written by Kevin Crossley-Holland

As well as the books I've mentioned, Margaret Gordon illustrated The Wombles written by Elizabeth Beresford.  The famous Wombles of Wimbledon.