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After starting out as a graphic designer and art director on both book and corporate projects, John switched to illustration. He feels that his "sort of cartoony and wise-guy" personality is reflected in his art. He uses an old masters' technique of layered colored glazes over monochromatic underpainting, and gets involved with extensive research for many of his projects, but then sometimes finds that the souls of his characters take over the drawings. Kirkus described his style as "madcap artwork" belying "a rigorous and elegant technique". A favorite subject is Sherman, his African Grey Parrot, who can converse in several languages, compose music and imitate the sound of a garbage truck backing up. At right are his most recent projects, Dear Tyrannosaurus Rex written by Lisa McClatchy (Random House). Shown below, Henry & the Crazed Chicken Pirates and Henry & the Buccaneer Bunnies both written by Carolyn Crimi (Candlewick Press).
See more of John's art: John's personal website
Picture Book
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