With the work that I did for MATS class on children's books, I spent a lot of time this month poring over children's illustrations that I really admire. There are a number of illustrators from the past that are so inspiring to me. Some of them I knew when I was a girl, and some are new to me now.
1. Eyvind Earle
I'll never forget the first time I watched Sleeping Beauty on VHS. My copy somehow actually had special features, including an interview and mini documentary about Eyvind Earle. He did much of the design for Disney's Sleeping Beauty and is responsible for the incredible style throughout the film.
2. Gordon Laite
I recently rediscovered Gordon Laite's Golden Books and have been studying them to try to pick up just a little bit of the beauty he instills in his images. Each of his images is so rich and full of detail to enjoy. Amazingly, there is no web presence for him and his work, but a Google search will give you lots of images to peruse.
I found these ladies when searching for reference images of white cats for my class assignment. Their work is so fantastic. Layers and layers of richness with plenty of whimsy thrown in for fun.
4. Mary Blair
No list of inspiring vintage illustrators is complete without Mary Blair. If you're unfamiliar with her work, you need to check it out right away and prepare to be amazed.
