Dear Theo

(Illustration at left by Martin and Alice Provensen)

Many admirers of Vincent Van Gogh’s art have probably read or heard about his close relationship to his brother Theo. Theo looked out for Vincent and the two exchanged many letters during their too-short lives. Before Vincent devoted his life solely to painting, he (among other pursuits) worked somewhat neglectfully for Goupil and Co., a firm of art dealers. While at Goupil, in January 1864, Vincent wrote a letter to brother Theo (also an art dealer) with a list of his favorite painters. He listed fixty-six, and all were painters in the Realism school.

Like ole’ Vincent, I often find myself thinking about the artists and illustrators who both inspire and humble me. I am wondering as I type, will my list be fixty-six? Or will is soar beyond that number? Who knows! Here goes....

MY FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOK ILLUSTRATORS:

The classics: 1. Martin and 2. Alice Provensen (gee, given how much I love them I should probably include them 10 times each in the list—that’s their art posted in this entry), 3. Barbara Cooney, 4. Robert McCloskey, 5. Robert Lawson, 6. Helen Sewell, 7. Edward Ardizzone, 8. Garth Williams, 9. Peter Spier, 10. Eric Carle

The amazingly detailed work of : 11. Edwin Tunis, 12. Eric Sloane, 13. David Macauley

Illustrators whose work reflects the richness of the history of art: 14. John Speirs, 15. Gennady Spirin, 16. Roberto Innocenti, 17. Bagram Ibatoulline

These unique story tellers through written word and illustration: 18. Patricia Polacco, 19. Allen Say, 20. Jerry Pinkney, 21. Gabrielle Vincent

History queens: 22. Cheryl Harness, 23. Diane Stanley

The fun and spirited styles of: 24. D.B. Johnson, 25. Holly Berry, 26. Renata Liwska, 27. Jui Ishida, 28. Marjorie Priceman, 29. Sebastia Serra, 30. Jill McElmurry, 31. John Lawrence, 32. Stephen D’Amico, 33. Melissa Sweet, 34. Lizbeth Zwerger, 35. Charlotte Voake, 36. Emma Chichester Clark, 37. Flora McDonnell

The versatility and amazing character work by: 38. LeUyen Pham, 39. P.J. Lynch, 40. Jim LaMarche, 41. Shirley Hughes

The calligraphic and poetic beauty of the work by: 42. Kim, Dong-Seong

Other favorites: 43. Holly Hobbie, 44. Charles Fuge, 45. S.D. Schindler, 46. Christopher Denise, 47. Mark Buehner, 48. Brian Lies, 49. Mitsumasa Anno, 50. Nicola Bayley, 51. David Small, 52. Paul Zelinsky, 53. Peter Sis

And the oh-my-goodness, how could I almost have forgotten: 54. Aliki, 55. Leo and 56. Diane Dillon

Well, there you go... Fifty-six vastly talented people who keep me excited about illustrating and delight millions of readers with their work. And it’s a foregone conclusion that I’ve forgotten many names on this list!