I Met a Rock Star!

{o.k., so she’s NOT a rock star…}

 

You know how some people want to meet rock stars, actors, or famous authors? Well, I want to meet children’s book illustrators! And, last autumn my family & I got to!!! Laura Huliska-Beith is definitely a rock star in my world & I emailed her to ask if we could come meet her & see her studio, and not only did she welcome us into her AMAZING home, she fed my kids doughnuts & PAINTED with them!

SQUEEL!!!!

Here is a sampling of Laura’s work. I am sure most of you have seen it, either from playing Zingo with your kiddos or reading hilarious books like Little Red Hot.

Here we are in Laura’s home studio {a converted attic space where I could easily live, if it were not for the dogs}. She pulled out TONS of original art & signed books for us. It was fascinating for me to learn a little bit more about her creative process. Of course, I thought of a million questions once we left. Ha!

She then got out the brushes & let the kids paint with her GOOD brushes. gulp.

My Favorite Little Mister was explaining some origami he made for her.

Here are some other views of her studio. You climb up a spiral staircase to enter the converted attic space which has wonderful natural light & is filled with little treasures & inspiration. LOVE!

Notice that sewing machine?! She is also creating art with fabric.

Back to my home, where 3 of her original paintings reside.

Meet Pierre, the french chef in our kitchen.

As well as many of her books on our shelves.

The other 2 original paintings are in the girls’ room. The elephant is from The Book of Bad Ideas {SO FUNNY!} and the race car is from Favorite Things {a very sweet story to warm any mommy’s heart}.

Please go to your local bookstore & buy some of Laura’s books to support this wonderful artist.

You will NOT be disappointed!

Some other fun facts about Laura:

1. She just painted a HUGE mural in the Kansas City library

2. She loves dogs

3. She is a kid at heart & it comes out in her work

Other illustrators I would LOVE to meet {in no particular order}:

1. Eric Carle

2. Lane Smith

3. Maira Kalman

4. Jago {who I worked with on the Jesus Storybook Bible}

5. Vivienne Flesher {I have 2 of her originals in my home also!}

{OK, there are many more… I will not fill this page with my dream illustrators!}

If anyone has connections with these artists, let me know. I am willing to travel 🙂

Grace & Peace,

Julie