Laura Huliska Beith | Life Verse Design Blog

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Do you remember when I met my “rock star” Laura Huliska-Beith?!

Well, as we were walking up to her front door, my awesome hubby turns to me & says, “I think we should commission Laura to paint something for your 40th birthday or as we look through her originals, you can just pick something out!” Umm… YES DEAR!!!! And I already had a plan … Laura Huliska Beith Photo_0001b

I took this photo of my kids about a year ago to commemorate them doing one of their favorite things: reading while surrounded by nature. Immediately I knew I wanted LAURA (!!!) to illustrate my very own kiddos. I sent the above art direction along with other various head shots of my kiddos to Laura & the process began. (OH! & as a book designer myself, being able to art direct such an amazing illustrator was a BONUS! AND, by the way: if there are any publishers out there looking for an illustrator who goes above & beyond, she is your gal)

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Laura kindly documented the process of the painting for us in the above images. How fun is that?!

And HERE is her interpretation of my photo…. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!!!!!

We all did the happy dance when the package arrived. Pumpkin-Poos was running wild. Sunshine Girl could not believe she “EVEN SIGNED IT FOR US!” & my Favorite Little Mister said, “cool.” The above shows some close up shots of the DETAIL & love Laura put into my art: my Favorite Little Mister reads his owl book & an owl reads a book about my Favorite Little Mister! How fun is that?! That dog licking Pumpkin’s toes is Laura’s own dog & Sunshine Girl loves cat woman & she even added a black cat. The most thoughtful detail of all: an origami bird, just for my Favorite Little Mister who made origami for Laura while in her studio!

MANY THANKS to my pal Laura!!! We just got the art framed & it is simply amazing. Best birthday present ever.

Grace & Peace,

Julie

{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

by admin

3 comments

Meeting Caldecott Winner Dan Santat | Life Verse Design Blog - […] and greatly enjoyed his artwork. If anyone knows me, you know what a big deal this is. {Remember these encounters with my pal Laura Huliska Beith?!} Some people dream of meeting their favorite movie star, rock […]

Best Birthday Present Ever | Life Verse Design Blog - […] Do you remember when I met my “rock star” Laura Huliska-Beith?! […]

Laura Huliska-Beith - Julie I am so honored—wow!! These photos are amazing. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and for all your kind words here! I had such a blast with the Chen family!! Thank you!!

PS. Take me with you when you go to meet the other illustrators 🙂

Julie Chen Photography

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