I am guessing like most we as illustrators get inspired by others

Those who have taken the time to be tortured by reading my blog know that Maurice Sendak artwork is one of those inspirations.

I picked up a copy of “The Griffin and the Minor Canon” by Frank R. Stockton with illustrations by Maurice Sendak.

I just loved how this book was illustrated with its spot illustrations mixed in with full two page spreads and simple wash of colors, just wonderful!

So when I started to read the text for “Ferdinand Frog’s Flight” by Marvin Mayer I felt I may be able to do something similar in style, I was wrong like most stories this book had a voice of its own and demanded something more from me; so I listened to it after a long struggle within myself to let go of my idea. I feel that it was for the better; I used two page spreads to illustrate Ferdinand and in full color from top to bottom.

This is not to say I was not influenced by Mr. Sendak artwork his Griffin and my Eric the Eagle do share some qualities with each other.

I also realized this format may of worked better for a book like “Libby the Odd Squirrel” well If I only bought the book a year or so ago, I’ll just keep the thought in the back of head for the next time.

I have not yet seen the printed version of the book yet but the PDF was looking good