RAR #242: An Art Gallery for the Lap, with Scott Gustafson
Digest
This episode of the Read Aloud Revival podcast features an interview with Scott Gustafson, the illustrator of the beloved picture book "Classic Fairy Tales." Sarah McKenzie, the host, discusses the book's illustrations with Scott, highlighting their intricate details, rich colors, and storytelling elements. Scott shares his process for creating the illustrations, including his use of models, reference materials, and traditional painting techniques. He also discusses his inspiration from other artists, such as Vermeer and Rembrandt, and how he incorporates elements of their work into his own. The episode concludes with a segment where listeners share their favorite books, and Sarah encourages listeners to leave voicemails with their children's book recommendations. The episode also includes a reminder to purchase Sarah's new picture book, "Because Barbara, Barbara Cooney Paints Her World," which tells the story of the influential children's book author and illustrator Barbara Cooney.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces Sarah McKenzie, the host of the Read Aloud Revival podcast, and announces the start of the summer season with a special treat for listeners: an interview with Scott Gustafson, the illustrator of "Classic Fairy Tales."
Fairy Tale Summer
This Chapter dives into the theme of "Fairy Tale Summer" at Read Aloud Revival, emphasizing the importance of stories and reading aloud in family life. Sarah introduces Scott Gustafson as a guest and highlights his talent as an illustrator, particularly for "Classic Fairy Tales," which is one of the two picks for the summer's fairy tale theme.
Interview with Scott Gustafson
This Chapter features an interview with Scott Gustafson, the illustrator of "Classic Fairy Tales." Sarah and Scott discuss the book's illustrations, Scott's artistic process, and his inspiration from other artists. They also explore the importance of using reference materials and the value of picture books as art galleries for children.
Read Aloud Revival Kids' Book Recommendations
This Chapter features a segment where listeners share their favorite books. Children from Texas, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin share their book recommendations, highlighting a variety of genres and themes.
Call to Action
This Chapter encourages listeners to leave voicemails with their children's book recommendations. Sarah explains how to leave a voicemail and how the messages will be aired on the show.
Fairy Tale Summer and Book Promotion
This Chapter reminds listeners to join the "Fairy Tale Summer" at Read Aloud Revival and promotes Sarah's new picture book, "Because Barbara, Barbara Cooney Paints Her World." Sarah emphasizes the book's beauty and its appeal to a wide range of ages.
Keywords
Scott Gustafson
Scott Gustafson is an American illustrator known for his detailed and whimsical illustrations in children's books, particularly "Classic Fairy Tales." He is known for his use of traditional painting techniques, including oil and gouache, and his meticulous attention to detail. His work often features historical settings and costumes, and he draws inspiration from other artists, such as Vermeer and Rembrandt.
Classic Fairy Tales
Classic Fairy Tales is a picture book illustrated by Scott Gustafson, featuring classic fairy tales such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood, and Cinderella. The book is known for its beautiful illustrations, which are detailed, colorful, and full of storytelling elements. The illustrations are often described as "museum quality" and are a great way to introduce children to the world of art.
Read Aloud Revival
Read Aloud Revival is a podcast hosted by Sarah McKenzie, dedicated to promoting reading aloud to children. The podcast features interviews with authors and illustrators, book recommendations, and tips for making reading aloud a fun and engaging experience for families. The podcast also encourages listeners to share their favorite books and to participate in various reading challenges.
Barbara Cooney
Barbara Cooney was an American author and illustrator of children's books, known for her whimsical and charming style. She was a recipient of the Caldecott Medal for her illustrations in "Chanticleer and the Fox." Her books often feature themes of nature, family, and the importance of imagination. She is considered one of the most influential children's book illustrators of the 20th century.
Because Barbara, Barbara Cooney Paints Her World
Because Barbara, Barbara Cooney Paints Her World is a picture book written and illustrated by Sarah McKenzie, telling the story of the influential children's book author and illustrator Barbara Cooney. The book celebrates Cooney's life and work, highlighting her creativity, her passion for art, and her impact on the world of children's literature.
Fairy Tale Summer
Fairy Tale Summer is a theme at Read Aloud Revival, dedicated to celebrating the magic of fairy tales. The theme features a variety of fairy tale-themed content, including book recommendations, interviews with authors and illustrators, and activities for families to enjoy together. The theme encourages listeners to explore the world of fairy tales and to share their love of stories with their children.
Picture Book
A picture book is a book designed for young children, featuring illustrations that are as important as the text. Picture books are often used to introduce children to new concepts, to develop their language skills, and to spark their imaginations. They are a valuable tool for parents and educators to use in fostering a love of reading in children.
Illustration
An illustration is a visual representation of a story, concept, or idea. Illustrations can be created using a variety of techniques, including drawing, painting, photography, and digital art. They are often used in books, magazines, websites, and other forms of media to enhance the visual appeal and to convey information more effectively.
Art Gallery
An art gallery is a space where works of art are displayed and sold. Art galleries can feature a variety of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations. They provide a platform for artists to showcase their work and for art enthusiasts to appreciate and collect art.
Q&A
What is the main topic of this episode of the Read Aloud Revival podcast?
The main topic of this episode is an interview with Scott Gustafson, the illustrator of "Classic Fairy Tales." Sarah McKenzie, the host, discusses the book's illustrations with Scott, highlighting their intricate details, rich colors, and storytelling elements.
What are some of the key takeaways from the interview with Scott Gustafson?
Some key takeaways from the interview include Scott's process for creating the illustrations, including his use of models, reference materials, and traditional painting techniques. He also discusses his inspiration from other artists, such as Vermeer and Rembrandt, and how he incorporates elements of their work into his own.
What is the significance of "Fairy Tale Summer" at Read Aloud Revival?
"Fairy Tale Summer" is a theme at Read Aloud Revival dedicated to celebrating the magic of fairy tales. The theme emphasizes the importance of stories and reading aloud in family life and encourages listeners to explore the world of fairy tales and to share their love of stories with their children.
What is Sarah McKenzie's new picture book called, and what is it about?
Sarah McKenzie's new picture book is called "Because Barbara, Barbara Cooney Paints Her World." It tells the story of the influential children's book author and illustrator Barbara Cooney, celebrating her life and work, highlighting her creativity, her passion for art, and her impact on the world of children's literature.
How can listeners participate in the Read Aloud Revival podcast?
Listeners can participate in the Read Aloud Revival podcast by leaving voicemails with their children's book recommendations. Sarah explains how to leave a voicemail and how the messages will be aired on the show.
What is Scott Gustafson's favorite fairy tale character, and why?
Scott Gustafson's favorite fairy tale character is Puss in Boots, because he has so much spirit and uses his imagination and his wits to make things work out for his master.
What advice does Scott Gustafson have for young artists?
Scott Gustafson advises young artists to experiment and to do the things they enjoy drawing. He emphasizes the importance of finding your own path and pursuing the kind of art that you are passionate about.
What is the significance of using reference materials in art?
Scott Gustafson emphasizes the importance of using reference materials in art, stating that it is not cheating to look at things when you paint. He believes that studying life and nature is an integral part of learning how to draw and paint effectively.
What is the connection between Scott Gustafson's illustrations and the decorative plates mentioned in the episode?
Scott Gustafson's illustrations for "Classic Fairy Tales" were originally created as decorative plates, which were popular collector's items. Sarah McKenzie realizes that she may have had these plates in her home growing up, highlighting the lasting impact of Scott's art.
Show Notes
A picture book is an art gallery for the lap. đź“š
That’s something we say all the time here at Read-Aloud Revival, and today we’re going to introduce you to one of our absolute favorite examples of this. Â
We're diving into the enchanting world of illustrated picture books with Scott Gustafson, the master illustrator behind the breathtaking illustrations in the beloved Classic Fairy Tales picture book.
Classic Fairy Tales is my all-time favorite illustrated collection of fairy tales, and it’s one of our picks for the RAR Family Book Club, A Fairy Tale Summer.
Scott’s breathtaking work has captivated the imagination of readers of all ages. He brings these stories to life in a way that is nothing short of magical.
And because audio alone could never do these gorgeous illustrations justice, we also recorded a video of our conversation, in which Scott shares many of his fabulous illustrations on-screen.Â
You can find the video along with the full show notes at readaloudrevival.com/242 or on the Read-Aloud Revival YouTube page.
In this episode, you’ll hear:Â
- How Scott’s use of light and color helps the reader journey through each painted scene
- Why Scott uses people, costumes, and objects as references in his paintings
- Scott’s best advice for budding artists and illustrators
Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/art-gallery-for-the-lap
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