This fall The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) is pleased to present Tall Tales & Huge Hearts an exhibit of original art by Raúl Colon.
Colon uses very unique techniques in his artwork to create texture and rich, deep colors. The illustrations are done on watercolor paper and combine watercolor washes, etching, and the use of colored pencils and litho pencils. Colon himself explained his technique for the illustrations in Angel and the Baby Jesus. “I began with textured watercolor paper. I added a wash of golden undertone watercolor. On top of that I drew the image – sketched it – and then added the middle tones. There are about 5 to 8 washes on top of each other. I then used colored pencils to make the texture of the paper come out. I also use a scratchboard instrument appropriately called a “scratcher” to draw down through the layers.”
An award-winning illustrator of over thirty books for children, Colon was chosen to illustrate Dr. Jill Biden’s recently published Don’t Forget, God Bless Our Troops as well as Frank McCourt’s bestselling Angela and the Baby Jesus, both from Paula Wiseman Books. The industry has recognized Colon with a Golden Kite Award, a Pura Belpré Award, and both a gold and silver medal in The Original Art show.
Colon was born in New York City in December of 1952 and moved with his parents in the 1960s to Caguas, Puerto Rico where he studied commercial art. In 1978 Colon made Florida his home, working at an educational television center designing everything from puppets to short animated films. In 1988 the artist settled with his family in New City, New York and began a freelance career. Today, Colon continues to be a versatile and acclaimed illustrator whose work has appeared in important national publications.
The NCCIL is excited to host Colon for a fun weekend of opening events in November. We’ll be kicking things off on Thursday, November 8th during ArtWalk with a Gallery Presentation by Colon, which is free and open to the public. This event is a great opportunity to learn more about Colon’s art and meet the artist! Then on Saturday, November 10th there will be a children’s event with Colon at the Mockingbird Branch of the Abilene Public Library. Both events will be followed by a book signing. The exhibit will be on display in the NCCIL gallery October 30, 2012 through March 29, 2013. More information about the opening weekend events is available on the NCCIL’s website, www.nccil.org.
The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature collaborates with award-winning artists to produce exhibitions of their artwork that are distinctive, appealing to museum visitors of all ages, and of the highest quality. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00pm, admission to the NCCIL is free thanks to the generosity of our members!
By: Sarah Beth
all images copyright Raúl Colon
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