Art Seiden (1923-2004)

Here's another wonderful illustrator from the mid-20th century. Brooklyn born, Seiden was best known for the pictures he created for children's books, particularly Little Golden Books.

Berlitz - French Zoo Animals for Children written by Robert Strumpen-Darrie & Charles and Valerie Berlitz, illustrated by Art Seiden (1963). via — Berlitz - French Zoo Animals for Children written by Robert Strumpen-Darrie & Charles and Valerie Berlitz, illustrated by Art Seiden (1963). via

Wonder Books Illustrations by Art Seiden 1952 this printing 1974 via — Wonder Books Illustrations by Art Seiden 1952 this printing 1974 via

The Animal's Playground written by Virginia Stone Marshall, illustrated by Art Seiden (1964). via — The Animal's Playground written by Virginia Stone Marshall, illustrated by Art Seiden (1964). via

Space, Time and Rockets by Rehta Randolph, edited by Catherine Barry (Assistant Curator, Hayden Planetarium). Cover art by Art Seiden. Inside art by Jacque Stain 1952 via — Space, Time and Rockets by Rehta Randolph, edited by Catherine Barry (Assistant Curator, Hayden Planetarium). Cover art by Art Seiden. Inside art by Jacque Stain 1952 via

Illustrated by Art Seiden Written by Gene Darby Copyright 1963 via — Illustrated by Art Seiden Written by Gene Darby Copyright 1963 via

December New Yorker covers

+NewYorker.com

Jack and Jill Magazine

Jack and Jill Magazine has been continually in publication since 1938. Here are some beautiful covers from the mid to late fifties, most available on ebay.

September 1957, Space policeman by Lou Segal via ebay

This week on my drawing board

This week in MATS class, we're doing children's picture books. The assignment was illustrating the cover or a spread of Aesop's "The Tortoise and the Hare" fable. I saw the tortoise as being a very organized and positive fellow, who would plan out his journey to the "T". I love painting rain scenes, so I threw that in because I wanted to make my painting feel really atmospheric.

I began in my sketchbook, and it gave me some ideas for how I might approach a spread. In the end, I decided to do the cover for now, because it's something I want to work on and add to my portfolio.

This week on my drawing board

Getting ready for Halloween, though I somehow never get my decorations up in time. In MATS class we're doing dining plates based on traditional Uzbeki Suzani motifs. A bit of a challenge for me.