Wendell Minor
Wendell Minor
Artist and illustrator
Even people who do not read picture books or visit art galleries are likely to have encountered the work of artist and illustrator Wendell G. Minor. In addition to providing the illustrations to works by some of the most noted children's book authors, including Jean Craighead George and Alice Schertle, he has created cover art for such bestsellers as historian David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography "Truman", Pat Conroy's novel "Beach Music", and LaVyrle Spencer's "Small Town Girl". Commissioned by the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) to record the lift-off of the space shuttle Discovery, Wendell has also created several postcard stamps for the U.S. Postal Service. His style, which has been lauded for its classic elements, graces books such as "Red Fox Running", "Julie", and a collection of poetry by Carl Sandburg titled "Grassroots", as well as his own work, "Grand Canyon".
Wendell draws upon his lifelong affinity for environmental issues to create illustrations for children's books, which he finds especially satisfying, as they allow him to combine his love of the outdoors with his independent pursuits -including painting the landscape from life, in the tradition of classic American painters such as Homer, Hopper, and Wyeth. His wish is to inspire children to go out into the fields and woods and mountains to see wildlife in its natural habitat, and to give the children a positive perspective about the beauty that abounds in the world. Happily, the poets and authors whose words he illustrates share his deep respect for the natural world.
Wendell's travels have taken him from the tropical Everglades of Florida, to Barrow, Alaska in the Arctic circle, from the Midwest to the Grand Canyon in the Southwest, and throughout the United States, to research his many children's books, which have won national acclaim.
The timelessness of his art begins when he gets an idea or insight that he wants to create and with his editor, he finds an author who share his sensibilities and interest in a particular subject. When he begins researching a subject, he often travels to get a clear sense of what he is portraying. He enjoys being out in "the field" observing his subjects and gaining the inspiration he needs to create good composition, value, color and texture. The works he feels closest to are his illustrations for children’s books. Minor loves bringing scenes of the natural world to children. "If we lose touch with nature," he says, "then we lose touch with ourselves."
Wendell also utilizes the computer to scan a sketch, recolor and enlarge it and experiment with different type faces. His work preparation includes taking many photographs, doing sketches and taking notes.
Wendell is a member of The Children’s Book Council (CBC), a non-profit trade organization dedicated to encouraging literacy and the use and enjoyment of children’s books.
A Past President of the Society of Illustrators in New York City, Wendell currently lives in rural Connecticut with his wife and business partner Florence Friedmann Minor, a former film editor for ABC television. Their first picture book collaboration entitled "Christmas Tree!" was published in 2005. Wendell and Florence share their home, and studio, with their cats Sofie and Cindercat.
To be released on October 16, 2012: "If You Spent a Day with Thoreau at Walden Pond" - In this lovely picture book, Robert Burleigh and Wendell Minor imagine a special day spent with the celebrated writer and naturalist through the eyes of a child. Together Thoreau and the young boy watch small but significant wonders such as swimming fish, fighting ants, and clouds in the sky. It is a day full of splendor and appreciation of the outdoor world.
Welcome to Wendell Minor's Website