THE TAIL OF THE RACCOON

This book series was very rewarding to work on.  Creating illustrations that reminded me of classic, adventure stories while being mindful of the powerful message the books were communicating.  This is a great example of the power of combining words and visuals.

You can find links to the books on  my website BOOKS page at   http://www.stevenjamespetruccio.com/books-1.html

You can check out additional information at the authors' channel   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUM9HLVbrlQaJyFgMnClPcQ

Been A While...again

2018 marked 35 years for me as a professional freelance illustrator and artist.  During that time I've created art for many books, 80+, including some for Scholastic, Inc.  They have also acquired some of my books for their book club.  Always had great experience with the art directors and editors there.  Here's a look at my Scholastic books from their website.

You can still find these books on the secondary market on amazon.com , barnesandnoble.com  other and  other sites  as well.

Spring Flew By...

I've been working away on many illustration projects and related things.  The college Illustration class I teach has ended for the semester, I just finished my school visits for the 2017-18 school year and I'm completing the art for a new book.  I also take small breaks to just paint and draw, which every artist needs to do to keep our skills up to a professional level.  Here's some recent work...

A " Garden Critter" 

...inspired by the frogs, bugs, snails and stuff in my garden.

Imagine going to the moon!

An illustration for my new book.

"Forsythia"

A watercolor painting as seen along a local road.

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram 

@sjpetruccioart

The 10th Millbrook Book Festival

I'm always happy to attend book fairs, festivals and conferences especially this one.  I was a program presenter at the first Millbrook Book Festival and a few more after that.  Scott Meyer, who founded the festival, was a great  friend and supporter of local authors and illustrators.  I look forward to meeting a lot of book fans!

School Visits

That's me at work in my studio...

...and me visiting students and teachers at a school!

I love visiting with students, teachers and groups interested in making books and the hart of illustration.  Above is a flyer  with contact information to arrange a visit!

Daylight Savings Time...

I've been working on some new projects but took a little time to remind my followers on FB, Instagram and Twitter to set their clocks ahead one hour.  This illustration should do the trick.

So Much Social Media!!

...and now back to my blog.  I haven't posted here in quite a while because I've been busy working on illustration projects and paintings and also trying to keep up with all my social media platforms, now a necessity in the marketing world.  I'm on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well as my agent's site, my illustrators group - picturebookartists.org, SCBWI portfolio, Behance portfolio /Linkedin, Pinterest, Tumbler and my personal websites....whew.  That's a job in itself and truly I can't keep everything updated all the time but I'm back here now so here's some artwork I've been creating.  Enjoy it and feel free to contact me through any of my social media sites!

Long Time, No Post!

Time has flown by and every day has been spent creating artwork for some interesting books.  A lot of research time and long hours spent creating accurate illustrations that look good to young readers.  Just a few examples...


 "RUNAWAY SLAVE"

"MAPLE TREE FARM" Series

"ALEXANDER HAMILTON" Coloring Book

New Book!

Here's my latest book, "The Little Cookie".  It's a retelling of The Gingerbread Man in a way that makes it fun for boys and girls.  This story has been illustrated so many times by various artists so it was great to put my spin on it too.  In keeping with my signature accuracy and detail I made the characters true to life but a bit more lively feeling.  There's also a little mouse in each illustration so don't forget to look for it!

Summertime is Illustration Time!

I'm currently at work ons many projects which will take all of the summer and maybe even the fall, to complete.  Every illustrator likes to stay busy so I'm happy to be drawing and painting away!  Here a are a few illustrations from the book I'm working on now in the Maple Tree Farm series for Pioneer Valley Books.

Recently...

Busy, Busy, Busy...that't what I've been lately working the long days needed to meet deadlines and visiting some schools too.  I'm working on another  book in the Tail of the Raccoon series and also some books for Pioneer Valley Books.  Here's a look at some of the art...all digital, which I'm having fun with!  I'll let you know when the books come out!

Thanksgiving Art

Over the years I've done many illustrations about Thanksgiving .  Both historic and traditional holiday concepts have been interesting to work on.  Here are a few of them.

Illustration History Website

I'm proud to be included among the many talented artists who have dedicated their careers to creating pictures that tell stories!  Illustration in America, as a profession, requires the highest technical and creative standards of the art form.  Throughout my career I have placed the bar high for myself and have given clients quality work on every project. Recognition of my contribution and accomplishments is very much appreciated.  The site, www.illustrationhistory.org, is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to learn about the art and craft of illustration.  Thank You to the Norman Rockwell Museum for recognizing the need for this information.

http://www.illustrationhistory.org/artists/steven-james-petruccio

Illustrator Twins

So often, while doing research for a project, I'll come across some great artwork.  Such is the case with Janet and Anne Grahame Johnstone.

They were twin sisters who created illustrations for many books including the original 101 Dalmations.  Janet focused on animals and birds while Anne handled people and costumes.  They would constantly take turns working on an illustration until both were satisfied with the finished piece.  You can research them to learn more about their lives and see more of their art.

And now for something completely different...

While still illustrating many historical, religious and wildlife subjects - I've been commissioned to create the art for a retelling of The Gingerbread Man titled, "The Little Cookie".  The original story has been done so many times that it's difficult to bring anything new to it so hopefully my character and style will make the book interesting.  Here's a peek at my visual thinking process in developing the main character.  Stay tuned for more...

Pencil character concept sketches for

" The Little Cookie" 

Close up of my kneaded eraser used as

a model for Cookie. 

Olana Plein Air Event

The Olana Plein Air Paint -Out and Auction is a wonderful event that brings attention to this historic home and the surrounding landscape.  This is my fourth year as a selected participant and I was glad to be out of my studio creating paintings in the beautiful Hudson Valley.
This is the spot and subject I painted on the first day, which was overcast and grey with periods of light rain.  Only once did some blue sky show through so I recorded the color and shadows quickly.

Here's the finished painting,

" OLANA PAIR"

Day two of painting was sunny and warm so I was able to stand in the field and create this painting of the barn.  The shadows were stark and long, while clouds dotted the sky above.  I loved the color contrast of my sepia underpainting of the clouds  against the blue sky...so I kept it.  It made for a moody work which was purchased by the new president of The Olana Partnership!

The finished painting,

"OLANA BARN"