Series: Children's Art
At the whim of a co-worker in the Spring of 2005, I began experimenting with a new "Children's Book" style to accompany a book he had written. The style has developed through a few different series and incarnations of characters to what I feel is a marketable niche for daycare centers, elementary schools, and nurseries. This style is heavily influenced by the classic characters of Charles Schultz's "Peanuts" strip.
15" X 15", Watercolor and Ink on Paper
Watercolor and Ink on Paper Words by M. Cifaldi, Pictures by J. Brun Page 1 text: Curtis cold not come outside and play Even though it was a beautiful day. Because one afternoon around a quarter to two The television set became all he could do.
Watercolor and Ink on Paper Words by M. Cifaldi, Pictures by J. Brun Page 2 text: He’d been watching the tube for seven days straight; Cartoons and commercials at a crazy fast rate. Until finally he tried to move from his seat, But the screen would not let him rise to his feet.
Watercolor and Ink on Paper Words by M. Cifaldi, Pictures by J. Brun Page 3 text: “Am I stuck here forever?” Curtis silently feared until his favorite show suddenly appeared. So with feet on the table and hands in his hair, Curtis just sat, and continued to stare.
Watercolor and Ink on Paper Words by M. Cifaldi, Pictures by J. Brun Page 4 text: With the screen in focus and eyes opened wide Curtis said, “This is great watching baseball inside!” But outside his friends were swinging their bats, And screaming with joy while they threw up their hats. They were running and laughing and breathing the air While Curtis just sat, and continued to stare.
Watercolor and Ink on Paper Words by M. Cifaldi, Pictures by J. Brun Page 5 text: At night he watch soaps and laughed when they kissed. He made popcorn and thought, “What could be better than this?” But while thinking of Wendy whom he whished he could see, He heard her with Matthew behind his favorite tree. They were laughing and talking and he wasn’t there, So Curtis just sat, and continued to stare.
Watercolor and Ink on Paper Words by M. Cifaldi, Pictures by J. Brun Page 6 text: When Halloween came the shows came too. Curtis stayed inside for it was all he could do. “I’d rather watch TV and rest my feet!” He thought, until his friends all screamed, “Trick-or-treat!” With pumpkins and costumes and candy to spare, Curtis just sat and continued to stare.
Watercolor and Ink on Paper Words by M. Cifaldi, Pictures by J. Brun Page 7 text: Months passed by and Curtis grew weak. His eyes never shut and his throat couldn’t speak. His room, never cleaned, became a pig-sty, And all of his friends stopped coming by. It became snowy and cold, then sunny and fair, While Curtis just sat, and continued to stare.
Watercolor and Ink on Paper A gift for my son's day care, in appreciation of their work. They commissioned me to do more, similar pieces for their entire center. I must be doing something right.
Watercolor, Pencil, and Ink on Watercolor Paper; 16"L X 12"W One of six pieces done for my son's former daycare, the "With Apologies" series is inspired by famous compositions of art by DWG's (Dead White Guys), challenged and altered to fit my "children's book style". "Red Rover..." is based on Henri Matisse's "The Dance"
Watercolor, Pencil, and Ink on Watercolor Paper; 16"L X 12"W One of six pieces done for my son's former daycare, the "With Apologies" series is inspired by famous compositions of art by DWG's (Dead White Guys), challenged and altered to fit my "children's book style". "Come Back Angela..." is based on Edvard Munch's "The Scream".
Watercolor, Pencil, and Ink on Watercolor Paper; 16"L X 12"W One of six pieces done for my son's former daycare, the "With Apologies" series is inspired by famous compositions of art by DWG's (Dead White Guys), challenged and altered to fit my "children's book style". "Putting Away the Blocks..." is based on Michaelangelo Buonotti's "Creation of Adam" pannel from The Sistine Chapel Ceiling in the Vatican.
Watercolor, Pencil, and Ink on Watercolor Paper; 16"L X 12"W One of six pieces done for my son's former daycare, the "With Apologies" series is inspired by famous compositions of art by DWG's (Dead White Guys), challenged and altered to fit my "children's book style". "Reading Group..." is based on Edouard Manet's "Dejuner Sur L'Herbe"
Watercolor, Pencil, and Ink on Watercolor Paper; 16"L X 12"W One of six pieces done for my son's former daycare, the "With Apologies" series is inspired by famous compositions of art by DWG's (Dead White Guys), challenged and altered to fit my "children's book style". "SnackLunch..." is based on Leonardo Da Vinci's "Last Supper"
Ink, Watercolor, and Acrylic on Paper Exhibited at the 2012 Art of Our Century Show at the Woodbury Museum
Marker, 9" X 12" Watercolor and Acrylic on Paper The title in this is a reference to the mirrored people within Jan Van Eyck's "The Arlofini Marriage"
Ink, Watercolor, and Acrylic on Paper The little girl on the left is totally modeled after my daughter, Kendall. She used to do this with her cat all the time when she was 3...
Ink, Watercolor, and Acrylic on Paper