"I have been wanting to honor the generation of WWII for a very long time. A good friend of mine wrote the manuscript and I felt that he hit the subject perfectly. Thus the journey began."
Christopher Nick is a fabulous illustrator in Oklahoma City who spoke at last year's Oklahoma Showcase of Authors & Illustrators at Encyclo-Media. We're proud to feature him for our "Illustrator of July" and have great news to share--his Latest Picture Book D-Day is being released this July.
OCAI: So Chris, can you tell us how you got the idea for this book? Chris: I have been wanting to honor the generation of WWII for a very long time. A good friend of mine wrote the manuscript and I felt that he hit the subject perfectly. Thus the journey began.
OCAI:Please tell our viewers what goes into illustrating a book. We're sure there must be a lot of preparation and research that you must do before you begin illustrating.
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Chris: Yes tons !! Lets see...about 42 cans of Pringles, 163 pots of strong coffee, and let’s not forget the 73 boxes of donuts...the ones with sprinkles on top. On a serious note........lots of reading and researching props. History must be dealt with accurately, so you really have to do your homework.
OCAI:How is book illustration different from other types of art/illustration that you do?Are you working on something else right now, and any plans for your next book? Chris: You are telling a story with pictures all the same...however with a book there is so much more designing involved because of all the pages and they must all flow together. Yes some paintings that I have been wanting to paint for myself...seasonal stuff and some really fun things with animals. Yes, hopefully we will be doing more stories about character and WWII also.
OCAI:We want to thank you for sharing your life with us this summer and wish you the best of luck with your new book!Teachers:Chris is available for school visits. Be sure to check out his biography page for contact information. After hearing him speak at the last Encyclo-Media, we're sure your students will enjoy his visit.
Chris' Once in a Blue Moon. . .
This middle grade reader, Once in a Blue Moon, is written by well-known Oklahoma author, Molly Levite Griffis. Chris painted the cover for this novel. It tells the story of a 10-year old boy and his grandfather, a judge, who develops early-onset Alzheimer's.
Chris Nick's Artwork!
Image:
Introduction
Chris was born and raised in rural Oklahoma and swears his childhood was right out of one of his favorite movie, "The Sandlot." One of the best gifts he ever recieved as a kid ( besides his GI Joe) was a full box of crayons with the sharpener in the back. He thought it was way cool!
Background
Chris' first published image was a collectable plate (that he broke) and he used one of his vivid childhood memories for its image. His art has appeared worldwide on puzzles, plates, books, magazines, textiles, cards, and numerous collectables. Chris' most recent ALA poster titled "Set Sail" was available in Spring 2009. Chris is very grateful to have several original oil paintings in the permanent collection of the Oklahoma State Capitol and he lives in Oklahoma City with his wife and their three dogs.
Chrisreceived his formal art training at the Atelier LeSueuer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Atelier school system is based on the curriculum of training the artist in the tradition of the old masters. His training descends directly from the 17th century artist Jacques-Louis David.
Books
Chris did the artwork in The Room In My Heart, A Story For Growing Families, When Grandpa Was a Boy, and When Grandma Was A Girl.
Art & Advertising
Chris was able to refine his skills by copying old master paintings in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. After completing several highly finished copies, he continued his training by apprenticing in the studio of the nationally-known illustrator Mike Wimmer (All the Places to Love, Babe Ruth, Will Rogers). Chris became Mr. Wimmer's full time assistant before branching out on his own as a full time professional artist. After several years of freelancing in his home's backyard studio, Chris' client list continues to grow. He has worked successfully with numerous publishing houses such as: Simon-Schuster, Holt-Reinhart-Winston, Scholastic and American Greeting. His most recent advertising campaign has been with McDonalds and Dr. Pepper's 35th anniversary poster.
Chris' current collectable plate market series of dog breeds has topped well over 100,000 plates sold and continues to rise. His images have been published on book covers, children's books, figurines, textiles, puzzles, ceramics, calendars, greeting cards and magazines. In 2001, Chris was chosen among Oklahoma artists by First Lady Kathy Keating to paint the state's Official Oklahoma Governor's Christmas Card. The original oil titled 'Believe' is now in the collection of the Governor's Mansion.
Mr. Nick's paintings have been exhibited throughout the United States and are owned by Hollywood celebrities, the Oklahoma State Capitol Building, corporate headquarters and many private collections. His work has been featured in American Artist Magazine and he is a current member of the National American Portrait Society. He devotes all of his professional time illustrating and painting portraits. Chri works with the finest oils and paints on Belgium Linen.
Speaking Information
Chris brings a unique blend of commercial illustration and fine art painting to your school. With his formal training of the old masters, he clearly explains how the old master techniques apply to both his picture books and commercial illustration. His visit begins with a slide presentation of various and diverse work, followed by a short question and answer segment for the students. He finishes his presentation with a drawing demonstration which provides an opportunity for student participation.
His visits combine insightful art education with a whole lot of fun and also gives students the opportunity to bring home printed images of his work that can be personally signed. Website & Contact Information
