The Star Podcast

Greetings.
My name is Judy Mastrangelo. I’m a Fantasy artist.
My website is judymastrangelo.com. I have written and illustrated several books,
which include themes of Poetry, Fairytales, and Fairies.

I’m delighted to tell you that my books are being published by Imagination Books.
http://www.dspublishingnetwork.com/imagination-books/
On my website you can look on my Book Page to find out all about this. There you can see my published books to date, most of which are currently ebooks. Many of them are now in the process of also being published as paperback books which will be available for purchase soon. I’m very excited about the launching of this book series.

My new book entitled “THE STAR” has just come out in paperback.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1731020996/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1543504178&sr=8-4&keywords=The+Star+judy+mastrangelo

It illustrates the famous immortal poem, which is also known as

“TWINKLE TWINKLE LITTLE STAR”,

written by Jane Taylor. The original title of this well known poem was “THE STAR”, which I have chosen also to use as the title for my book. This poem is generally only known from the first few lines:

“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, how I wonder what you are.
Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky.”

But I wanted to illustrate the entire poem by Jane Taylor, which is very lovely, and not well known in this uncut longer version. Jane lived from 1783 – 1824, and was an English poet and novelist. The poem is now famous worldwide, but unfortunately Jane’s name is generally forgotten as the author of it.

I have painted all my life, and have written and illustrated several books, which include themes of Poetry, Fairytales, and Fairies. I have been influenced by many great Artists of the past, such as those of the Italian Renaissance, the PreRaphaelite Brotherhood, and the Hudson River School of Landscape Artists. My deep love for classically illustrated literature has inspired me very much in my book illustration artwork. In this genre of my paintings, I try to follow in the tradition of the classical Illustrators that I admire tremendously. I really enjoy the English and American Schools of the Golden Age of Illustration. My favorite artist of this type is Maxfield Parrish, who was associated with the American Golden Age of illustration. Other American artists included the talented N.C. Wyeth, and Jessie Wilcox Smith. I love the way this particular school of Artists has portrayed tales of Fantasy, Children, and Imaginary Characters. I’ve created several personalities in my illustrations for the book The Star, such as the very whimsical “Man in the Moon”. Max-field Parrish had a great influence on me in the development of this character, who is both comical and magical. I’ve tried to paint my book illustrations, such as this endearing character, in the classical story-book style.

I have also been very influenced by the Great Artists of the English Golden Age of Illustration, as well as many talented Illustrators from other countries of course. Several wonderful British women artists have excelled in this genre of children’s book illustration, such as the delightful Margaret Tarrant. Beatrix Potter, who is famous for her Peter Rabbit and other little animal books, was in this English school also. My little Animals in the book “The Star” have been very influenced by Beatrix’s adorable animals. She is known for anthropomorphizing her little creatures, by giving them human characteristics. She loved to dress them in decorative little outfits ~ something that I’ve also enjoyed doing with the little creatures I portray in this interpretation of the Twinkle Little Star poem. I’ve depicted my little animals to have human-like expressions, and wearing decorative and colorful costumes.

I’ll always love these wonderful Artists I’ve just mentioned. I know I’ll never be able to meet them in person, or to speak with them. Sadly we are separated in time, and they are all long gone from this world. But they will always live in my heart as my friends, and their beautiful Artwork will inspire me forever.

I have interpreted The Star poem in the following imaginative way with my illustrations: A sweet little Girl, gazing upon an Evening Star, falls into a lovely Fantasy World. Then she flies through the sky, reaching toward her Star, and experiences an exciting Dream-like adventure. In this fantastic and beautiful world of twinkling Stars and luminescent evening clouds, she meets the friendly Man in the Moon, who introduces her to a darling little boy holding a candle of stars. This new friend is the personification of the Little Twinkle Star himself. She also sees some adorable cheerful little Fantasy Animals, playing in the fluffy evening clouds. All of these Fantasy beings are guided by the glowing light of her Twinkling Star.

My love of Nature, Animals, Children, and Fantasy Literature comes out in my art-work, which I always try to create with tender loving care. The art of Painting is very dear to my Heart, and is one of my favorite things. I feel drawn to share this appreciation with everyone, in the intent to spread my feelings of my Love for Life. I try to portray this in my artwork, along with the tenderness and beauty that I so identify with, in the great Golden Age of Illustration.

Before I begin a painting, I develop my ideas, by first visualizing them as a Mind Painting. Many Artists have done this throughout the ages. With this method, I see an image, and develop it in my imagination over a period of time. I don’t sketch it down with drawings. It’s all in my head. I can see it with my eyes open or closed – in a day dream, or at night before sleeping.

This book is the first of my series of “COME PLAY WITH ME” books. These particular books tell a story that I’ve Illustrated. They also contain several fun filled interactive activities to enjoy. Some of these activities include: Pages to color, from some of my art in the book. Here you can add an individual interpretation of the artwork, by using your own color ideas and techniques. There are also pages upon which you can draw your own pictures and even write an original story.

I have also included a delicious bed time Cookie recipe to make, that Little Twinkle’s Mother bakes for him. And there are two pages where you can learn the easy steps of “How to Draw a Face”. Also included are some delightful things to cut out, such as pretty Pictures from the book, and Cards and Decorations to cut out as gifts to decorate your home. All of the pages to be cut out are one sided.
It is a “Fun for the Entire Family” book, that all can enjoy together. I hope you like it.

I have many more books planned that are being developed now. My next project is my four volumed work about Fairies entitled “PORTAL TO THE LAND OF FAE”. The themes of each of these four books are “FLOWER FAIRIES”, “FAIRYTALE FAIRIES”, “SECRETS OF THE FAIRIES”, and “MYSTICAL FAIRIES”. They will all be available soon as paperbacks.

The first in my series of Coloring books is also now available. It is intended for All Ages and Levels of Color enthusiasts, and is called “GREYSCALE FANTASTIC CREATURES TO COLOR”. It includes many themes to color, such as my artwork of Unicorns, Dragons, Pegasus etc. More of my coloring books will be on the market soon, including themes of Fantasy, Landscapes and Florals.

Needless to say I’m very excited about all of these books, and I hope you will enjoy them. I have also licensed my artwork in several markets, such as wall murals from MAGIC MURALS, and cross stitch patterns from HEAVEN AND EARTH DESIGNS.
You can purchase some of my artwork on various products,
which you can learn about on my website shop page:
https://judymastrangelo.com/portfolio/shop/

Thank you for letting me share some of my enthusiasm for Art with you.

You can get an idea of my current books in print on my website book page:
https://judymastrangelo.com/portfolio/books/
To learn more about my artwork, visit my website: judymastrangelo.com.
And while you’re there please don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to discover what’s happening in my Magical world: https://judymastrangelo.com/newsletter/

Enjoy the Fantasy!

Press Release

Artist and Author Judy Mastrangelo Rolls Into New Markets with a New Series of Great Products

Author and Artist Judy Mastrangelo has broken into new markets with her popular artwork as new products head onto the market, including jigsaw puzzles, greeting cards and cross-stitch patterns.

LEICESTER, EnglandFeb. 1, 2017PRLog — It was announced earlier this week that artist and author Judy Mastrangelo would be moving her art into several new and exciting projects.

One of the first to arrive is a brand new 500 Large Piece Panoramic Jigsaw Puzzle from “BITS AND PIECES” Puzzle Company called “PUPPY DOGHOUSE.” It is available to purchase from the company’s website now (http://m.bitsandpieces.com/product/puppy-doghouse-500-piece-jigsaw-puzzle/500_piece_jigsaw_puzzles) and will be available from Amazon.com.

Her painting “GARDENING ANGEL” is also being made into a puzzle by this company.

12616530-new-art-and-products-from-judy-mastrangeloOther projects that will be hitting the market over the new few months are as follows:

1. Her new inspirational Card Deck from US GAMES, Inc. entitled “JOYFUL INSPIRATIONS” that she illustrated, with text by Frances Munro.

This is Judy and Frances’s second deck with US GAMES. Their first deck was entitled “INSPIRATIONAL WISDOM FROM ANGELS & FAIRIES” and can be purchased at https://judymastrangelo.com/2015/09/20/inspirational-wisdom-from-angels-fairies/

2. Judy has just been signed by a new book publisher who will be publishing her books in hard copy, which you can purchase online or in book stores worldwide.

Her first two audiobooks, “THE STAR,” and “WHAT DO BUNNIES DO ALL DAY?” are set to go live on Amazon.com very soon.

Currently, all her books are available as Kindle Ebooks only and more information can be found by visiting https://judymastrangelo.com/portfolio/books/

3. New murals from MAGIC MURALS will also be hitting the market and more information about these great murals can be found at this link: (https://www.magicmurals.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=judy+mastrangelo)

4. New cross stitch patterns from HEAVEN AND EARTH DESIGNS will also be released throughout 2017:

(https://heavenandearthdesigns.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=judy+mastrangelo)

5. New cards are being added to her line of custom made all-occasion greeting cards that you can see on her website: (https://judymastrangelo.com/portfolio/greeting-cards/)

Currently, these greeting cards can be shipped to the USA only.  Soon they will also be available to be shipped worldwide.

VALENTINE’S, ST. PATRICK’S DAY, ANNIVERSARY and THANK YOU cards are only a few of the categories of her beautiful cards.

6. New tubes from DIGITAL ART HEAVEN will also be released this year:

(http://www.digitalartheaven.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_176_177)

7. In addition, Judy has several prints, in many sizes, framed and unframed, which can be shipped worldwide from her two art collections from Art.com and Amazon.com.

The painting “FAIRY WEDDING” is one of her lovely pieces in these collections. Wouldn’t it be a perfect gift for VALENTINE’S DAY? You can find out more about this product by checking out these two links:

AMAZON.COM

ART.COM

More details on these projects can be found by visiting Judy’s official website www.judymastrangelo.com where you can also sign up for Judy’s official newsletter.

HOLIDAY PRODUCT INTERVIEW #5: EBOOKS

cover-imageAre you looking for something special this Christmas? Why don’t you check out some of the great products currently for sale by artist and author Judy Mastrangelo. You can check out her FANTASTIC new holiday product interview by clicking right here. Act quickly though… These products may sell out quickly… If you like what you see… grab it!

If you want to learn more about Judy Mastrangelo you can check out her latest fantastic interview about her love of movies right here.

A Night At The Movies With Artist Judy Mastrangelo: Take 7

Here is a sample from Judy’s latest interview:

 

cover-image-7-240x300This wonderful new interview series with Judy Mastrangelo is all about the movies. This is a seven part series… Let’s delve in!

Films have always inspired my life and my art, ever since I was young.  They fulfill needs for fantasy, excitement, etc., which can be experienced vicariously by everyone who loves to partake in the adventure of this delightful art form.

I don’t watch movies all day long, only when I have some time to spare for them.  But many great movies stay with me forever in my memory. Several of the films I mention here, I’ve seen several years ago.  But they were so enjoyable that sometimes they will come to mind, and I’ll enjoy thinking about them and the actors who were in them.  I find the realm of film a magical place of enrichment for my soul, since when I visit it, I can become other characters, visit fascinating lands, and partake in exciting adventures.

Personally, I enjoy both the old and the new films.  They each have something to offer.

  • Mysteries:

    SHERLOCK HOLMES – To my mind, BASIL RATHBONE and NIGEL BRUCE portray the perfect Sherlock Holmes duo.  This early series, based on the books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is set during the Second World War.  But even though this time period was not Doyle’s original intention, it is still delightful.  Once in a while, I make a mistake and refer to Basil Rathbone as “Sherlock Holmes.”  Sometimes actors become so very believable as their characters that people tend to really identify them with these fictional characters.

    My second favorite Sherlock Holmes series done in 1984 stars Jeremy Brett. It was set in the actual time that Doyle intended it to be in.  JEREMY BRETT’s portrayal is very believable as the nervous, brilliant and quick-witted sleuth.

    Sci-Fi and Fantasy:

    2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY – A great futuristic film by Stanley Kubrick based on the story by Arthur C. Clarke (1968). Kubrick always has great use of music, and the opening bars of “THUS SPOKE ZARATHUSTRA” by Richard Strauss is an extremely memorable opening to the film.

    STAR TREK – My favorite Star Trek series is the original one, with Leonard Nimoy as Spock and William Shatner as Kirk. I also very much enjoy the TV series STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION starring the great Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard. The stories were wonderful, as was the acting, etc.  All of the Star Trek movies were great also.

 

Read the entire interview at

Novel Ideas

HOLIDAY PRODUCT INTERVIEW #4: ART PRINTS, PERSONALIZED GREETING CARDS AND A NEW TUBE COMPANY

 

hold-300x255Are you looking for something special this Christmas? Why don’t you check out some of the great products currently for sale by artist and author Judy Mastrangelo. You can check out her FANTASTIC new holiday product interview by clicking right here. Act quickly though… These products may sell out quickly… If you like what you see… grab it!

If you want to learn more about Judy Mastrangelo you can check out her latest fantastic interview about her love of movies right here.

 

A Night At The Movies With Artist Judy Mastrangelo: Take 6

Here is a sample from Judy’s latest interview:

 

ju-254x300This wonderful new interview series with Judy Mastrangelo is all about the movies. This is a seven part series… Let’s delve in!

Films have always inspired my life and my art, ever since I was young.  They fulfill needs for fantasy, excitement, etc., which can be experienced vicariously by everyone who loves to partake in the adventure of this delightful art form.

I don’t watch movies all day long, only when I have some time to spare for them.  But many great movies stay with me forever in my memory. Several of the films I mention here, I’ve seen several years ago.  But they were so enjoyable that sometimes they will come to mind, and I’ll enjoy thinking about them and the actors who were in them.  I find the realm of film a magical place of enrichment for my soul, since when I visit it, I can become other characters, visit fascinating lands, and partake in exciting adventures.

Personally, I enjoy both the old and the new films.  They each have something to offer.

  • FILMS ABOUT FAMOUS PAINTERS:Michelangelo:

    THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY with Charlton Heston as the great artist and Rex Harrison as the Pope Julius II. This 1965 movie is beautifully done and filmed on location.  It’s fascinating to see Michelangelo in the process of painting the Sistine Chapel, and all of the conflict and turmoil that went into the creation of this masterpiece.

    Van Gogh:

    LUST FOR LIFE – In this 1956 film, Kirk Douglas portrays the sensitive and troubled artist Vincent Van Gogh.  I feel it is one of Douglas’s greatest films.  He was a great choice for the part, since he even resembled Van Gogh.

    Rembrandt:

    Charles Laughton beautifully portrays the famous artist Rembrandt van Rijn in this 1936 film.  He brings this unfortunate genius to life for us.  Today, this great artist’s original paintings command millions of dollars, but when he was alive, he could barely get enough money to buy food and art supplies.  It was so sad.  Laughton, who really resembles the artist in this old film, does a wonderful acting job.

    Beatrix Potter:

    MISS POTTER ~ 2006 ~ About the life of artist Beatrix Potter.  She is beloved for her children’s book animal stories and illustrations. This film was a great delight for me, since I am a great fan of Beatrix’s artwork.

 

Read the entire interview at

Novel Ideas