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.
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!
Judy Mastrangelo is a world renowned artist and author. She has written and illustrated several books, which include themes of Poetry, Fairytales, Fairies and Animals. She has been influenced by many great artists of the past, such as those of the Italian Renaissance, The Pre-Raphaelites, the Hudson River School Artists, and the artists of the Golden Age of Illustration. Her books are published by IMAGINATION BOOKS, a division of Dusty Saddle Publishing:
Judy Mastrangelo has both written, illustrated, and designed a delightful series of four books about elves and fairies. This series is entitled:
It was announced early December that leading Western publishing company Dusty Saddle Publishing would be releasing the first in its line of “Come Play With Me” activity books through their Imagination Books imprint. These new, high quality illustrated books include paintings, poems and imaginative characters. The books in the range have all been designed and created by leading American artist Judy Mastrangelo.
Other projects that will be hitting the market over the new few months are as follows:
For ages 4-8.
Judy Mastrangelo 