Chicken Soup for the Soul: All in the Family
Art Direction: Brian Taylor — Pneuma Books
I was contracted to parody Norman Rockwell’s famous “Four Freedoms: Freedom From Want” illustration (better known as “Thanksgiving”) for the good people over at Chicken Soup for the Soul. The book is titled, All in the Family: 101 Stories about the Fine Line between Comedy and Tragedy in Our “Dysfunctional” Families.
Almost everyone thinks their own family is “dysfunctional” or at least has a dysfunctional member or two. These stories of wacky yet lovable relatives, holiday meltdowns, and funny foibles, along with more serious stories about abuse, controlling family members, and flare-ups, show readers that they aren’t alone. All in the Family is a quirky and fun holiday book, and a great bridal shower or wedding gift! Norman Rockwell’s famous “Freedom from Want” Thanksgiving family painting appears on the back cover and is lovingly parodied on the front, driving home the point that all our families, no matter how much we love them, are just a little dysfunctional!
The book will go on sale: 10/20/09
How I Make a Picture – Norman Rockwell.
I bought this extraordinary used book (which is out of print as of 1983.) This gem contains chapters such as: “Getting the Picture Idea” /” How To Select a Model”/ “The Importance of Detail” / Poses and Props”/ Making the Charcoal Drawing”/ Making the Color Sketch”/ and “The Final Painting”.
I wish Watson-Guptill Publications would release and updated edition with modern printing in full color, with a hardcover—it is the only way I can think of to improve on this classic.
Star Jones
Art Director: Benjamen Purvis for the Las Vegas Weekly
Star Jones was in Las Vegas for a book signing—so the request was to draw her eating several copies of her books as though they were a delicious sandwich. I think this is one of those cases where mean = funny!