Talenthouse

Location United States, Washington, Seattle

Bio I am a freelance children’s book illustrator living in West Seattle high above beautiful Puget Sound. My early years were spent on the Central Coast Of California in a little town called Los Osos. I did art for fun and enjoyed life in a coastal California paradise.

My college career began at Cuesta Community College in San Luis Obispo, CA where I received an A.A. degree in 2D Design; then I made the big move in 1994 to Seattle to attend Cornish College of the Arts. I graduated with a B.F.A. degree in illustration in 1998 and promptly began my carrer as an illustrator. I followed my childhood love of illustrated stories and history and in 2001 received my first children’s book job “Nathan Hale: Patriot Spy”. Since then I have illustrated 13 children’s books while also working on projects for children’s magazines, school text books, and other avenues.

I work mainly oil on canvas, but also ocassionaly use acrylic, watercolor, pastel, pen and ink, and the computer, sometimes all for one book as I did for the picture book “Natures Paintbox: A Seasonal Gallery of Art and Verse”. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of illustrated books and painting with students at various local colleges. In my freetime, I create art for myself and enjoy travel, hiking, movies, and sharing my books with children.

• www.craigorback.com