Lois Lenski : illustration up close

As an author-illustrator I'm always looking for inspiration, and recently found some at the Cleveland Public Library. 
I got to view some original illustrations (and letters!) by the fabulous illustrator Lois Lenski. ​

Original watercolors and several letters from Lois Lenski -to the Cleveland Public Library

In one letter she states; "These drawings represent a lifetime of loving work,...of devotion to the children of America.  It was hard to give many of them up- they are so much a part of me."

I truly enjoyed getting to see Ms. Lenski's artwork up close.

Ms. Lenski donated dozens of drawings and paintings to the CPL children's room. 
 She selected, signed and sorted each illustration, and did all the matting herself.
 





She wrote, "As a young artist I never consciously made a decision to work only with children. But everything in my life pointed in that direction."

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Watercolor on illustration board - Mr. Fox

"What a joy it is to work with children, to share their lives, listen to their ideas, to create with them and for them." - Lois Lenski

A big thank you to the Special Collections department of the Cleveland Public Library.