Since my first books in 1989, I have worked in a variety of media – watercolor, gouache (opaque water-based paint), pen & ink, and colored pencil – to create whimsical people and critters, lively educational materials and realistic wildlife illustrations. I am happiest when bringing imaginary creatures to life, in bright, bouncy colors and attitudes.
I am currently concentrating on art for the Licensing industry, focusing on designs for juvenile products. In addition to licensing designs, I have illustrated 35 books for children, five of which I also wrote.
Although I have been drawing playful characters since early childhood, my path to “real” illustration has taken me through a lot of rewarding endeavors: Assistant Art Director for a McGraw Hill magazine; designing porcelain dolls (under the name of “Poppets”); general music teacher; playing (fiddle & guitar) and singing traditional Irish music; and best of all, raising three lovely daughters in our home in Westchester County, NY.
Look for me and my designs at the next SURTEX show, Jacob Javits Center, NY.
More about Jo-Ellen Bosson:
