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FEATURED
ARTIST - Chad Wallace View
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As an illustrator of children's books, I am always
looking for ways to further develop my artistic vision and
writing voice. Picture books allow for a wide range of creative
expression, especially when you are the author and illustrator
of the work. I've learned much in my study of contemporary
greats such as James Gurney, Chris Van Allsburg and Graeme
Base.
Using digital and traditional methods,
I create paintings that are rich in color and details. I
derive much of my inspirations from animals and nature, and
use low-angle perspectives to place the viewer on equal terms
with the subject. This gives my characters (no matter how
small) dignity, and depicts the world through their eyes.
Many of my pieces involve animals in natural settings, though
I sometimes choose to anthropomorphize them to a degree.
Walking the line between fantasy and reality allows viewers
to explore believable environment and make a connection with
imaginative characters who possess personality, emotions,
and wisdom. |

Pass the Energy
Please!, 2000, Dawn Publications, CA, oil on board. |

All Illustrations by Chad
Wallace c2007 |
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Since I was very young I dreamed of becoming a professional
artist, having been especially attracted to imagery with
good storytelling and metaphor. I graduated from Syracuse
University in 1997. Some of my titles include: Pass
The Energy Please! (2000), Earth
Day Birthday (2003), and Wake
Up Bertha Bear (2005).
In the spring of 2007, I graduated with
a Masters (MA) Degree in Illustration from the Fashion Institute
of Technology (F.I.T.) in N.Y. With aid from instructors
Melanie Reim, Vincent Di Fate, Greg Manchess, and others,
I was able to build on my strengths, while at the same time,
address where I have room for improvement. With William Low,
I was instructed how to use digital methods to create the
desired imagery for The Meadow
Mouse, a storybook idea I had conceived years
earlier.
Over the course of one day, the mouse learns everything
it needs to know about the realities of life in the meadow.
Through its experience with various animals, the mouse acquires
knowledge and learns vital social skills.
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THE MEADOW MOUSE
The mouse climbed up a milkweed plant To chew on something sweet, And there he found the caterpillar Hanging from its feet...
Next the mouse was witness, To a most amazing sight - Tiny insects dancing In a symphony of light...
The shiny rock sprang to life And out emerged a head - Revealed it wasn't land, rather, A turtle shell instead... |
ANIMAL OLYMPICS

The snail team from Paris has something to prove, Always being judged by how slowly they move -
"We'll put on a show for the whole world to see"
"We're not just a tasty French delicacy!"
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As
part of my final project at FIT, I developed Animal
Olympics - a picture
book concept where my illustration style and writing style
blend seamlessly.
Animal Olympics brings
the animals of the world together for a fun and educational
ride. Humorous illustrations and rhythmic verse work together
to offer lessons on: geography, zoology, sportsmanship, dedication,
and global unity - consistent with the true spirit of the
Games. All of the characters are adorned with the flags of
their countries, so readers can match the animals to their
habitats on Earth. The book is set in what resembles ancient
Greek ruins. Each page features animals performing different
Olympic events, each with a surprising outcome. Much of the
story revolves around three French snails, whose attempts
at athletics have absurd and inspirational consequences.
The original artwork was executed by digital
and traditional means. As well as having enormous potential
in the book market, Animal Olympics has
all the ingredients for a successful animated film.
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Pierre's big event is the hundred-yard dash. At the sound
of a horn they took off like a flash. For the cheetah from
Kenya, gold is a cinch, But the snail has only traveled an
inch! |
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A down-under dolphin, (who really can swim)
Had
his whole country there cheering for him. Right at the finish
the star turned to pose Allowing the swordfish to win by a nose... |
Although all these countries have friendly relations,
There
had been a couple disqualifications. A Japanese shark thought
he got a raw deal: Just because the Norwegians are missing a
seal. |

Sam, (a twenty-foot snake from Brazil),
Was losing very badly,
until... The serpent showed the African ape, A wrestling move
he couldn't escape. |
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