Our Artist Spotlight for this week is Caitlin Heimerl
I was a colleague of Caitlin’s during our years at RISD, and had the pleasure of seeing her develop her expertise in watercolors. Her portfolio is a fine example of how traditional media can be adapted for children’s books in quite powerful ways. Her work is vibrant and engaging, and would delight children of all ages.
She uses watercolors in a very painterly way, and has an immense knowledge of color and design. She doesn’t ‘overwork’ a painting, rather she lets the white of the page be incorporated into the design and approach of the work.
Here’s what she has to say about herself:
I was born in southern California and had a blissfully happy childhood full of adventure in the Santa Monica Mountains and the waves of the Pacific Ocean. My family moved to St. Louis, Missouri for my middle and high school years. I have learned to love the Midwest, with its slower pace and fish filled creeks. As a high school student, I discovered a real love for painting and drawing. During my senior year I illustrated a silly story about my German Shepherd, Dakota, and that was it for me…I was hooked on making books. I was fortunate enough to attend Rhode Island School of Design to study for four years alongside some of the most creative and hard working folks I’ve known. I graduated in 2010 with a BFA in Illustration. Since then, I have had the opportunity to teach art to high school students, travel all over the US and Europe, and complete my first illustrated book! I am so grateful to the many gifted teachers I have had throughout my life for encouraging me to follow my passion for art and storytelling.
Recently she created a poster for the 1200 Posters series, http://1200posters.com/ a year long poster project about the power of collaboration and community (two ideals very much instilled upon us at RISD). The words are from Turning to One Another” by Margaret Wheatley. Caitlin’s poster illustrates the phrase: Expect to be surprised.
http://1200posters.com/posters/1200-poster-6
Caitlin has just completed her first children’s book to be published by Charlesbridge, and has lots more work on her website to share with the world.
Take a look! http://www.caitlinheimerl.com/
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