As shared in a recent blog post (Kindergarteners Discover Bob Graham's Spotlight), our kindergarten students have been inquiring about Bob Graham and his beautiful picture books. From listening to the stories, exploring the illustrations, and searching for information on the book jackets, we discovered some answers to our questions but a couple, especially those connected to the creative process remained unanswered. All we found out is that he uses water colours for his illustrations. A search online did not help us much further either. In addition to searching for information in books and on websites, talking to an expert is another way of finding answers - and we were fortunate enough this week to learn from an expert in the field of illustrating: Anton Buntin, a teacher at HKA and a gifted artist.
At first, Mr. Buntin talked about the process he goes through when making illustrations, sharing with us a current work in progress. Everything starts with ideas that then need to be put on paper. He told our kindergarteners that it is important to keep in mind what the story is about to represent that in the pictures. The colours for example need to match the story. When Mr. Buntin showed us four different covers he had made for his book, many of us were surprised at first, knowing that a book has only one cover. Then we began to understand how important it is to try out different things, show these examples to others so they can help pick the best. We loved hearing Mr. Buntin speak about 'happy accidents" which are just part of the process and help you to make something really special. Mr. Buntin also told us that illustrators work with the reader in mind, thinking of the best way for the reader to find the book interesting and enjoyable.
With Mr. Buntin's help, we also got answers to our remaining Bob Graham questions:
How long does it take to make a book?
It can take a long time because you have to plan, try out different things, show it to other people and ask for their feedback to make it better. To do it really well - writing and illustrating a story - it is important to spend enough time with the work.
Why are some pages in a picture book without words?
The author and illustrator decide what should go on a particular page: what picture and how many words. Sometimes they decide that there shouldn't be any words, just the pictures.
How are the pictures made/what techniques are used?
The way the pictures are made and the technique the illustrator uses depends on two things: what works best for the story and the technique the illustrator enjoys best. Both Mr. Buntin and Bob Graham use a special thin pen to outline for example. Then they use different media to add colour: Bob Graham water colour and Mr. Buntin markers and highlighter pens (for this particular project).
Why does Bob Graham use water colours?
We think he uses water colours because he enjoys working with water colours and they work best for the stories he tells.
Learning from an expert is really exciting!
How long does it take to make a book?
It can take a long time because you have to plan, try out different things, show it to other people and ask for their feedback to make it better. To do it really well - writing and illustrating a story - it is important to spend enough time with the work.
Why are some pages in a picture book without words?
The author and illustrator decide what should go on a particular page: what picture and how many words. Sometimes they decide that there shouldn't be any words, just the pictures.
How are the pictures made/what techniques are used?
The way the pictures are made and the technique the illustrator uses depends on two things: what works best for the story and the technique the illustrator enjoys best. Both Mr. Buntin and Bob Graham use a special thin pen to outline for example. Then they use different media to add colour: Bob Graham water colour and Mr. Buntin markers and highlighter pens (for this particular project).
Why does Bob Graham use water colours?
We think he uses water colours because he enjoys working with water colours and they work best for the stories he tells.
Learning from an expert is really exciting!
A big THANK YOU to Mr. Buntin for making the time to share his expertise about illustrating with us!
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