Where did all the lovely artwork come from?

We are fortunate, in this world, to have among us, people who are able to create such beauty on simple canvas.  I am deeply grateful to the artists who have very kindly allowed me to use their work in this book.

St Peter’s Sky, by Kristi Soli (www.kristisoli.com)

The breathtaking painting that appears in the first chapter, and a throughout the book as the watermark depicting the dream, is the work of the truly talented, Kristi Soli, whose hauntingly beautiful art seems to pull one into a different world every time you look at, no, shall I say, experience it. Do take a moment to view the rest of her work at her site...you’ll see what I mean.  Thank you Kristi, for your support, and for very graciously allowing us to use this outstanding  print in both its original, and watermark form.

Many thanks too to Al Lau (www.designosaur.us) who’s delightful sketch, “Sabrina the Cat,” makes an appearance as The Very Scary Thing in the same chapter.  The multi-talented Al does web and graphic design in addition to illustrations, and his site showcases some of the coolest flash animation work I’ve seen.   We loved, loved loved this sketch...ooh Sabrina, you make the most awesome monster!

The amazing jungle scene shown soon after is an original mural appropriately called “Jungle Mural,” by Kari Lindsay.   This, and indeed all her lovely murals can be found at www.scenethis.com.au. This particular print, for example, is an actual photograph of a mural on a child’s bedroom, as is the city scene shown at the beginning of the next chapter, a work entitled “Seuss Town” which graces the wall of a doctor's surgery specialising in young families.  Thank you Kari, the world is a more beautiful place for your work!

But how do I find words to thank the creator of the beautiful painting which was used to create the cover of the book?  This is “Child’s Play” by Jim Warren (www.jimwarren.com).   The same print was used to bring us to the conclusion of the story.  I absolutely recommend a browse at Jim’s website.  It’s a little trip to heaven.  Thank you, Jim, for allowing me free rein to use the print as I wished.  I am truly grateful!

And how exciting is it, that the famous Dexter Griffin allowed me to use his beautiful painting, "African Woman," to bring us to the end of the story! Mr Griffin, a winner of the prestigious Chouinard Art Institute scholarship, has worked on ‘The Simpsons’ animated TV series as well as designed and created stage costumes for many well-known stage  and  singing artists. His fine art, which I first discovered online on www.kalilahyoungreaders.com, can be found in prestigious private and corporate collections throughout the world. I am very honoured to have been granted the permission to use his work in my book.

I must confess this last acknowledgement is very close to my heart. The painting entitled “Little Boy Harry,” is by Donna Haught,  who passed away in 2008 at age 60.  She named this portrait after a little boy she played with as a child in Akron, Ohio. Donna loved drawing animals, flowers and people in her life.  I feel very fortunate to have found this portrait, and for this have to thank Cheryl Fey, who left her full time mural painting business to create, and now direct, Blue Shoe Arts (www.blueshoearts.org), the amazing studio/gallery that supports artists with developmental disabilities, where I discovered Donna’s work. I also remain particularly grateful to Cheryl, who very graciously took time from her busy schedule to make sure the portrait made it to print. Donna is very fondly remembered at Blue Shoe Arts, “The light of our art studio.” Donna, wherever you are, we love you, and thank you!