Using Life’s Inspiration for Your Art

April 22, 2021By Alice Ratterree

The idea of students walking to school probably brings into mind the old cliché stories of our grandparents – “When I was your age, I used to walk 5 miles to school in the snow!” (That gap between home and school proudly growing larger each time the tale is delivered) We may also regard walking … Read More

Illustrating Nonfiction: My Journey with Jane Addams

September 5, 2017By Alice Ratterree

If you are into girl power, then it doesn’t get any better than Jane Addams. I shamefully admit that I knew very little of this renegade change agent before author Suzanne Slade’s manuscript, Dangerous Jane (2017, Peachtree Publishers), landed in my studio, and I will forever be thankful she has come into my life. For those … Read More

THE WOLF KEEPERS: Book Release

September 29, 2016By Alice Ratterree

My latest illustration project by author Elise Broach with Henry Holt and Co. will be hitting the shelves on October 11! THE WOLF KEEPERS follows the adventures of Lizzie Durango and her new friend Tyler as they uncover a mysterious illness plaguing the wolves at her father’s zoo. In keeping with the tradition of many of her novels, … Read More

Book Release: LILLIPUT

July 30, 2015By Alice Ratterree

This weekend marks the birthday of LILLIPUT written by Sam Gayton, published by Peachtree Publishers! A thrilling sequel to Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels, this mid-grade novel is certain to capture young readers, introducing them to the fantasy genre while paying homage to a beloved classic. It was so much fun creating the cover and interior illustrations. I immediately fell in love with main … Read More

Illustrating Mother Goose

August 10, 2014By Alice Ratterree

One of my favorite annual events is Metropolitan Arts Council‘s “Flat Out Under Pressure” (FOUP) contest. In its fifth year, this program intertwines visual arts and sound environmental practices in downtown Greenville.  FOUP provides eight recycling bins for paper, plastic and glass in various locations along Main Street, encouraging recycling among pedestrians while creating a different exhibiting opportunity for visual artists. The … Read More

Illustration Noir

October 30, 2013By Alice Ratterree

QUI A PEUR DU NOIR? You know that 5 minute window before you actually wake up and are a bit lucid, but still kind of dreaming too? Well, this is a result of that state, the season, and perhaps also as an homage to the dark children’s books frequently produced by French publishers, which I am … Read More

Illustrating with boundaries

October 4, 2012By Alice Ratterree

This past weekend, SCBWI Carolinas celebrated their 20th annual conference in Charlotte, NC. I love returning to the well. Inspiring keynotes and energizing breakouts filled our time for three whole days! Illustrators arrived early on Friday for an intensive session with the charming illustrator Priscilla Burris. We were given an assignment ahead of time which was: Characters … Read More

The two faces of Fear in artmaking

September 18, 2012By Alice Ratterree

A tip of the day from Art and Fear, by David Bayles and Ted Orland: “Fears about artmaking fall into two families: fears about yourself, and fears about your reception by others. In a general way, fears about yourself prevent you from doing your best work, while fears about your reception by others prevent you … Read More

P3: Month 1 retrospection

September 15, 2012By Alice Ratterree

Accountability drives the commitment to blogging daily practice. With accountability, I’m driven to make sure the Petite Painting Project keeps moving forward. After all, it’s OUT THERE, not just in my own world….PUBLIC. So here’s the honest truth: I confess and accept that I am human, and P3 will fall by the wayside from time … Read More