I met the talented author-illustrator Roxie Munro several years ago while appearing at the Princeton Children’s Book Festival. Our tables were next to each other, and knowing she had been well-published for over thirty years, I sidled up to ask her about the business. She was gracious with the advice—when she wasn’t busy signing books! Her table was a popular destination, and I made sure to pick up a couple of her books for my daughters as well.
One of those titles, MAZEWAYS: A to Z, became a steady favorite in our house. Imagine “Where’s Waldo” meets a maze activity book crossed with an alphabet book. What a concept! The intricate illustrations and planning that had to go into the book mesmerized my imagination. How did she do it???
So when I saw Roxie again this spring for the Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival, I zoomed toward her table. And I spotted it—her next great concept—MASTERPIECE MIX.
Once again, Roxie was gracious enough to answer my questions about this new book—her 45th—which hits shelves TODAY from Holiday House!
Roxie, your maze books astound me because such meticulous planning must go into every spread. Likewise, MASTERPIECE MIX must have required much planning to fit 37 art masterpieces into the final spread. Can you give us a glimpse into the process for this book?
The maze books are harder, actually (I remember once a solution to a complex maze came while I was asleep, dreaming about it). I had the idea for MASTERPIECE MIX more than 15 years ago. I did a complete dummy, but it was rejected by my publisher at the time, and I just put it into my flat files. A couple years ago, I showed the dummy to Mary Cash at Holiday House. She really liked it, but thought the middle section, where I showed perspective, color wheels, volume and shadows, and other art techniques, was too confusing. Grace Maccarone, another editor there, suggested genres, like still life, landscapes, portraits and so forth… that was the creative “click” it needed.
We were concerned about getting permissions to use images, but I discovered that the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC had just instituted an Open Access policy, so I used those images for the art in the book. The grand finale actually came easy—I just had fun figuring how to incorporate those mostly historic images into a contemporary city. Fragonard’s “Girl Reading” is a banner above the town library, Bellow’s boxers are used in a gym’s sign, Cassatt’s mother and child advertise a day care center.
[Click any image to get a closer view.]
Did any of the masterpieces in the book inspire you to become an artist?
I remember the Winslow Homer painting, “Breezing Up,” shown in the book, from my childhood—we had a print of it on our dining room wall in our home, and it fascinated me. Van Gogh became my favorite painter as I saw more of his work…I love his fresh, sensuous brushstrokes, his use of “participatory” (somewhat distorted) space, and wonderful awareness of pattern. And I adore Daumier’s dynamic lines and Hopper’s melancholy city.
Is the main character in the book really you?
Yep.
Ha, I knew it!
My family loved art (my sister Ann Munro Wood is a professional artist also), and encouraged us to draw and paint. My parents made a special family trip to Washington DC just to see “Young Girl Reading” by Fragonard when it was acquired by the National Gallery of Art in the early 1960s—it felt like seeing the Mona Lisa—excited press reports announcing the purchase, and lots of visitors to the Gallery.
I visited Arles, France, in a pilgrimage to my beloved Van Gogh. Of course have visited the Louvre, D’Orsay etc in Paris; the Rembrandt and Van Gogh museums in Amsterdam; the Uffizzi in Florence; the National Gallery in London; Philadelphia Museum of Art; Prado in Madrid; Munch Gallery in Oslo; MOMA, the Met, and the Hopper shows at the Whitney here in NYC. And many other museums in the USA and the world, although not all in research for this book. Even visited Gauguin’s grave in the Marquesas Islands.
I’ve also been to the Honolulu Museum of Art, San Francisco Art Institute, Chicago Gallery of Art, Kimball Art Museum in Fort Worth; Baltimore Museum of Art; National Portrait Gallery and Phillips Collection in Washington DC; Victoria and Albert in London; National Museum in Stockholm; National Gallery in Edinburgh; the Frick and Guggenheim in NYC; etc., etc.
What do you hope readers (and search-and-finders) will take away from MASTERPIECE MIX?
I hope that readers will understand that creativity requires education, and references to those who have gone before you, but also your own personal experience and insight. You need both. Creativity is often combining the old and the new in fresh ways.
And practicing—a knowledge of craft and process—is helpful. It is useful in getting your point across in an accessible clear competent way. Paraphrasing the cliche: Art is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.
But the creative inspiration lifts the work, and gives it wings…it delights.
Wow, thank you, Roxie. This was a fascinating look into your artwork and process.
Blog readers, you can be sure that this book delights—and you can find out for yourself by going out to get MASTERPIECE MIX, and/or winning this giveaway.
Leave one comment below to enter. A winner will be randomly selected in about two weeks.
Good luck…and keep creating!
146 comments
Comments feed for this article
August 15, 2017 at 8:09 am
Brenda Davis Harsham
Great interview. Impressive illustrations.
August 15, 2017 at 11:11 am
Roxie Munro
Thanks, Brenda! ;-))
August 15, 2017 at 8:13 am
Anita
This is awesome!
August 15, 2017 at 11:11 am
Roxie Munro
;-)))
August 15, 2017 at 8:21 am
Erik Ammon
“Creativity is often combining the old and the new in fresh ways.”
I love this quote! Thanks for sharing your process for the book Roxie (and your art)!
August 15, 2017 at 11:12 am
Roxie Munro
Yes – creativity is also fun!
August 15, 2017 at 8:22 am
JENNIFER MOOK-SANG
wonderful – i’m going to find roxie’s books myself (though i hope to win this one) – thanks tara for introducing me to so many terrific picture book authors and artists!
August 15, 2017 at 11:12 am
Roxie Munro
Thanks so much!
August 15, 2017 at 8:23 am
lynetteoxley
You must be fit, Roxie, to lay on a table to do your artwork. Well done!
August 15, 2017 at 11:13 am
Roxie Munro
Ha! I guess so. ;-))
August 15, 2017 at 8:26 am
losilver
Looks incredible! Was fascinating to read about your background.
August 15, 2017 at 11:13 am
Roxie Munro
Thanks! ;-)))
August 15, 2017 at 8:27 am
losilver
Fascinating to learn of your process. Looks like s great book.
August 15, 2017 at 8:28 am
Sylvia Mary Grech
Thanks for the interview, Tara. Love Roxie’s work!
August 15, 2017 at 11:13 am
Roxie Munro
Very kind, Sylvia!
August 15, 2017 at 8:32 am
Louann Mattes Brown
Sharing on my pinterest board!!! (12,000+ followers, mainly art teachers) LOVE the book!!!
August 15, 2017 at 11:14 am
Roxie Munro
Gosh, Louann – that is soooo nice of you! Thanks! ;-)))
August 15, 2017 at 8:32 am
Jennifer Phillips
This is amazing. I love when someone helps kids and grown-ups see art in new ways and get joy from it. I love seeing your behind-the-scenes process as well. Your book looks incredible! Thanks for sharing.
August 15, 2017 at 11:14 am
Roxie Munro
Thanks…it’s fun!
August 15, 2017 at 8:54 am
julielacombeauthor
What a fascinating peek into the creative process! I want this beautiful book for ME!
August 15, 2017 at 11:14 am
Roxie Munro
;-)))
August 15, 2017 at 9:02 am
Melissa Stoller
Thanks for sharing your process, Roxie! And the list of museums you have visited! I can’t wait to read Masterpiece Mix!
August 15, 2017 at 11:15 am
Roxie Munro
Thanks, Melissa!
August 15, 2017 at 9:07 am
carole calladine
Wow! I can wait to see and prowl through Masterpiece!
August 15, 2017 at 11:15 am
Roxie Munro
;-)))
August 15, 2017 at 9:13 am
Laura Sassi
This book looks like a treasure! Would love to share it with my daughter!
August 15, 2017 at 11:15 am
Roxie Munro
;-)))
August 15, 2017 at 9:15 am
evelynchristensen
What a wonderful concept for a book! I’m eager to see it, Roxie. Thank you for sharing with us a bit about the process of creating it and your art experiences.
August 15, 2017 at 11:16 am
Roxie Munro
It was fun, Evelyn.
August 15, 2017 at 9:21 am
Prairie Garden Girl
Thank you for sharing all about Roxie, her process and her 45th book, Tara. I am currently reading VINCENT & THEO: The Van Gogh Brothers by Deborah Heiligman. The peek into MASTERPIECE MIX is enticing me to read more.
~Suzy Leopold
August 15, 2017 at 11:16 am
Roxie Munro
There are such wonderful artists out there!
August 15, 2017 at 9:24 am
susandilldetwiler
Thank you Kathy for this lovely interview with the accomplished artist and author Roxie Munro! I love her work and can’t wait to get this book.
August 15, 2017 at 11:17 am
Roxie Munro
;-))) Thanks!
August 15, 2017 at 9:27 am
Laurie Knowlton
Wow! I’m blown away by the detail!
August 15, 2017 at 11:17 am
Roxie Munro
I love doing it…. ;-))
August 15, 2017 at 9:37 am
Kim Pfennigwerth
Loved this look into MASTERPIECE MIX and look forward to perusing all the art you are including in it.
August 15, 2017 at 11:17 am
Roxie Munro
;-)))
August 15, 2017 at 9:52 am
Erich Rose
That is an awesome concept! We are looking for new and exciting ways to teach our kids about art. MAZE WAYS looks incredible as well!
August 15, 2017 at 11:18 am
Roxie Munro
Thanks so much! ;-))
August 15, 2017 at 10:00 am
annstockdale
This will enliven lots of kids.. mothers and fathers too.I can remember being about 3 years old ,sitting on my grandmothers floor, looking through her art books.It is so important to my little world.
August 15, 2017 at 11:18 am
Roxie Munro
Awww— love it. ;-)))
August 15, 2017 at 10:18 am
Wendy Greenley
I love that solutions come to you in your dreams – I’ve been trying to write more down from that “sleepy-mind” time, before I forget it. I’m excited to see Materpiece Mix! Congratulations on (wow) #45.
August 15, 2017 at 11:19 am
Roxie Munro
Thanks! ;-))
August 15, 2017 at 10:21 am
Christine Pinto
Thanks for the insight on a book similar to one I am writing. Looking forward to checking out how Roxie fits an art lesson into a picture book. Thank you!
August 15, 2017 at 11:19 am
Roxie Munro
;-))) Great good luck with it!
August 15, 2017 at 10:24 am
Brenda Huante
This sounds like a fascinating book!
August 15, 2017 at 11:19 am
Roxie Munro
;-)))
August 15, 2017 at 10:42 am
Judy Sobanski
I love how you are using art that has come before to inspire creativity that is yet to come. Looks like a beautiful book!
August 15, 2017 at 11:20 am
Roxie Munro
;-))) thanks!
August 15, 2017 at 10:49 am
Sheri Radovich
What a long career in books and so mNy galleries visited for inspiration. Now everyone who reads the book can be exposed to the artwork without leaving home. Thanks Tara for sharing this.
August 15, 2017 at 11:20 am
Roxie Munro
Tara’s great! ;-)))
August 15, 2017 at 10:53 am
curryelizabeth
I can’t wait to read this–I just ordered it after reading the post! 🙂 . I teach art enrichment to K-8 in partnership with Minneapolis Institute of Art through their Art Adventure program. I know this will be a great resource. I also work in the school library (I bet I will end up buying another copy to donate there!)
Great interview and post. Thanks to you both.
August 15, 2017 at 11:21 am
Roxie Munro
Thanks so much, Elizabeth, for your thoughtful comments. BTW, I have work in the Kerlan Collection in your neck of the woods.
August 18, 2017 at 11:01 am
curryelizabeth
Oh that is awesome Roxie! I live in SEMN about 1.5 hours from Minneapolis but I get up there a lot and am very familiar with Kerlan. Will look for you. 🙂 . BTW got your book and LOVED it. Reviewed on Amazon. Congratulations to you!
August 15, 2017 at 10:54 am
Gloria Amescua
Fascinating concept. I need to check out her other books.
August 15, 2017 at 11:22 am
Roxie Munro
Thanks – a lot use “gamification.”
August 15, 2017 at 11:09 am
Lindsay
Love art. Love it even more when it is introduced and made accessible to children!
August 15, 2017 at 11:22 am
Roxie Munro
Yes! Accessibility is key.
August 15, 2017 at 11:11 am
fspoesy
Another great creator to add to my list of must reads. That one picture of Roxie laying on top of that huge illustration is mind boggling. The patience alone seems super human, let alone the talent to make it. Even if I don’t win this book I’ll definitely be checking out Roxie’s work.
August 15, 2017 at 11:23 am
Roxie Munro
Ya gotta love doing it, or it’d be too tedious! ;-)))
August 15, 2017 at 12:03 pm
Cathy Biggerstaff
I so enjoyed hearing about your process for this book and the fact it was so long in the making, but you triumphed in the end. Congratulations!
August 15, 2017 at 12:29 pm
Roxie Munro
Thanks! Very kind, Cathy.
August 15, 2017 at 12:25 pm
Emily Wayne (@emilywayneart)
Wow! I definitely need to check this one out! Love the image of Roxie laying on the table drawing, I’m glad I’m not the only one who works in unconventional poses =P
August 15, 2017 at 12:29 pm
Roxie Munro
Yes, the piece was way too large to put on my regular drawing table. ;-))
August 15, 2017 at 12:30 pm
chardixon47
“But the creative inspiration lifts the work, and gives it wings…it delights.” Thank you Tara and Roxie for this refreshing moment in my day.
August 15, 2017 at 12:35 pm
Roxie Munro
Thank YOU for your kind words!
August 15, 2017 at 1:40 pm
Susie Sawyer
Fascinating! What a great idea! Such a lot of work, but you created your own masterpiece. 🙂 Thank you so much for this wonderful post!
August 15, 2017 at 7:54 pm
Roxie Munro
Very kind, Susie. ;-))
August 15, 2017 at 2:00 pm
seschipper
Wow! Impressive read! “Artfully” done! 🙂
August 15, 2017 at 7:55 pm
Roxie Munro
Thanks! ;-))
August 15, 2017 at 2:06 pm
Penny
I can hardly wait to get ahold of a copy of Masterpiece Mix.
August 15, 2017 at 7:55 pm
Roxie Munro
Let me know what you think, Penny.
August 15, 2017 at 2:35 pm
just 1 marion
What a beautiful way to show research. And I’m going right out to buy your maze book for my two grands.
August 15, 2017 at 7:56 pm
Roxie Munro
Great, Marion, I LOVE to do maze books!
August 15, 2017 at 3:19 pm
Guyla Greenly
I love this! I’ll be out in search of this book – maybe two copies, one for my personal library and one for my granddaughter.
August 15, 2017 at 7:56 pm
Roxie Munro
Super duper, Guyla. Thanks!
August 15, 2017 at 3:27 pm
Katie Giorgio
Love reading this to learn more about authors/illustrators…thanks for sharing!
August 15, 2017 at 7:57 pm
Roxie Munro
It’s a great job, Katie. ;-))
August 15, 2017 at 3:50 pm
Janice Rine
What a terrific idea for a book! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. My grandchildren will love it.
August 15, 2017 at 7:57 pm
Roxie Munro
Thanks so much, Janice!
August 15, 2017 at 3:59 pm
Maria Marshall
What an amazing masterpiece this books is. I can’t wait to get it and share it with my family. Thanks for a great interview Tara!
August 15, 2017 at 7:58 pm
Roxie Munro
Thanks – it was fun working with Tara!
August 15, 2017 at 4:43 pm
csheer18
The importance of creativity in our lives cannot be overemphasized. (I wrote a paper about Creativity in the Classroom while working on my M.Ed. decades ago!) Thank you for your wonderful masterpiece, Roxie!
August 15, 2017 at 7:59 pm
Roxie Munro
Very thoughtful response. Creativity rules, and should be rewarded and encouraged more!
August 15, 2017 at 5:12 pm
Kathy O'Neill
What an amazing idea! I wish I had this when I was teaching art! Can’t wait to see it!
August 15, 2017 at 7:59 pm
Roxie Munro
Love hearing that from an art teacher!
August 15, 2017 at 5:23 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Thanks for this behind the scenes peek, Roxie. However, in looking at the photos, I believe you forgot to mention the gymnastic skills necessary for this type of artwork. 😃
August 15, 2017 at 8:00 pm
Roxie Munro
Ha! Well, you do what you have to do get the job done. ;-))
August 15, 2017 at 5:24 pm
Danielle Hammelef
Thanks for the post today. My daughter is an artist and we often went to the Detroit Institute of Arts. I taught art smart in the elementary school and it was the most breath-taking experience to see the actual painting and sculptures I was talking about in person.
August 15, 2017 at 8:01 pm
Roxie Munro
Yes! I visited the Detroit Art Institute – great collection.
August 15, 2017 at 5:29 pm
mariagianferrari
This looks wonderful, Rosie. very much a masterpiece indeed! Congratulations!!
August 15, 2017 at 8:01 pm
Roxie Munro
Thanks!
August 15, 2017 at 6:10 pm
Deb Lund (@deblund)
Love the concept, the art, and the story behind it all! Can’t wait to get a copy to share with artist friends and participants in my classes. Thank you, Roxie and Tara!
August 15, 2017 at 8:02 pm
Roxie Munro
Thanks so much – it was fun to create and research!
August 15, 2017 at 6:40 pm
Deborah Rogers
That is such a beautiful book. I wish every school library and art teacher could have a copy of it.
August 15, 2017 at 8:02 pm
Roxie Munro
Awww – you are so kind, Deborah.
August 15, 2017 at 8:08 pm
Marty Bellis
What an impressive book! Fun, instructive, and beautiful all in one package. Love it.
August 16, 2017 at 7:27 am
Roxie Munro
Thanks, Marty!
August 15, 2017 at 11:06 pm
Sharon Nix Jones
I like the phrase, “1% inspiration, 99% perspiration.” Your artwork is amazing!
August 16, 2017 at 7:27 am
Roxie Munro
;-))), Sharon.
August 16, 2017 at 12:16 am
Heather Kinser
Wow. What intricate work, and what dedication. This is a great glimpse into the creative process.
August 16, 2017 at 7:28 am
Roxie Munro
Thanks, Heather!
August 16, 2017 at 2:19 am
Jeanna Massman
I would love to share this book with my daughter and grandson.
August 16, 2017 at 7:28 am
Roxie Munro
;-))), Jeanna.
August 16, 2017 at 7:56 am
Shirin
Thank you! This was so inspiring to me! I love seeing artist’s tools, and their studio. Last year at the Van Gogh exhibition at the Chicago Art Institute, I was almost swooning when I saw his ACTUAL paint palette- with the dried oil paint on it!!!!!
August 16, 2017 at 1:21 pm
Roxie Munro
Wow! You lucky duck. I LOVE Van Gogh!
August 16, 2017 at 8:10 am
Candy
Magnifique!
August 16, 2017 at 1:21 pm
Roxie Munro
;-)))
August 16, 2017 at 10:48 am
Darcee Freier
Thanks for the look into the process. Love the picture of Roxie lying on her drawing board. Congrats!
August 16, 2017 at 1:22 pm
Roxie Munro
Yep…took me a while to remember to bring the phone over so I didn’t have to scramble off when it rang.
August 16, 2017 at 11:12 am
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Great interview. I always love to see the process. With Roxie’s incredible work, it was really an interesting read.
August 16, 2017 at 1:23 pm
Roxie Munro
Thanks! Yes, I like to read about other creator’s process too. ;-)))
August 16, 2017 at 12:21 pm
writingcygnet
Thanks for the fascinating interview. With arts programs being cut in so many schools, it is imperative that we find ways to make art appealing, interesting, and accessible to young people. What an amazing idea for doing just that! I can’t wait to see this book!
August 16, 2017 at 1:24 pm
Roxie Munro
So important – working in and learning about the arts is so helpful in life and many professions!
August 16, 2017 at 1:36 pm
jodieparachini
This is stunning. I’m always looking for books that teach kids about art because my kids love it (and those are the books I’ve always wanted to write.)
I’m excited to pick these up! Thanks!
August 16, 2017 at 2:16 pm
Roxie Munro
Thanks, Jodie – art is so important in our lives.
August 16, 2017 at 4:43 pm
aliciaminor
It is very nice to read your responses for every comment. Like everybody, I too, congratulate you for a job well done, another masterpiece of hard work-both inspiration and perspiration. I wish you more books to come.
August 17, 2017 at 8:56 am
Roxie Munro
Thanks so much – very kind!
August 16, 2017 at 5:28 pm
Lucky Jo Boscarino
Love that studio photo with the giant pile of brushes, and the one where you are lying on top of the work as you work. I also like to work flat or almost flat.
Thanks for the peek inside your head and working space, and all the best for the new book.
August 17, 2017 at 8:56 am
Roxie Munro
Yes, I even paint oils flat sometimes.
August 16, 2017 at 9:21 pm
Kelly Rice Schmitt
I love the idea behind this book, and I can’t wait to read it! I am inspired in the parenthood aspect of my life in your family’s push to foster creativity. Thank you for sharing with us.
August 17, 2017 at 8:57 am
Roxie Munro
Family influence and encouragement is soooo important in creativity, Kelly.
August 17, 2017 at 8:03 am
Nadine Gamble
Truly a-maze-ing! Must see more!
August 17, 2017 at 8:57 am
Roxie Munro
Ha – fun, Nadine!
August 17, 2017 at 8:33 am
Therese Kay
This looks fantastic! I’m definitely sharing this with all my art teacher friends!!
August 17, 2017 at 8:58 am
Roxie Munro
Thanks, Therese…it’s a book close to my heart.
August 17, 2017 at 12:17 pm
C.L. Murphy
Wow, Roxie! YOU are impressive!
August 17, 2017 at 6:03 pm
Roxie Munro
Thanks, very kind!
August 17, 2017 at 1:21 pm
wendymyersart
This book looks so beautiful. I’ve never tried sketching or painting lying down before, I’ll have to try it! Thanks for an inspiring post. My heart ached thinking of all those museums I haven’t yet seen, in a good way. 🙂
August 17, 2017 at 6:09 pm
Roxie Munro
(Added a comment to you below, Wendy….;-)))
August 17, 2017 at 3:14 pm
Angel
This idea really stuck with me…”creativity requires education.” An interesting point to share with my students.
August 17, 2017 at 6:06 pm
Roxie Munro
Yes, usually it combines learning, plus the person’s own input and unique viewpoint. Filtered through their character…
August 17, 2017 at 6:04 pm
Roxie Munro
Yes…so much to see. As for lying down, the piece of paper was so big there was no other way to do it.
August 17, 2017 at 11:58 pm
Karen Lawler
I wish real art was more accessible to more children. The art mobile that comes to our area tries but the children just don’t get enough time to really understand and appreciate what they are seeing. Your book will be a wonderful addition to the classroom. Thank you
August 18, 2017 at 8:19 am
Roxie Munro
Thanks so much, Karen. Yes, it is so important for children to connect with art.
August 18, 2017 at 8:31 am
Cindy Montoya
I love seeing the illustrations in progress and the artist at work! What an inspiring post!
August 18, 2017 at 1:17 pm
Roxie Munro
Thanks, Cindy – fun work!
August 18, 2017 at 12:43 pm
sarita f
What a lovely and generous interview. Loved the insights at the end about creativity requiring education and that inspiration gives the prespiration wings. Beautiful.
August 18, 2017 at 1:17 pm
Roxie Munro
Awww, very kind, Sarita!
August 18, 2017 at 3:22 pm
laurieajacobs
Reminds me of the painting by Samuel Morse of the masterpieces on view at the Louvre–a painting done to educate Americans about the history of art. Love the idea!
August 20, 2017 at 2:14 pm
Roxie Munro
Fun…thanks, Laurie.
August 19, 2017 at 12:48 pm
Lynne Marie
Just in case my comment while in Mexico did not post. What an amazing book. Can’t wait to experience it.
August 25, 2017 at 8:10 am
nicholasjlennox
🙂 . BTW got your book and LOVED it.
September 20, 2017 at 12:17 am
Pam Miller
Thanks for the interview. And thanks for making amazing art and books. On Thursday, I’ll show my grandson the photo of you lying on your art and working. At age 3, he painted. Age four, he drew following the instructions on a DVD. In kindergarten he said he was an artist. Now, in first grade, he has not been thrilled with the art teacher. “She thinks we don’t know ANYTHING,” he remarked the first week. Maybe when he sees your photo, he’ll know that he can learn a lot more about being an artist.
September 28, 2017 at 2:42 pm
bluelily17
I LOVE seeing how other illustrators work – and she works on SUCH a large scale! How do they get those images into the book? I’m assuming a huge scanner but honestly curious.
October 17, 2017 at 11:41 am
claireannette1
Masterpiece Mix looks amazing. Now I’m in the mood to go to an art museum – and get my hands on this book.