Author-illustrator Denise Fleming gave the keynote at the NJ-SCBWI conference a few years ago and she said something that has stuck with me: “My internal age is five. So I make books for five-year-olds like me.”June 5, 2018 10:24 am
Author-illustrator Denise Fleming gave the keynote at the NJ-SCBWI conference a few years ago and she said something that has stuck with me: “My internal age is five. So I make books for five-year-olds like me.”
I had an ah-ha moment, complete with a hovering lightbulb. I’m eight, I thought. No wonder I write what I do.
Denise’s newest book was recently released, and if you’re familiar with her work, it looks a little different. I learned that Denise has changed up her style. So, of course, I wanted to chat about it.
Denise, you are well known for your innovative illustrations created with paper pulp. THIS IS THE NEST THAT ROBIN BUILT looks a little different—still gorgeous and unique—but I understand you decided to reinvent your style with this book. Why did you feel the need to change up your technique?
I have been illustrating my books with pulp painting for over 25 years. While I love paper making, I felt it was time for a change for several reasons. The small company where I bought my pulp had changed hands and the new pulp was causing me problems. The board I used for stencils was no longer available. I had tried substitutes but none worked as well for detail and some were difficult to cut. Then, there were the hours of standing bent over the paper vat which was affecting my health. These were all a part of my decision to experiment with new techniques.
Gelatin printing and foam printing along with collage were the techniques that really interested me. These provided more freedom and the ability to create more detail, which is difficult with paper making. I also felt I needed a bit of reinvention. I have been around for a long time, I wanted readers to take a second look at my art. I am fascinated with printmaking. Before I created books I studied printmaking, mostly etching, lithos and mono-prints. I am excited to try new styles and techniques in upcoming books.
How does this new style contribute to and enhance this story?
With the new style I am able to create more detail in the illustrations. Printing the background and collaging the foreground gives the feeling of more depth. I also am able to make papers with the textures of feathers and grasses which enhances the art and adds a feel of realism.
Has your new style given rise to ideas for books you would have never thought of before?
Actually, I will be experimenting with several new styles in upcoming books. And yes, these new styles will allow me to more ably illustrate several manuscripts I had put in the back of my file due to the fact that I couldn’t figure out how to illustrate them in my pulp painting technique. People are difficult to do in pulp painting. Up until this point I have illustrated people as large graphic shapes. Hands and fingers were stressful as the pulp would fill in spaces between figures. Ugh. So maybe more figures and details in upcoming books. And maybe even white space.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects?
As to future books, I have been on a sort of sabbatical. Working out how I want books to look. Manuscripts have not been submitted, so I would rather not reveal any of the books until they are under contract. But, I will let you know about them as soon as I send them out and am offered contracts. I agent myself, so I have to give myself a push. Unfortunately, I love experimenting, so I am slow to get back to the business of books.
If I were to edit your reply, I would delete “unfortunately”. Readers are lucky that you keep innovating and creating even more beautiful art!
THIS IS THE NEST THAT ROBIN BUILT is available now from Beach Lane Books.
You can win a copy here by leaving a comment below. A winner will be randomly selected in a couple weeks.
Good luck!
Posted by Tara Lazar
Categories: Author-Illustrator, Picture Books
Tags: Beach Lane Books, Denise Fleming, This is the Nest That Robin Built
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Oh, MY such AMAZING art. Can’t wait for this!
By Lynne Marie on June 5, 2018 at 10:28 am
Great post. Reinvention, flexibility, curiosity, life-long learning – so inspiring! Thank you!
By Kimberly on June 5, 2018 at 10:30 am
I love this look! Beautiful!
By colleen kosinski on June 5, 2018 at 10:31 am
Denise, your cover art is so colorful and bright, sure to attract any kids’ attention.
By betlw on June 5, 2018 at 10:32 am
Congrats, Denise!! It was so great to meet you in Gaithersburg last month!!
By mariagianferrari on June 5, 2018 at 10:33 am
I have to add that your trailer is awesome, especially the gorgeous art and the twittering birds, just like spring.
By betlw on June 5, 2018 at 10:35 am
I’m looking forward to reading your new book!
By Brenda Huante on June 5, 2018 at 10:36 am
Love the art, but the story is also delightful!
By Kathy Mazurowski on June 5, 2018 at 10:36 am
I always wondered how artist take their ideas and put them to paper. Thank you for your post:)
By Joan Swanson on June 5, 2018 at 10:40 am
That book looks adorable! And I love ALL of your work! I have some of your books and would love to own that one as well! Thanks Tara for inspiring us with your blog 🙂
By DeLeon Tori on June 5, 2018 at 10:42 am
Such scrumptious texture! Thank you for sharing your new style, Denise.
By C.L. Murphy on June 5, 2018 at 10:43 am
Oh my goodness – love, love love the art!
By cmdale on June 5, 2018 at 10:44 am
Denise – this book looks beautiful! I loved learning about your print-making and collaging technique, and what spurred you towards this phase of reinvention. Congrats!
By Claire W Bobrow on June 5, 2018 at 10:45 am
Of course your artwork is beautiful and creative. Thank you so much for all the sharing you do.
By Heidi Sommer on June 5, 2018 at 10:47 am
I’ve been a fan of yours for a long time, Denise, and this sounds like another wonderful book from you! I really like your new illustration style. Best wishes to you.
By evelynchristensen on June 5, 2018 at 10:47 am
Denise, I am so glad I got to meet you at WOW and I love following your career. I am in awe of artists like you—so much talent to share with kid readers, and us adults, as well. Keep up the good work.
By Sherri Jones Rivers on June 5, 2018 at 10:47 am
What a lovely lemonade-from-lemons story of your art. The book is beautiful. Also want to give props to that book trailer: sound, how the story is revealed, later intro of the new art definition (not too much, intriguing) and then the ‘marketing’ elements – a fab use of 1:48!
By Katie Engen on June 5, 2018 at 10:56 am
I can’t wait to read the text and see the new art style–already on order!
By Susan Lee Roberts on June 5, 2018 at 10:58 am
I love your artistic style -so unique – and I love that you’re re-inventing it because that’s what artists do after all. So happy for your success and wishing you boat loads more!
By Danielle Dufayet on June 5, 2018 at 10:59 am
beautiful!!! the nest is striking!!!
By cris on June 5, 2018 at 11:02 am
This is beautiful Denise! I love your art and your stories. I loved your presentation at the SCBWI-MI Gathering on the Grand and your display at the Frenchtown Library in Monroe. Your stories just seem to flow out of you as does your art.
By maryzychowicz on June 5, 2018 at 11:03 am
Gorgeous art, Denise. I’m a big fan of your work and can’t wait to read THIS IS THE NEST THAT ROBIN BUILT.
By Gabi Snyder on June 5, 2018 at 11:18 am
Denise, your talent just keeps getting bigger and better. Congratulations on This Is The Nest That Robin Built. Bravo :-)!!
By Andria Rosenbaum on June 5, 2018 at 11:19 am
Wow! It’s beautiful! You have so much talent!!!
By Kris Wrucke on June 5, 2018 at 11:19 am
I love your new look. What a beautiful gift you have for making art!
By Sara Matson on June 5, 2018 at 11:27 am
Fascinating process and gorgeous results! Thanks for sharing your beautiful art!
By Kathleen Lamb on June 5, 2018 at 11:28 am
Lovely interview, Denise! And your experimentation is an inspiration–AND looks like you’ve been doing that technique for years. So much depth!
By Gail Buschman on June 5, 2018 at 11:31 am
Thank you for sharing your process! Love how you keep reinventing yourself. It’s inspiring!
By rosecappelli on June 5, 2018 at 11:40 am
Oh my goodness! I love your art! You have inspired me! Thank you for a chance at a giveaway of your book!
By Melanie on June 5, 2018 at 11:47 am
I love the collage work. The nest is beautiful!
By Joyce on June 5, 2018 at 11:51 am
I am so in LOVE with your printed papers and collage technique! I too have been playing around with mixed media there is something so freeing about it. Thank you for this fun interview and congratulations on your beautiful book!
By Erika Hitchcock on June 5, 2018 at 11:51 am
a Brilliant and Delicious new direction for you! Congratulations and thanks for sharing! Can’t wait to read The Nest That Robin Built.
By Jeanine Potter on June 5, 2018 at 11:56 am
I’m just LOVING the creativity in your art. BTW, I’m also 8.
By Linda Chavez on June 5, 2018 at 12:03 pm
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing your process.
By Krista Maxwell on June 5, 2018 at 12:15 pm
I’m impressed by how you took a frustrating situation (difficulty finding the materials you wanted) and turned it into something terrific: a new way of approaching your art. When life gives you lemons . . .
By Janet Frenck Sheets on June 5, 2018 at 12:21 pm
Looks like a wonderful book! thanks for sharing.
By Kathleen Wilcox on June 5, 2018 at 12:24 pm
I can’t believe it! I just picked up this book from the library. I wanted to share it with my critique group. It is so vibrant and original. I absolutely loved it. I think experimentation is wonderful. Great story and art. Thanks, Denies.
By .CAROLE CALLADINE on June 5, 2018 at 12:26 pm
Im a property manager of second homes in the mountains of Idaho and oh! The robins nests that srping up in the most unlikely places! This looks like a fun read!
By therhymeoftime on June 5, 2018 at 12:26 pm
Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for your post.
By Jennifer Bower on June 5, 2018 at 12:29 pm
How beautiful! I am putting this one on my list. Congratulations and thanks for the post. Loved it.
By curryelizabeth on June 5, 2018 at 12:51 pm
I love all the colors and textures of this artwork! Very eye-catching.
By sjohnston2010 on June 5, 2018 at 12:52 pm
I love hearing how established authors are still taking risks and reinventing themselves. Inspirational! (Also reassuring to hear a success story without an agent!) Congrats on the new release, I’m looking forward to it.
By Louise Aamodt on June 5, 2018 at 1:02 pm
So much work and beauty!
By Nohra Maria Bernal on June 5, 2018 at 1:16 pm
I love this new, bold, sharper-edged look! Texture, layers! wow! Thanks for sharing this conversation with Denise about art, and the possibility that the medium inspires new stories.
By Sue Heavenrich on June 5, 2018 at 1:18 pm
Delightful art! Excited to see your new book!
By lmconnors on June 5, 2018 at 1:25 pm
Tara and Denise, this is a fascinating interview. Denise, your art is gorgeous and unique. Thank you for sharing, and best of luck with “This is the Nest that Robin Built”!
By tiffanydickinson on June 5, 2018 at 1:31 pm
I love the collage and the the freeness of it. I love collage but never thought of being so free with it. This is a new perspective for me.
By Dede Carlsten on June 5, 2018 at 1:31 pm
Love your drawings! Good luck with your pending work!
By Sylvia Mary Grech on June 5, 2018 at 1:32 pm
Thank you for photos and the explanation of process—it’s fascinating and the book looks gorgeous.
By Lynn Becker on June 5, 2018 at 1:38 pm
I have always been amazed by Denise’s art and books. Seeing this particular story art in stages is fascinating. It will be a great process to explore with students!
By Carrie Charley Brown (@carriebrowntx) on June 5, 2018 at 1:43 pm
wow. Beautiful, but it looks like so much work! What an imaginative way to illustrate a book – giving it depth before you even open the cover!
By photojaq on June 5, 2018 at 1:57 pm
Thank you for sharing your current process for creating such detailed, playful art. Always a joy to read your books and appreciate your illustrations.
By chardixon47 on June 5, 2018 at 1:59 pm
“Lunch” and “Mama Cat has Three Kittens” were storytime favorites of mine for many years before I retired as a youth services librarian. “This is the nest…” looks like another winner. Can’t wait to check it out! Lovely interview, Tara!
By Debbie Wagenbach on June 5, 2018 at 2:03 pm
Wow! What an interesting process! Your illustrations are beyond lovely.
By kathydoherty1 on June 5, 2018 at 2:07 pm
Mama Cat Has Three Kittens was always a fave to share in my two-year-olds story time. Bold illustrations, simple text, great for the little ones!
By Michelle P on June 5, 2018 at 2:13 pm
How beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing your process. You clearly put in the time to make stunning books, for which your readers are most grateful.
By Anne Bromley on June 5, 2018 at 2:16 pm
Thank you for showing us a peek into your work and the time it takes to create such beautiful books.
By Marlene Farrell (@marlenekidlit) on June 5, 2018 at 2:18 pm
I love the new style! Thank you for sharing.
By Marla on June 5, 2018 at 2:21 pm
I loved seeing you at many teacher’s Inferences over the years. You are one of my author studies I do each year. My firsties love your books❤️
By Lori Dennis on June 5, 2018 at 2:43 pm
You said something that piqued my curiosity… I agent myself… I had an epiphany moment. What does that mean? Also I am an artist who teaches preschoolers I have found shaving cream plus paint and glue for a fabulous fabric paint.
By kiwijenny on June 5, 2018 at 3:54 pm
Stunning! I cannot wait to see this work of art in person.
By Linda Mitchell on June 5, 2018 at 4:14 pm
I love THIS IS THE NEST THAT ROBIN BUILT 🙂 I have read it to my preschoolers – and they loved it too 🙂
By Susan Fitzpatrick on June 5, 2018 at 4:17 pm
Absolutely fascinating! I saw you in person, Denise, at a conference where you had a papermaking workshop. Your work is exquisite. And I love the new style. For my OTTERS book, the illustrator is doing woodcuts and I am in awe of the amount of work that goes into the illustrations of a picture book. Thank you so m uch for sharing your process…you rock!
By viviankirkfield on June 5, 2018 at 4:37 pm
I really admire your realization that you had to make a change.
By Lucky Jo Boscarino on June 5, 2018 at 4:39 pm
Magnetic illustrations! I love the vibrancy and depth.
By Stephan Stuecklin on June 5, 2018 at 4:45 pm
Thanks for the great interview! What beautiful techniques!
By Mary Warth on June 5, 2018 at 5:02 pm
I adore Denise’s illustrations. I have always been a fan of collage and these pulp style illustrations are truly adorable.
By Kaye Baillie on June 5, 2018 at 5:23 pm
I love the layers in your illustrations. I feel like I could walk into your work.
By Manju Howard on June 5, 2018 at 5:27 pm
Denise, I’m definitely buying this book. Your work is always stunning, and this lives up to it. Congratulations on finding a new technique that fits so well!
Thanks, Tara, for this peek at Denise’s new work!
By Ruth M Barshaw on June 5, 2018 at 5:31 pm
Have been a fan for years! Can’t wait!
By supermario6 on June 5, 2018 at 6:05 pm
Love this new style. Your collage work is beautiful.
By Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator on June 5, 2018 at 6:08 pm
I love your new art style, Denise! It so beautiful and rich with details and texture. Have fun discovering and playing with this new form of work, I can’t wait to see the entire book!
By Sarah Momo Romero on June 5, 2018 at 6:30 pm
I love everything about this post! Interesting creative process and journey to beautiful verbal and visual art.
By Suzanne LaLiberte Lewis on June 5, 2018 at 6:36 pm
I never knew you could do that with books. How interesting and creative. It’s also beautiful work.
By Tania on June 5, 2018 at 6:44 pm
I want to play in your studio. Too fun!
By Kassy Keppol on June 5, 2018 at 6:54 pm
Love this style, Denise. I don’t think I’m eligible for your giveaway as I live in Australia. Shared on Facebook.
By lynetteoxley on June 5, 2018 at 7:12 pm
Your artwork is beautifully creative! I love robins…they remind me of my Nana, who taught me how & where to watch for their return every spring.
By Melodye Shore on June 5, 2018 at 7:16 pm
Your artwork looks amazing! I can’t wait to get my hands on this new one from you!
By Tracy Hora on June 5, 2018 at 8:14 pm
Thank you for sharing this! I love the uniqueness of the illustrations! 🙂
By seschipper on June 5, 2018 at 10:39 pm
Loved seeing your process…thanks for sharing!
By Katie Giorgio on June 5, 2018 at 11:13 pm
Your new style is gorgeous. What a fantastic book!
By Laurie Swindler on June 6, 2018 at 12:49 am
I love the cover – so I am intrigued to read the story
By telltalestome on June 6, 2018 at 1:45 am
The cover looks beautiful! Can’t wait to see and read the rest! Thanks for the chance to win!
By Michelle Gajda on June 6, 2018 at 3:27 am
This is beautiful! And I love learning how Denise Fleming reinvented her art. It’s an inspiring tale of creativity.
By Sue on June 6, 2018 at 6:15 am
I’m excited to see this new art style you’ve used, Denise! It looks incredible. Thank you for another inspiring interview, Tara!
By katrinamoorebooks on June 6, 2018 at 6:20 am
The story is beautiful and the cover is so fantastic! Thank you for sharing your creativity with us… definitely you have entertained and inspired me! — btw my internal age is 9 🙂
By Yunita Phillips on June 6, 2018 at 6:57 am
How beautiful her art.
By Brenda Harris on June 6, 2018 at 7:31 am
Beautiful! I love the new technique.
By Rachel on June 6, 2018 at 8:30 am
I wasn’t able to attend the session Denise gave at a recent conference so I’m glad you interviewed her, Tara, and I’m able to learn about her new style of illustration! This book really is gorgeous!
By Teresa Robeson on June 6, 2018 at 8:41 am
I loved this post. Thank you, Tara Lazar and Denise Fleming. I am sharing it with a friend who is an author-illustrator. The comments about one’s internal age are so helpful, too.
By Nancy Vona on June 6, 2018 at 8:44 am
This book is sitting on my end table right now. It is absolutely gorgeous. The text is simple and comforting and beautiful – I can’t say enough good things about the book. If you have little ones to read to, get your hands on this book. Seriously.
By Marilyn Garcia on June 6, 2018 at 9:29 am
I LOVE the new techniques and style!
By Rebecca Van Slyke on June 6, 2018 at 11:14 am
I like reading these types of books to children in classrooms, because you can point out artistic features in the books. Let the children see it is not all flat color.
By Cheryl Kula on June 6, 2018 at 12:23 pm
Thanks for sharing about your process and how it is changing. I’m looking forward to reading your new book and spending time with the illustrations!
By Penny Parker Klostermann on June 6, 2018 at 2:01 pm
Hi Denise,
I love it when life pushes you to change, and you find something new to love. Your new art is totally fun 🙂
By peg e. monley on June 6, 2018 at 3:36 pm
Awesome illustrations! Can’t wait to read this book!
By Karen Paterick on June 6, 2018 at 3:39 pm
I’m so glad you have found a new medium that suits your style! Can’t wait to read this new one.
By Beth Raff on June 6, 2018 at 7:59 pm
Loved learning about your illustrations and the new process. Beautiful!
By marty on June 6, 2018 at 8:19 pm
I love your new illustration process! It’s wonderful that you have reinvented your art techniques and that you will continue to provide amazing books for kids!
By Judy Sobanski (@jkspburg) on June 6, 2018 at 8:41 pm
Fascinating process, Denise! I went back and discovered Denise’s own webpage to learn more of her process over the years with her other books as well. Your work with images and words is inspiring. It’s often a good idea to experiment and to adapt our art as we move through life. It keeps our work fresh.
By sheilamurraynellis on June 7, 2018 at 2:31 am
Wow – the mysterious world of illustration/art just got more mysterious…and intriguing. Thanks for giving us and inside peek 🙂
By Stephanie Ward (@StephMWard) on June 7, 2018 at 5:40 am
What a beautifully illustrated book! This would be a great addition to our library.
By Linda on June 7, 2018 at 11:07 am
Still some of the most beautiful work out there. I’m looking forward to seeing more.
By David McMullin on June 7, 2018 at 3:34 pm
Wow! Loved seeing the details. I’m excited to see your new styles and techniques. Hope you’re having fun!
By Mary Worley on June 8, 2018 at 8:55 am
I’ve enjoyed using your books throughout the years teaching kindergarten. I look forward to reading this new one. I love the layers of depth in this new book!
By Tina Cho on June 8, 2018 at 9:34 am
“Huh! Robin built a nest and had a book written about him. I’ve built an entire colony and no-one’s written about me!”
Love Tom Termite.
By Lynn Shelley on June 9, 2018 at 5:50 am
Fun interview, Ladies. It was the bold illustrations that drew me to Denise’s work originally so I am looking forward to seeing this evolution in style.
By LeeAnn Rizzuti on June 9, 2018 at 12:46 pm
Denise, this looks great, and I’m eager to see what other styles you try! You are such a great example of keep going, keep growing! Congrats!
By jheitman22 on June 9, 2018 at 12:56 pm
I love your art, and I like it when you said, “I wanted readers to take a second look at my art.”
By sunsetcliffs on June 9, 2018 at 1:01 pm
Gorgeous! Love the new look! Congratulations!
By Angie on June 10, 2018 at 12:07 am
Beautiful and inspirational!
By Tracey on June 11, 2018 at 3:45 am
These are amazing! Loved this.
By Patula on June 11, 2018 at 10:46 am
Exquisite! And so creative. Love your courage and curiosity. You’re a true artist, Denise.
By Wendy Wahman on June 11, 2018 at 11:15 am
This is so interesting and am so…does Denise have her own blog as I want to know and see more.
By Mireya on June 11, 2018 at 11:24 am
We just had Denise at the Indiana Festival of Writing and Illustrating earlier this month. Her art is so beautiful.
By authorshannonanderson on June 11, 2018 at 3:25 pm
Your illustrations look like they will pop off the page! Truly lovely and so much fun!
By laura516 on June 12, 2018 at 4:13 pm
Thanks for such an interesting look into your thoughts and creative process. I enjoy your work and look forward to your new pieces!
By Ink Bottle Studio on June 13, 2018 at 11:17 am
The illustrations are amazing and I love birds. Can’t wait to see this book.
By Linda Hofke on June 15, 2018 at 7:06 pm
Love it. I am always looking for a unique angle for illustration. always a lot of fun.
By Stephen S. Martin on June 16, 2018 at 8:58 pm
I love this. Denise Fleming reinventing herself. She is a picture book icon. How wonderful. The new book looks lovely. It excites me even more right now, as I just spent two weeks watching robins on a nest by our house, and we now have another nest with mama robin warming her eggs while papa sits watch on the neighboring rooftop.
By Sarah Tobias on June 21, 2018 at 11:47 am