Judy Mastrangelo

Biography

Judy’s art has been licensed in many fields, such as for prints and posters, wall coverings, puzzles, calendars, greeting cards, embroidery kits, jewelry, inspirational card decks, and more. In addition to her eBooks, she has also illustrated several printed children's books.

Judy is a great lover of nature, and that is why she enjoys personifying all aspects of it. Various forms of fantasy have always been the closest to her heart. These include fairytales, myths, and new age themes. She is especially drawn to portraying the world of fairies, elves, angels, gods, and goddesses.

Judy has always been inspired by great artists throughout history and regards them as her teachers. She daydreams about her paintings for a while before putting them on canvas. This preliminary technique of "mind painting" helps her to develop an imaginative work of art.

Smashwords Interview

What is your experience in the book field, and how does your art fit into your books?
I’ve always been interested in book publishing. I’ve illustrated five books, which have been published in print form. Four of them are out of print, since the publisher Unicorn Publishing Company went out of business. These books are: "Antique Fairy Tales," "The Sandman and Other Sleepy Time Rhymes," "Tales of Shakespeare," and "Pollyanna". I both wrote and illustrated my book "What Do Bunnies Do All Day?", published by Ideals. This book is still in print.

I’m delighted to currently be preparing several books for publication. “Mystical Fairies” is the first of a series of fantasy books featuring my art work and my original text. I also am preparing several original illustrated stories and other surprises to come.
What are your influences, inspirations, and goals in your art?
ART INFLUENCES:

My early work was was more morose and dark than it is today. When I discovered the Impressionists, I became lighter and brighter in my colors and style. I still have somewhat of an Impressionistic background style, and I enjoy using Monet-type colors. I enjoy symbolism and fantasy elements, which have influenced me to this day. Children’s book illustration has always played a big part in my art.

I have always been inspired by great artists throughout history and regard them as my teachers. Some of my favorites are those of the Italian Renaissance, the Pre- Raphealites (I like John W. Waterhouse the most), and the Hudson River School of Landscape Painters. Maxfield Parrish is my favorite illustrator, and I feel that Sir Joseph Noel Paton is one of the greatest fairy artists. In my small way, I also enjoy continuing in the tradition of Beatrix Potter with her little animal people and Cicely M. Barker with her lovely Flower Fairies. There are many artists of today who are my heroes. There are too many to list here, but many are an inspiration to me.

My best teachers are the "Great Masters of the Past and Present.”

I portray a wide variety of subjects in my art. I've traveled to quite a few different countries, where I have has visited many beautiful gardens. I often portray these lovely landscapes and florals in my paintings, since I’m a great lover of Nature.

I've always been doing art. They say I was born with a paint brush in my mouth! It's just something I've always loved to do.

ART MEDIUM:

I developed a very good technique with pencil drawing, which I feel has been an excellent foundation to the art of painting. I enjoyed using pastels and charcoals a lot, but found them a bit messy. I did enjoy blending them and developed that blending technique in my painting methods. I was delighted to discover acrylic paints, with which I could paint like watercolors or oils. And I find that acrylics are much easier to correct mistakes with than watercolor paints.

THOUGHT PROCESS:

I visualize a painting a while in my imagination before I go to my canvas. I don't do preliminary sketches on paper, just in my mind. Then when I get it right, I draw on tracing paper and transfer it to my canvas. At that stage, I draw my composition with pencil. When I get it correctly done, the painting process begins.

FANTASY ART:

I love the fairy tale quality of fantasy. It uplifts me and brings out the childhood imagination that I enjoy. I tend more toward the light, positive side of fantasy than the interior, dark, morose side of it.

Animals seem very innocent and spiritual to me. They are a great inspiration to me because of that. I think they are also very beautiful physically. I use them in my art for their beauty and for symbolic purposes.

I've always loved the Shakespeare play "A Midsummer's Night Dream" with all the elves and fairies. Queen Titania of the fairies is a beautiful creature in that, and I enjoy painting her. She symbolizes eternal youth and fantasy.

GOALS:

I hope to bring my work to more people through the various licenses I obtain. My work is currently licensed in various markets, such as wall murals, puzzles, books, night light, cross stitch patterns, art prints, and more.

I would like to develop my art to be better and better, since I'm never content with what I am doing and would like to constantly improve. I am continually inspired by the work of the great aasters, and the beauty of nature. I have so many ideas for paintings I want to do, I don't know how I'll ever find time to do them all. And understandably, it gives me great happiness to hear when my work is appreciated by others. I strive to uplift and inspire people with my art.
Read more of this interview.

Where to find Judy Mastrangelo online

Books

This member has not published any books.