The Master Italian Illustrator Roberto Innocenti celebrates his 70th birthday today.
upon SAILS, RAILS and WINGS that Golden Books
published in 1978. Roberto Innocenti's fine detailed
drawings, watercolor technique, color and humor
captured my artist's heart.
Roberto Innocenti is Italian, self taught and living
and working in Florence. I wrote him an unabashed
fan letter, in English. (apologizing for not knowing
Italian and having only a remnant of high school
French) To my delight, he answered in French and
included a delightful drawing of a guy driving a
pickup truck with a plumbing fixture and ladders in back!
©Roberto InnocentiNext time I was in Florence, he invited me to his studio. I was greeted by a tall bearded man with a kindly bemused smile. We talked shop in French (he fluent, me pathetic) and the language we both understand, working book illustrator.
He showed me exquisite original work, including pieces
from SAILS RAILS and WINGS. It was my birthday
and he insisted I accept his original of the Pilgrims
and hung in a place of honor where it reminds me
daily of its generous brilliant creator. The next day we
drove to the town of Citta di Castello in Umbria to see a
breathtaking retrospective of his work.
All so kind and patient to put up with their linguistically challenged guest who only began Italian lessons upon returning home. My idea of a splendid time.
Grazie tante alla famiglia di Roberto Innocenti.
(Spero che abbiate recuperato ormai.) ;-)
Roberto Innocenti self-portrait eating pasta from THE LAST RESORT, by J. Patrick Lewis,
Creative Editions
BUON COMPLEANNO , Maestro Roberto!
Con i miei auguri!
(click on images to enlarge)
Link: http://www.robertoinnocenti.com/
What a wonderful story. I love his work too!
ReplyDeleteI can see why you two found each other to be kindred spirits. The countless, charming details in each illustration will keep children of all ages engaged time and time again. I am especially drawn to the last illustration of the restaurant with the cat longing for the goldfish and the intricate details in the parquet floor, lampshades, etc. etc. etc.
ReplyDeleteThank you for introducing me to this very talented illustrator; I will be looking for his books.
Buon compleanno Sr.Innocenti!
The examples that I've shown are those that pertain directly to the story and are but a drop in the bucket of his brilliant work.
ReplyDeleteGoogle his name to find examples from most of his books and
be prepared to be blown away. This opportunity to meet him and his family and see his original art with him right there to talk about it was one of my most treasured memories.
Good to hear from you, DB.