@michellelosardo
Michelle H. Losardo
Picture Book Writer & Illustrator
Hello
My name is Michelle Losardo
Children's stories have always existed in my heart. Sprinkled among the picture book stories that I write and illustrate are bits and pieces of my own childhood experiences and imaginations. Universal themes of family, childlike wonder, friendship, hope, and stewardship of animals and nature are woven into my stories so that all children who read them can see themselves in my characters and share in their journeys.
I love reading stories filled with beautiful words and believe that children deserve them too. Like music and art, well-chosen words can evoke emotions that unite us all.
As a child, I loved creative writing and designing sketches on scraps of paper and along the margins of my notebooks. Some of my favorite memories include sitting beside my father in his wood shop/art studio where he created the most beautiful oil paintings of old barns and majestic ships. The warm earthy tones that he used strongly influence my art today and the scents of sawdust and turpentine leave me feeling nostalgic.
My picture book stories are a lyrically seasoned and intended to tug at readers' hearts. My mixed media illustrations include various combinations of oil, watercolor, digital, and collage.
I am a member of SCBWI New England and Storyteller Academy and work closely with my writing and illustration critique partners in developing my craft.
What I'm Working On
I am currently working closely with my illustration critique group in creating a new dummy for recently revised story with a theme of environmental stewardship and am working on early revisions of a recently drafted story with my picture book writing critique partners. I treasure the insightful ways the members of my critique groups challenge me to grow and tug a bit harder on readers' hearts.
One of my most recent picture book dummies is based on a story my father told me about his childhood encounters with a church fresco artist. Because most of the story takes place in a church, I chose to stylize my characters with heavy black lines like those found in stained glass windows while also ensuring that they are child-friendly. The dummy includes mostly monochromatic illustrations with lots of shadow as a metaphor for the loss and grief in which the main character finds himself. I experimented with fresco painting using Plaster of Paris and liquid tempera paints and photographed the process in order to include a fresco-making activity in my book. This experience left me with a true appreciation for those who work in this medium.
My newest picture book manuscript places a piece of nostalgic furniture at the center of its plot. The multimedia art includes digital design and collage with fabrics, textures, and items from my past (shown here).
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