@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 was enrolled in writing and illustration courses through Storyteller Academy during the past three years. I work closely with my writing and illustration critique partners in developing my craft.
What I'm Working On
Illustratively, I am designing a few fresco illustrations for my historical fiction picture book dummy based on how my father's childhood grief was aided through his encounters with a famous fresco artist. The research I conducted for this story and the experience of viewing the artist's masterpieces, during several tours of the story's actual setting, left me with a true appreciation of his work and the medium.
Once that dummy is complete, I look forward to making revisions to another one of my picture book dummies that places a piece of nostalgic furniture from my childhood 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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