Page 47 - Reader's House Magazine Issue 48

Pam Rice’s painting books are a delightful exploration of color and creativity. Her step-by-step guides are perfect for both
beginners and experienced artists, offering clear instructions and inspiring projects. The vibrant illustrations and practical tips make these books a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their painting skills and artistic expression.
Your book The Painting Speaks includes contributions from internationally celebrated ar- tists. What was the collabora- tive process like for this book, and how did it enrich the story of a young girl discovering her love for art?
background gave me the
skills to create self-published, professional-looking books. Early on, I focused on publications like magazines and annual reports
and other fields of design. Later,
I illustrated and produced books for other authors, however my strength was in visual arts more than writing.
When The Brown Bird Flies re- counts the early childhood ex- periences of Tuskegee Airman pilot Jack Lyle. How did you approach blending historical elements with storytelling to create a narrative that is both educational and engaging for children?
Most of my stories come from childhood memories. Jack Lyle, a close friend with an interesting life, inspired this story. I told this story in a way kids would understand, using experiences they may have at the age of the character. Using real stories makes it easier to create content children can grasp.
Growing up in a family with an artist, how did your father’s career in design impact your own journey as a writer and illustrator? What specific lessons or inspirations did you draw from them?
Although I was just four when my father passed, my mother nurtured my artistic skills by teaching me to use materials, buying supplies, and enrolling me in classes and home-study courses.
Your illustrative style has deve- loped uniquely over the years. Can you share some insights
into how your style has evol- ved and what influences have shaped it?
I believe artists develop
their style by studying others, trying different mediums, and pushing boundaries. When I
have a concept for a book, I see characters, settings, textures, and backgrounds. The visuals and text grow together, with the story often told first through images; also ensuring a good story arc. The graphics and illustrations shape the book’s look and overall presentation. The illustrations do vary depending on the target age. Kids are drawn to the visuals, often focusing on images before the text.
As someone who has tau-
ght and lectured at various institutions, what advice do you give to aspiring children’s book authors and illustrators about finding their voice and developing their craft?
My inspiration comes from childhood stories and memories. My advice: make the story clear with an inspiring message; be concise (not too simple or trite) and don’t underestimate any child’s capabilities to understand; limit text per page for certain
age groups; a good story arc;
and budget for a good illustrator. Do not be discouraged by not immediately being accepted by
a publisher; self-publishing will give satisfaction and motivation of seeing your story in print.
Pam Rice masterfully combines art and storytelling, inspiring young minds with her vibrant, educational, and culturally rich children’s books.
in touch. I admired St. James’ work. The United States Postal Service chose one of her pieces for the first Kwanzaa stamp. Her colorful, graphic style fit the book perfectly.
For a Mazda commercial, I used a piece from Evita Tezeno’s collages in my pitch. Tezeno’s style matched the message well. The cover of ‘The Painting Speaks’
I wanted to work with artists I was familiar with. Synthia St. James and I were showing art at the same gallery and kept
features one of Tezeno’s earlier pieces.
I sought a male artist working in pencil, and Clyde D. Lewis’ work suited this story. I asked the artists to describe their pieces briefly, which became the history lesson ‘Leslie’ learned at the gallery.
You’ve released 24 children’s books since 2015. How has your experience in advertising, graphic design, and visual communications influenced your approach to writing and illustrating children’s books?
I inherited her talent from my father. ‘The Billy Goat in The Rose Garden’ is a book I wrote and illustrated while in the second grade.
My advertising and design
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