The Wonderful Art of Tasha Tudor

Our next artist has a family-run website to add to our inspirational examples of combining illustration techniques with storytelling. Tasha Tudor specialized in children's literature and poetry. Tasha (Natasha) Tudor lived from August 28, 1915, to June 18, 2008. From World War I to the beginning of the cell phone era, this remarkable author/illustrator participated in the world of modern publishing with images reminiscent of bygone days. 

Tasha Tudor in the fall garden

The daily life of Tasha Tudor included spinning wheels, herb gardens, flowering trees, doll houses, puppets on strings, and home-stitched, elegant gowns. It was said she lived one hundred years in the past with her antiquated lifestyle, but she sincerely enjoyed keeping the older traditions alive. The wooden furniture, the ironed dresses, the rich, farm settings, and the furry animals inspired much of her work. She left for us all a legacy of beautiful and nostalgic images. Her drawings and paintings continue to delight each generation.  

Tasha Tudor's home in Vermont

Tasha Tudor lived by toting water with a neck yoke, cooking on a temperamental wood stove, and illustrating her books in a tiny corner of your home built by hand by her son. She was surrounded by paints, brushes, parrots, and her one-eyed cat who slept in a crockery bowl. She was famous for her love of birds and Welch corgis. Tasha wanted nothing more that to grow a marvelous garden, rich with spring bulbs, and to illustrate children's books on a remote farm in New England. She pursued her childhood ambitions successfully, first settling in New Hampshire and later Vermont. She illustrated nearly 100 books during her lifetime and received numerous awards for your contributions to literature for young readers. Here is one of my personal favorites: Tasha Tudor's Favorite Stories. 

Tasha was a remarkable gardener. She was often photographed working barefoot in her rock wall sanctuary amidst tulips, daffodils, and blooming pear trees. One of my most beloved books from childhood was The Secret Garden by Frances H. Burnett illustrated by Tasha Tudor. Here is an illustration from that treasure. Notice the artist's tiny details, especially flowers, facial features, and clothing. Tudor was able to capture a setting with charm and warmth. She was also a very skilled draftswoman in pencil and charcoal as well as watercolor. To visit her website, see the address below. 

The Secret Garden illustrated by Tasha Tudor

http://tashatudorandfamily.com