This week we have author/illustrator Roger Roth with us. He comes from a creative family, where his great uncle painted sets for the New York theater at the turn of the century, his mother went to art school (she later became an elementary school teacher) and his dad was a writer. He’s been interested in art since he was young, and actually, by 1st grade kids were paying him to draw their portraits! When he was 15, his parents sent him to Saturday art classes at the Philadelphia College of Art (now called University of the Arts) and he studied under Milton Feldman. Roger says this was very important to his development as an artist and when he published his first children’s book (The Giraffe That Walked to Paris), he dedicated it to him.
When he is not working on a children’s book, visiting a school, or doing an editorial illustration, you can find him at the University of the Arts, where he is a senior lecturer in the illustration department.
His wife Darlene, is a writer and editor, and they worked together on Star of the Week. It’s a story about a girl who resembles their wonderful daughter, Eden and inspired by her story. Roger, Darlene, Eden, and their dogs, Dobo and Drizzle live outside of Philadelphia.
Roger graduated from Pratt University in 1980, with a degree in fine art and has been a working artist ever since. He’s done everything from painting murals in restaurants to illustrating a column in the New York Times (He did that for 4 years). He’s been illustrating children’s books since 1982.
He has written and illustrated two children’s books, both came from real life experiences. He used to work as a sign painter, and the man who owned the company, Clarence, was the inspiration for The Sign Painter’s Dream. He loves to go ice fishing with his friends, Chris, Ed and Rick, so that theme turned up in Fishing for Methuselah.
His editorial work has appeared in many publications, including the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and Barron’s and he has also done a lot of work for advertising agencies.
Over the years, his work has drawn a lot of positive attention. His editorial work has been selected for the Best of Newspaper Design Annual, the International Graphic Annual of Advertising and Editorial Graphics
Thanks so much, Kathy, for this opportunity. Your blog is amazing!
Roger Roth & Darlene Friedman
Like the very best illustrators, what stands out in Roger’s illustrations is how much thought and detail he puts into his work. His drawings can virtually tell the story without any words. Great interview, too.
I love the movement in these illustrations…incredible work!
Great article, thank-you! Like Roger I have nothing against today’s technology, however the media I prefer is hand drawn and colored. The art work is beautifully rendered and it is refreshing to see the artists “hand”. I
enjoyed reading about Roger and his process as well as seeing so much of his exquisite work, especially the sketches. Well done Kathy!
Wow. Roger’s work is just incredible. And you were able to share so much with us. What a treat! Thanks.
I have a few of Roger’s books and have always loved his technique. It was enjoyable to see his process. Beautiful drawings!
Roger’s work in incredible. Every time I want to stop drawing, his work inspires me to do something new.
Great post. I had the pleasure of taking courses with Roger as my professor at Uarts. His work is inspiring and engaging!
Great article such beautiful artwork by Roger so great to see the process!!
Joanne,
I am always amazed at all the talent out there. The competition is steep. Glad you stopped by and left a message for another illustrator.
Kathy
Jaz,
You’re right his work is incredible and I am glad you are using it as inspiration.
Kathy