Molly Cranch is a children's book author-illustrator, fine artist and educator.
Her stories and imagery is inspired by small moments in nature, such as a mother bird caring for her young, a butterfly touching down on a branch, or a seed pod unraveling. Her style of painting and illustration is characterized by broad shapes, gestural marks, soft colors, and a sense of light and atmosphere. Working in acrylic on canvas, digital illustration and children's books, her hope is to convey a sense of quiet contemplation and connection through nature.
Molly received her BFA in painting from Washington University in St. Louis and a K-12 certificate in art education from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Alongside her endeavors as a professional artist, she has taught art and yoga in public schools, museums and art centers for over 20 years. She illustrated her first children's book titled "Little Seed's Journey," and is currently writing and illustrating two more picture books. Her paintings can be seen in various galleries at the local, national and international level.