Hello! I am a children's book author-illustrator, fine artist and educator based in Chicago, Illinois. I create paintings , illustrations and stories inspired by science and the wonder of nature.
My illustrations and art are characterized by gestural marks, soft colors and a sense of light and atmosphere. Blurring the line between abstraction and realism, I have developed a painterly yet playful style. Subject matter might include closeups of animals, birds or small creatures.
I received a BFA in Painting from Washington University and a K-12 Certification in Art Education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I have taught art and mindfulness in various public and private schools, art centers, and museums for over 20 years. My paintings have been exhibited in galleries nationally and internationally.
A few years ago, I felt compelled to write and illustrate children’s books. This endeavor was a lifelong dream realized, the culmination of all of my experience as an artist, educator, and even mother. I have since joined SCBWI, 12 x 12, and Storyteller Academy, and have regularly participated in conferences and critique groups. Incorporating STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and SEL (social-emotional learning), my stories are lyrical and whimsical. My first book is titled KIEKEBOE, WAAR BEN IK? (Dutch release 2023) / HIDE AND SEEK (English release 2024), published by Clavis Books.
To view "The Great Pause," a video featuring artists working during the time of the coronavirus pandemic: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAMtnTdgoQE&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1WizoLoaQXsH2lake3XB9yoHRR2GGPgr-ORT2OfWRAXtcxl_f93QwVBas
To read an article about Molly in Mindful Word: www.themindfulword.org/2017/art-mindfulness-molly-cranch/
My illustrations and art are characterized by gestural marks, soft colors and a sense of light and atmosphere. Blurring the line between abstraction and realism, I have developed a painterly yet playful style. Subject matter might include closeups of animals, birds or small creatures.
I received a BFA in Painting from Washington University and a K-12 Certification in Art Education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I have taught art and mindfulness in various public and private schools, art centers, and museums for over 20 years. My paintings have been exhibited in galleries nationally and internationally.
A few years ago, I felt compelled to write and illustrate children’s books. This endeavor was a lifelong dream realized, the culmination of all of my experience as an artist, educator, and even mother. I have since joined SCBWI, 12 x 12, and Storyteller Academy, and have regularly participated in conferences and critique groups. Incorporating STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and SEL (social-emotional learning), my stories are lyrical and whimsical. My first book is titled KIEKEBOE, WAAR BEN IK? (Dutch release 2023) / HIDE AND SEEK (English release 2024), published by Clavis Books.
To view "The Great Pause," a video featuring artists working during the time of the coronavirus pandemic: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAMtnTdgoQE&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1WizoLoaQXsH2lake3XB9yoHRR2GGPgr-ORT2OfWRAXtcxl_f93QwVBas
To read an article about Molly in Mindful Word: www.themindfulword.org/2017/art-mindfulness-molly-cranch/