Author-Illustrator, Artist, and Educator
Nature is a place of refuge and a source of delight and wonder, and I explore this connection through my work. This connection carries through in my work as both a children’s book author-illustrator and fine artist. 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. Furthermore, my paintings have been exhibited in galleries nationally and internationally. In particular, my series of small acrylic on canvas paintings of birds can be found in my etsy shop and in various retail locations.
Over the last few years I have been writing and illustrating children's book, an endeavor which I believe brings together all my experience as an educator and fine artist. A member of SCBWI, 12 x 12, and Storyteller Academy, as well as a participant in conferences and critique groups, I am always developing my craft. Incorporating STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and SEL (social-emotional learning), my stories are lyrical and whimsical, I am excited to be publishing my first picture book with Clavis Books in 2023.
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/