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A detail from the art of the book Spirit seeker illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez. A painting of a young man leaning against an instrument with a biplane flying past him in impressionistic hues of red, green, and orange. Above, purple figures dance onto the page in a curved line.

Illustration Everywhere! With Guest Contributor Rudy Gutierrez

The award-winning illustrator shows #MetKids the many ways we can use our art and the many places our art can appear.

My name is Rudy Gutierrez and I am an artist. I’d like to show you how some of my paintings have been used and seen all over the world: as illustrations in children’s books, in magazines, on album covers, and on murals. My art has also illustrated guitars, clothing, and appeared in movies, store windows, and museums! Sometimes I will make art for one purpose, like a painting for a children’s book or a music album cover, and then it will get used for other things!

#1 Children's Book!

Spirit Seeker: John Coltrane's Musical Journey

This art was done for a children’s book about the life of the famous and great jazz musician John Coltrane, titled Spirit Seeker: John Coltrane's Musical Journey. It was written by the author Gary Golio and illustrated by me.

John Coltrane

A children's book

Later, the art for the children’s book was used in a film called Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary. My painting appeared on the movie poster, as well as the covers for the movie's DVD, CD, and music soundtrack!

The art was used in a movie

Then some of the art travelled to a museum

Many people went to view the work!

CD cover art

#3 Building a Mural! The Sketch

A company called Western Union asked us to make a mural, art painted on an outdoor wall. Here's how I did it. First I made my drawing or sketch!

Mural sketch

Then it was time to paint!

Two close up drawings show a hand filling in the mural sketch with a fine brush. Above the photos, the word "painting" appears in crayon.

MURAL

The finished painting was made into a print, which went onto the outside of the building and become a mural.

Finished mural

Many people went to see it and celebrated with balloons and music!

People celebrating, looking at the mural

Draw some ideas

All images courtesy of Rudy Gutierrez

Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies


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Rudy Gutierrez

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