Illustrators Born in July
See all our Birthday cards here!
Let’s celebrate some of our favorite artistic talents born in the month of July! From enchanting children's book illustrators to renowned Art Nouveau masters, this month brings us a diverse group of creative visionaries. Each of these remarkable artists showcased below has left an indelible mark on their respective fields, captivating audiences with their unique styles and imaginative storytelling. Let's delve into their unique contributions to the world of art and illustration!
Martin Provensen (July 10, 1916 - March 27, 1987) was a whimsical artist extraordinaire, renowned for his delightful contributions to children's literature. Alongside his wife Alice, the Provensens created enchanting illustrations that continue to spark joy in young readers. Their work for Little Golden Books transported children to imaginative worlds filled with vibrant characters and lively adventures. Martin Provensen's artistic legacy lives on through his ability to weave magic into every stroke of his brush, leaving a trail of laughter and wonder in the hearts of readers young and old!
The Color Kittens (1949) by Margaret Wise Brown is a classic Little Golden Book that follows two kittens, Hush and Brush, as they attempt to mix colors to create their favorite color. 💚
See our entire Little Golden Book Collection here!
Will H. Bradley (July 10, 1868 - January 25, 1962) was a trailblazing American artist and graphic designer. Recognized as one of the key figures in the Art Nouveau movement, Bradley's influential works left an indelible mark on the world of design. His most important works include iconic posters like The Chap-Book and The Inland Printer, which showcased his distinctive style characterized by intricate lines, bold typography, and organic forms. Bradley's artistic legacy lies in his pioneering approach to graphic design, combining elements of fine art and commercial aesthetics to create visually stunning and innovative compositions. His contributions continue to inspire and shape the field of graphic design, making him an enduring figure in artistic history.
The Chap-Book: The Twins (1894) has been called the first American Art Nouveau poster!
E.B. White (July 11, 1899 - October 1, 1985-1985) was an American author, renowned for his literary contributions and artistic endeavors. In addition to crafting beloved children's books like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, White made significant contributions to the world of journalism and humor through his work for The New Yorker. As a long-time contributor to the magazine, he penned witty and insightful essays, capturing the essence of American life with his unique perspective. White's collaboration with Laughing Elephant favorite, Garth Williams, on the illustrations for his classic books added a visual dimension to his enchanting tales, enhancing the reader's experience. With his literary achievements and enduring legacy, E.B. White remains an influential figure in both children's literature and the world of journalism!
“Ever since the spider had befriended him, he had done his best to live up to his reputation. When Charlotte’s web said SOME PIG, Wilbur had tried hard to look like some pig. When Charlotte’s web said TERRIFIC, Wilbur had tried to look terrific. And now that the web said RADIANT, he did everything possible to make himself glow.” – Charlotte’s Web (1952) by E.B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams.
Clement C. Moore (July 15, 1779 - July 10, 1863) was an American professor of biblical learning and author, best known for his timeless poem A Visit from St. Nicholas, also known as The Night Before Christmas. Born in New York, Moore's poem, first published anonymously in 1823, quickly became a beloved holiday tradition. His words vividly brought to life the magical tale of Santa Claus and his reindeer. Moore's legacy as an artist is primarily tied to this iconic poem, which has been cherished for generations. One notable adaptation of A Visit from St. Nicholas is its inclusion in the classic Little Golden Book series, ensuring that Moore's enchanting words continue to captivate young readers around the world!
From the The Night before Christmas (1949) illustrated by Corinne Malvern that we reproduced as a Christmas Greeting Card!
See our entire Little Golden Book Collection here!
Maria Louise Kirk (June 21, 1860 - June 21 1938), usually credited as M.L. Kirk, was an American illustrator and painter known for her enchanting artwork. Born in Pennsylvania, Kirk began her career as an artist in the late 19th century. She gained recognition for her illustrations in various children's books, including classics like
Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden. Kirk's delicate and whimsical style brought stories to life, capturing the imaginations of readers young and old. Her legacy as an artist lies in her contributions to children's literature, where her illustrations continue to inspire and delight generations of readers with their timeless charm and beauty.
From a 1904 adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, magically illustrated by M.L. Kirk!
See this image on a greeting card!
Authors note: we mistakenly filed M.L. Kirk’s birthday in July, when it’s actually in June! We’ll include her here this year so she gets her due and will celebrate her correctly next year.
Born Alfons Maria Mucha, Alphonse Mucha (July 24, 1860 - July 14, 1939) was a Czech Art Nouveau artist and designer who left a profound impact on the world of art. Born in Moravia (now the Czech Republic), Mucha's career flourished in Paris, where he became renowned for his iconic poster designs, such as the famous JOB cigarette advertisements. Mucha's art was characterized by intricate, decorative patterns, flowing lines, and ethereal female figures, often referred to as "Mucha women." Mucha's legacy as an artist lies in his significant contributions to the Art Nouveau movement, his masterful use of intricate details and flowing lines, and his enduring influence on graphic design and decorative arts.
There’s so much more to say about Mucha—check out our blog post dedicated solely to one of Laughing Elephant’s favorite artists!
See our entire Alphonse Mucha Collection here!
Maxfield Parrish (July 25, 1870 - March 30, 1966) was a renowned American artist and illustrator celebrated for his unique use of color, meticulous attention to detail, and idealized neo-classical scenes. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Parrish's career spanned five decades and was marked by tremendous success. His notable works include the iconic painting Daybreak (1922), which was declared by the National Museum of American Illustration as the most successful art print of the 20th century! His skill in combining elements of both realism and fantasy lending itself well to children’s book illustration as seen in Mother Goose in Prose and cemented his place among the leading artists of the Golden Age of Illustration.
This beautiful image first appeared on the cover of the Easter edition of Life Magazine on April 6, 1922!
See it as an Encouragement Greeting Card here!
Beatrix Potter (July 28, 1866 - December 22, 1943) was an English author, illustrator, and natural scientist, best known for her beloved children's books. Born in London, England, Potter's artistic talent blossomed from an early age, and she went on to create timeless characters including Peter Rabbit! Her charming illustrations and engaging storytelling brought the world of animals and nature to life for young readers. Beyond her artistic achievements, Potter's legacy extends to her significant contributions to conservation and land preservation. Her passion for the natural world led her to acquire and protect large portions of the Lake District in England, ensuring their preservation for generations to come. Potter's enduring characters and dedication to environmental stewardship continue to inspire and delight readers of all ages.
Here we see the character Hunca Munca with her babies, who sleep in a dolls' cradle, from Beatrix Potter's The Tale of Two Bad Mice (1904).
See it as a Baby Greeting Card here!
At Laughing Elephant, we take pride in honoring these July-born artists, and many other talented illustrators, by offering a delightful selection of birthday cards adorned with their enchanting illustrations! Celebrate your loved ones' special day with a touch of creativity and imagination, carrying forward the spirit of artistic expression that these illustrators have instilled in us. Explore our Birthday collection and find the perfect card to make their birthday truly memorable!
