A Chat with the Artist of 'Portrait of the Son'

Barb Szyszkiewicz interviews Ted Schluenderfritz, the illustrator of a new picture book by Josephine Nobisso.

Josephine Nobisso's new picture book, Portrait of the Son, promises to draw families into conversation not only about the story but also about the illustrations. The father in the story is an art collector, who has filled his home with masterpieces, both paintings and sculpture. When his son was a young child, the father would teach him all about the art in his collection, and as the son grew up, they would generously bring in visitors, who were always welcomed and helped. The son was "filled with the spirit of giving" and "no one who knocked at the door was left unaided."

Portrait of the Son book cover

This picture book isn't really for the preschool set, though the story is simply told. The story is an allegory, so it's best for children around ages 7 to 10, and would make an excellent classroom read. There is a lot to discuss as parents guide their children through the symbolism in the story; the back of the book jacket offers insight into each character as well as the meaning behind some of the choices of art displayed in the book.

The incredible detail in the illustrations supports the story and offers a peek at masterpieces of art throughout history. Portrait of the Son is a picture book that belongs in the art room as well as the library.

When a picture book is not only beautifully illustrated but totally centered on the art, a book review wouldn't be complete without a conversation with the artist. Catholic illustrator Ted Schluenderfritz offered some insight into how he created the art for this book.

What was the most challenging aspect of illustrating this book?

This is my most complex work to date. There were so many pieces of artwork that I would have liked to put in the father's art collection. I had to balance between wanting to spend time copying beautiful artwork and getting the book done.

portrait of the son interior 1

The art looks like paintings. Was any of it created digitally?

I started each spread as a traditionally created artwork using colored pencil and acrylic inks. Once I got to a certain point I brought it into the computer to finish. So each spread is anywhere between 50 to 90% traditional media. I've been working on getting closer and closer to finishing 100% traditional media because I like the idea of the painting as a physical object rather than something that just exists digitally.

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A picture book that belongs in the art room as well as the library. #catholicmom

Tell us about some other projects you've worked on.

I've just finished illustration the fourth book in the Old and New Series written by Maura McKeegan. Tim Drake and I collaborated on The Attic Saint, released in 2019. Currently, I have three children's books in progress.

Is your work primarily publications for children?

I'm the art director of Living Faith Kids and Gilbert Magazine and design book covers for various publishers in addition to my illustration work for children.

Learn more about Ted Schluenderfritz's work at 5Sparrows.com and follow him on Instagram.

Portrait of the Son will be available November 15, 2021, from Gingerbread House Publishing.

Copyright 2021 Barb Szyszkiewicz
Images (from top): Canva Pro; all others courtesy of Ted Schluenderfritz.
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