Lonely Bird — A series of illustrated books

by Ruth Whiting
image of Lonely Bird, a children's book painted by Ruth Whiting, shown here on top of a pallet of oil paint with the character Lonely Bird looking at the book

Lonely Bird is an epic tale about the triumphs and challenges of creativity. The charismatic heroine exists just on the edge of our world. She is a tiny drawn bird with the ability to melt into images, and turn household scraps into works of art. She is an accomplished artist, who is always watching and thinking. That is, until she starts making and goes on adventures.


Lonely Bird stands out against the sumptuous oil painted illustrations. The style might be best described as the vivid realism of a childhood memory. Perhaps she is more real than real. The simple lines of her body convey a wide range of emotions. Lonely Bird embodies the quiet joy of seeing the world a little differently and being driven to make art as a way of connecting with others.

Lonely Bird standing among tape scraps - this image is from her first book
an image of Lonely Bird looking at the pages of the second Lonely Bird Book called Lonely Bird's Dream by Ruth Whiting
Lonely Bird drawing a picture of a bee - painting in oil by Ruth Whiting from her book series Lonely Bird

The process behind each image is quite laborious. First the stories are sketched, out and words are jotted down. My team at Candlewick then helps me refine the story and get the composition of each page just right. When everything is set, I use the sketches as a guide to create photographs with the right level of detail so I can make the paintings. This is an almost cinematic process where tiny props are created and sourced. I have to scout locations and coordinate models so that I can get a photograph that gives me what I need. Sometimes I even have to composite multiple images together.


Once the photograph is captured I can start painting. Each oil painting is done on specially prepared paper and takes 2-4 weeks to complete. I love the task of painting and enjoy slowly building up the layers of paint to create luminous images. I think of these books as modern-day illuminated manuscripts. The process I use is informed by old master’s techniques of glazing and underpainting. This creates rich images that far outshine the photographs on which they are based.

 

Ruth Whiting is an artist and maker whose diverse works include, oil paintings, kites, kinetic sculptures and interactive installations. She has exhibited in museums, public spaces, and private galleries. Born in England to Australian parents, Ruth's travels and history are reflected in her art: the house Lonely Bird lives in is an echo of Ruth’s childhood lived across three continents. Ruth now lives in Florida with her husband, the artist and kite designer and frequent collaborator Tim Elverston, and their son.
Three lonely bird books on a shelf with the third one still wrapped up and mysterious - The Lonely Bird series of books by Ruth Whiting

Buy Lonely Bird

Awards:

Buy Lonely Bird's Dream

Awards:

 

Follow Ruth on instagram for news about
Lonely Bird

Buying Lonely Bird in countries other than the USA:

Netherlands: bol.com

Australia: Walker Books

All other countries search Lonely Bird Books on amazon

Cut out your own Lonely Birds!

Cut out your own Lonely Birds

Download and print this Lonely Bird pdf
with original drawings by Ruth Whiting.

 

Exclusive — Lonely Bird — Behind the scenes process video

For future literary works, please contact my agent, Jessica Saint Jean.

The Lonely Bird series is represented by Jill Grinberg Literary Management. For foreign and film rights please contact Jill Grinberg.

You can see my illustration portfolio on Root Literary website.

The Lonely Bird Series is published by Candlewick Press in the United States, and Walker Books in Australia. Please contact my publishers if you would like to reproduce any part of the books.

For questions about booking me for interviews, events or school visits.
Please contact my publicist Rachel Kirby.
 

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