Bio:

I grew up on a subsistence farm in what was then the outskirts of Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1973 I fulfilled a lifelong dream and moved to Alaska, where I was able to see for myself the land and wildlife I'd drawn and painted from photographs throughout my adolescence. I met and married Susi, a lifelong Alaskan, and began spending more and more time creating art inspired by this great place in which we live. I worked for twenty years as a part-time graphic artist for the state of Alaska, but kayaking, hiking, camping, and painting remained (and still remains) my passion. I teach after-school art classes to children in a couple housing projects in town, but spend most of my time painting and illustrating.

I have exhibited etchings and stone lithographs, watercolors and pen and ink drawings, but I now primarily do acrylic plein air work. I execute most of the work in the field, under all kinds of weather conditions, and spend my time in the studio building on that foundation.

Illustrations are different. Most of the work is studio work and research. I like the idea of planning my work schedule so that I'm working in the studio during the winter months in more inclement weather. Of course, it doesn't always happen that way! Some of the pleasure in illustrating is being inspired by a writer's words, finding ways to honor their work and still do my own creating. That kind of collaboration is a nice balance to the solitary nature of my exhibit work.

I have illustrated a dozen children's books, including several of my wife Susi's books. Several of the books are with Greenwillow, but I have also done books for Boyds Mills, Roberts Rinehart, and educational publishers, and many years ago did several illustrations for HIGHLIGHTS FOR CHILDREN.

Susi and I received Christopher medals in 1995 for our collaboration I'LL SEE YOU WHEN THE MOON IS FULL which was also included in the New York TImes PARENT'S GUIDE TO THE BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN.

Our daughters are grown, and we have two grandchildren who, happily for us, live in Juneau with their mother. Our other daughter lives in New York.

Illustrator
PAL
Member since 1988
Region: Alaska

Contact Information

Website:  http://www.jimfowler.us

Published In Children's Market: Yes
Available for Speaking Engagements? Yes