Robert Byrd (artist) facts for kids
Robert John Byrd (born January 11, 1942) is an American author and illustrator. He is from Haddonfield, New Jersey. He is known for creating beautiful picture books for children.
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Robert Byrd's Early Life and Learning
Robert Byrd was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey. After finishing high school in 1961, he joined the U.S. Navy. He left the Navy in 1962 to go to Trenton Junior College. After a year there, he decided to study art. He went to the Philadelphia College of Art, which is now called the University of the Arts.
Robert Byrd's Amazing Books
Robert Byrd has written and illustrated five of his own picture books. One of his famous books is Leonardo, Beautiful Dreamer. This book tells the story of the life and work of the famous artist, Leonardo da Vinci.
Byrd once said about his work: "I always drew as a child, but oddly enough never thought of it as a profession, or what you did when you grew up. Out of all my creative work, illustrating children's books gives me the greatest satisfaction. It is my 'fine art'. It keeps me going aesthetically. The books have a permanence and a quality of something meaningful."
He has also drawn pictures for at least sixteen other authors' books. Some of these authors include Jack Stokes, Robert Kraus, Bruce Kraus, Laura Amy Schlitz, Kathleen Krull, Marilyn Jager Adams, and Paula Fox.
Awards and Exhibitions
Robert Byrd's artwork has been shown in many places. These include the Society of Illustrators and the Philadelphia Art Alliance. His art has also been displayed in Switzerland, Italy, and Illinois. You can find his work in the permanent collections at the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia College of Art.
He has won the Golden Kite Award for his work. He has also received other special honors from the Children's Book Council and the Society of Illustrators.
Teaching and Professional Groups
Robert Byrd is a member of several important art groups. These include the Graphic Artists Guild and the Philadelphia Children's Reading Round Table. He is also part of the Philadelphia College of Art Alumni Association.
He shares his knowledge by teaching. He teaches Children's Book Illustration at the University of the Arts and Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia.
