September 29, 2008 - Giovannina Colalillo created 32 illustrations for the "Teach Me Torah" book series, for Behrman House Publishers. Check it out here, here and here!

September 4, 2008 - Toronto Illustrator, Anne Stanley is showing her work at the 13th Annual SpeakEasy Illustration show at Toronto's Gladstone Hotel. Check it out from 8pm - midnight, September 4th at 1214 Queen W., 2nd Fl Lobby & Studio Rooms. Pay what you can ($4 suggested donation).

March 15, 2008 - Congratulations to Toronto Illustrator, Patricia Storms, who just let us know that she was the winning artist in the Toronto Public Library's search for this year's TD Summer Reading Club illustator. We are proud to have been able to offer this opportunity to our illustrators, and even prouder that Patricia earned it! Great work!

October 16, 2007- Check out the newest Gallery, "Fall Fare". Fantastic submissions from around the world!

August, 25, 2007 - JOB POSTING! Toronto Public Library (pdf)

June 27, 7pm, 2007- Contracts & Negotiation for Illustrators, CAPIC Event. How to get the best terms and payment for your work.

May 21, 2007 - Welcome to our newest member, Kinga Zak!

May 20, 2007 - Toronto Illustrators has launched a brand new blog! Members will post to their heart's content... stay tuned!

May 9, 2007 - Check out our latest Gallery "Spring in Your Step". Thank you to all who participated with some beautiful work!

May 9, 2007 - Welcome to new member Marshall Robinson. Have a look at his great work now!

April 15, 2007 - Welcome to our 2 newest members, Richard De Wolfe and Charlene Chua. Be sure to check out their excellent work!

November 26, 2006 - Our latest Gallery "Music" is here! Check out submissions from some great international artists. Thanks to Giovannina for organizing the Gallery and to everyone who participated!

June 25, 2006 - Giovannina Colalillo has won a Gold award for the Holiday Inn illustration and a Merit for Stretching and injuries, Tell me where it hurts and Sleepiness Illustration from Portfolios.com.

April 11, 2006 - Giovannina Colalillo is proud to announce the unveiling of her new portfolio website, Giovannina.com. Be sure to check out her vibrant work!

January 25, 2006 - Amy De Wolfe's artwork is now available as selected prints through Posterlounge.de. Shop now!

November 20, 2005 - The latest Gallery "Winter Activities" is here! Check out submissions from some great international illustrators. Thanks to all who participated!

November 11, 2005 - Toronto Illustrator Giovannina Colalillo has donated art work for the AIGA Arizona Art Auction. A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the art programs of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center’s new Campus for Exceptional Children, as well as AIGA Arizona’s student and professional programming.

October 10, 2005 - Toronto Illustrators welcomes new members, Giovannina Colalillo and Veronica Mackereth to the site. Be sure to check out their pages on the site!

September, 2005 - Selected images by Amy De Wolfe are now available through Workhorse Wireless for your cell phone wallpaper.

Monday, February 7, 2005 - Toronto Illustrator, Bogdan Luca, is proud to announce his participation in a new show at Whippersnapper Gallery, 184 Front St. E., Toronto. The grand opening is on February 23rd, with the doors opening at 7:00 pm. Contact Whippersnapper Gallery for more information!

Wednesday, October 27, 2004 - Toronto Illustrator, Bogdan Luca, is proud to announce the launch of the new website for "Artists 25 - NonProfit Art Studio". Bogdan not only administers the site for this Toronto-based, open studio for painting and drawing from the model, he also generously made the new site possible. Definitely worth checking out on the web and in person!

Friday, October 1, 2004 - The second "Gallery" is now online! Fall is coming into full swing. Take a look to see what Fall brings to mind for our talented participating artists from around the world!

Tuesday, September 7, 2004 - It's that time again! That's right, it's time to send in your entries for our next Toronto Illustrators Gallery installation. The topic is "Fall" and entries are due by September 30th and are open to artists from all over the world. Click the link for further information.

Thursday, August 5, 2004 - Talented artist, Antony Hare, has launched the RSVP site for his upcoming, debut art show. Opening night is September 8th, 2004, at 6pm at downtown Toronto's bistro, "Brassaii". Pass it on, and hope to see you there!

August 2, 2005 - Amy De Wolfe's imges are now available for your cell phone at Workhorse Wireless.

August 1, 2004 - I am interviewed about my work as the showcase artist at Martini Lounge.

July 2004 - Toronto Illustrator, Patricia Storms, began an 8-month contract job to illustrate greeting cards for American Greetings. We can't wait to see them Patricia!

Saturday, May 22, 2004 - The first "Gallery" is now posted! Bathing Suit Season is just around the corner and artists from around the world have submitted their take on the season.

Spring 2004 - Toronto Illustrator, Patricia Storms, illustrated her first children's book, entitled "Fifty Little Penguins"; written by Jack Booth and published by Harcourt Canada / Rubicon Publishing. Congratulations Patricia!

Wednesday, April 28, 2004 - The first "Gallery" topic has been chosen. Submit your art on the theme of "Bathing-Suit Season" by Friday, May 21st. Head here for the details.

Monday, April 12, 2004 - Welcome to the launch of Toronto Illustrators!

 

 

John Mantha

John Mantha

Website: www.johnmantha.com
Email:
phone: 416.778.5089

John Mantha is a Toronto-based artist and illustrator. He has illustrated 24 books and has designed coins for the Royal Canadian Mint.

He works in oils and oil-wash and also photoshop for spot illustrations. His style is realistic in nature with an emphasis on texture.

1. When did you start illustrating (for clients professionally?)

I worked for small advertising agencies doing illustration for a year or so before starting out on my own in 1984.

2. Who are your biggest influences?

I can't name one person but I occasionally come across an illustration that I find impressive and that motivates me. It could be a children's book illustration or a serious magazine piece. The variety of styles out there is amazing.

3. What is your work process?

I gather as much reference as possible initially. I am able to do most of it online but I still go to the Toronto reference Library from time to time. Since my still is realistic in nature, I need solid reference, so I have photographed myself in the act of chopping wood, throwing spears, climbing trees etc. I start off with pencil sketches, scan them and then embellish them in Photoshop before sending them to the client. The final work is done in oils, or oil wash and also photoshop for specific pieces.

4. What would you name as the biggest strength of your illustrations?

I would like to think, my ability to capture light and shade. The first thing I consider is where the light will be coming from.

5. Do you have any formal education in art?

I graduated from the Ontario College of Art, now called OCAD.

6. Where do you see the future of illustration?

It's difficult to say where the future lies. I see the ability to draw with pencil on paper becoming a rare talent. What is rare, often becomes valued and appreciated.

7. If you could offer one piece of advice to someone considering a career in illustration, what would it be?

It is important to develop a style of your own.

8. Last words?

The aspect I enjoy most about illustrating is collaborating with others and bringing our combined ideas from a few simple sketches to a finished piece.

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