Alice and Martin Provensen Paintings
American, 1918-2018
Alice Rose Provensen (née Twitchell; August 14, 1918[2] – April 23, 2018 and Martin Provensen (July 10, 1916 – March 27, 1987) were an American couple who illustrated more than 40 children's books together, 19 of which they also wrote and edited.[4] According to Alice, "we were a true collaboration. Martin and I really were one artist." Biographies
Their early lives were similar. Both were born in Chicago and moved to California when they were twelve.[5] Both received scholarships to the Art Institute of Chicago, and both attended the University of California, though at separate campuses. After college, Alice went to work with Walter Lantz Studio, the creators of Woody Woodpecker, and Martin took work with the Walt Disney Studio, where he collaborated on Pinocchio, Fantasia, and Dumbo.
The pair met in 1943 when Martin, working as a creator of training films for the American military, was assigned to the Walter Lantz Studio. They were married in 1944 and settled in Washington, D.C., where they worked on war-related projects. After the war, they moved to New York City where a friend helped them get their first job, illustrating The Fireside Book of Folk Songs.[5] They illustrated several Little Golden Books including The Color Kittens by Margaret Wise Brown (1949). In 1952, Tony the Tiger, designed by Martin, debuted as a Kellogg's mascot.
The Provensens were a runner-up for the 1982 Caldecott Medal as illustrators of A Visit to William Blake's Inn by Nancy Willard (who won the companion Newbery Medal). Two years later they won the Caldecott for The Glorious Flight, the story of aviator Louis Blériot, the first man to fly solo across the English Channel, which they also wrote.[6] The annual award by U.S. professional librarians recognizes the year's "most distinguished American picture book for children".[7] Eight of their books were named to The New York Times annual Ten Best Illustrated Books, including Our Animal Friends at Maple Hill Farm (1974) and An Owl and Three Pussycats (1981).[8] The couple were collaborative illustrators for Donald Waxman's "Pageants for Piano," a series of pedagogical primers.[9]
The couple lived for many years at Maple Hill Farm in Dutchess County, New York, which they portrayed in A Year at Maple Hill Farm (1978) as well as Our Animal Friends.[10] Martin died of a heart attack on March 27, 1987, in Staatsburg. Alice continued to live and work at Maple Hill Farm, publishing solo work such as The Buck Stops Here: the Presidents of the United States (1990) and My fellow Americans: a family album (1995), two presentations of people and events from American history (juvenile nonfiction).[10][11]Punch in New York, published in 1991, received several honors and is dedicated to her grandson, Sean.
After turning ninety, Alice moved to San Clemente, California, to live with her daughter, Karen Mitchell, and her family. Provensen continued working (an addition was added to her daughter's house for a studio) well into her nineties.[11] She died at age 99.[3] Booksto
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Artist: Alice and Martin Provensen
"The Glorious Flight - Across the Channel with Louis Bleriot" - Children's Book
By Alice and Martin Provensen
Located in Miami, FL
Study for "The Glorious Flight - Across the Channel with Louis Bleriot"; 1983; Gouache on Illustration Board; 14.5" x 13.75"; Signed Lower Right; Unframed.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alice Rose[1] Provensen (née Twitchell; August 14, 1918[2] – April 23, 2018[3]) and Martin Provensen...
Category
1980s American Modern Alice and Martin Provensen Paintings
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Young Maiden and Lion - "Beauty and the Beast" like Fairy Tale
By Alice and Martin Provensen
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Beauty and the Beast-like theme is realized in one side of this work by famed Childens Book illustrators Alice and Martin Provensen. Study for "The Pr...
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1970s Outsider Art Alice and Martin Provensen Paintings
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Ethiopians Shake Hands with Europeans
By Alice and Martin Provensen
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This deceptively naive painting was most likely done for a children's book. Upon close study, the viewer will recognize that this painting is anything but a child's effort. It's a g...
Category
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The Charge of the Light Brigade on Horses Lord Cardigan and Lord Lucan
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Located in Miami, FL
Elegantly painted in a charmingly warm style - Alfred Lord Tennyson's Charge of the Light Brigade (Golden; Paul Hamlyn, 1964) Signed by th...
Category
1960s Folk Art Alice and Martin Provensen Paintings
Materials
Gouache
Black Wolves Attack Two People Tied Up, Children's Books Illustration
By Alice and Martin Provensen
Located in Miami, FL
Alice and Martin Provensen were an American couple who illustrated more than 40 children's books together. In 1984, the won the Caldecott for The Glorious Flight, the story of aviator Louis Blériot...
Category
1960s Outsider Art Alice and Martin Provensen Paintings
Materials
Gouache, Board
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Alice And Martin Provensen paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Alice and Martin Provensen paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Alice and Martin Provensen in gouache, paint, watercolor and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the modern style. Not every interior allows for large Alice and Martin Provensen paintings, so small editions measuring 14 inches across are available. Alice and Martin Provensen paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $15,000 and tops out at $19,000, while the average work can sell for $18,000.