Juana Martinez-Neal
All images © Juana Martinez-Neal. Do not repost without permission.
Juana Martinez-Neal’s work makes me want to jump inside the pages of the book. I want to dance, fly and swim alongside her beautifully illustrated characters. Born in Lima, Peru Juana has been an illustrator since the age of 16 and comes from a family of artists. What I love the most? Her multi-cultural approach. Take a look at “Abuelita”. Is she not perfect? She reminds me of my grandmother. I can almost hear her voice and smell the aroma of food swirling around la cocina. I love when an artist can take me back home.
To see more work, Juana has a beautiful site and a fun blog. She’s also on Facebook and Twitter.
Have a wonderful weekend!
(“Poppy” from picture-book “Poppy’s Best Day Ever” published by Nestle Latino, “Oh, diver!” from upcoming picture-book “Dana’s Trip” published by Kalimat, “Kiss Good Night” from upcoming picture-book “The Night Before My Birthday Book” written by Joni Rubinstein)
These illustrations are so beautiful! Juana really is talented!
Thank you all SO very much for your kind comments and to Rachel for writing this post. Reading your comments make me feel that I may be doing something right.
I look forward to talking to you all via twitter, fb and here. Gracias!
Thank you for introducing me to Juana’s work. I love the flow, energy, and vibrancy! I’m crazy about her use of color, not just her palettes, but as you mention, her choice of characters from different backgrounds. These choices make a deep, resonating impact on art and life.
Ay!!! How have I never seen her before! I love, love, love her!
Thank you for the introduction. I am going to go stalk her on Twitter now…
I absolutely love her work!! If I ever write a children’s book, she’ll be the first person I go to. Her illustrations are warm and beautiful!
The portraits are so sweet and well done. Reminds me of a lot of the paintings in the Dominican Republic. Same vibratant colors and innocence…
I love Juana and her work! I want to jump inside the illustrations too!
Yes! Love Juana Martinez..she is one my favorite people to follow on instagram!!!
WOW! I love her work and I already I have my eye on the birthday book coming out this Fall. Juana Martinez has a new fan! Thank you for the introduction :)
Juana’s art is absolutely stunning! I love her use of colour and sense for great compositions!
I absolutely LOVE the birdie illustration. So whimsical and happy!