Is it odd that one of, if not my favorite, artists is an illustrator and author of children's books? Probably not, no. Peter Parnall draws sparse nature and wildlife images whose contrast of empty space and bright colors evoke a somewhat morose image of the relationships kids have to the trees, ocotillos, coyotes and barns that they grow up with. Calming, but a little melancholy. At least that's how I feel...Parnall's drawings have accompanied the poetry of Byrd Baylor (when the combination is best), stories he's written himself and the works of countless other authors. (Parnall also illustrated the first edition of Desert Solitaire, but that drawing is, well, not my favorite.) But whoever's writing the book, it's worth the buy if Mr. Parnall is providing the art. It is truly, for lack of a much better word, beautiful. I wish I could say more, but I think the images after the jump do a much better job.If you're looking for a place to start, The Desert Is Theirs is a Cold Splinters favorite.
