Artist's Bio

 

Whether hammocking in Brazil, exploring in Hong Kong, dodging taxis in Russia, studying art in Europe, dancing in Jamaica, or raising kids in Port Townsend, Washington, Jesse connects with people. He loves both the differences and the similarities that are so colorfully displayed across our diverse world. Jesse's passion and appreciation of people is voiced through his brush and on his canvas.

His illustrations have been featured in magazines, art publications, CD covers and children's books.

Jesse has illustrated the NY Times Bestselling Hank Zipzer series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver, the Ziggy and the Black Dinosaurs series by Sharon Draper and These Things I Wish by Lee Pitts. Jesse's most recent book is Chess Rumble by G. Neri with Lee and Low Books. He is currently working on writing and illustrating several other picture books.

visit my BLOG to read my mind

Jesse's artwork has been displayed in galleries, cafes, clubs and one museum. He is proud to have shown at the Society of Illustrators Gallery in New York, in which two pieces won Honorable Mention during juried contests. He has been awarded Grand Prize Winner in 2005 and finalist in 2006 at the international Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators New York Showcase, juried by art directors from several major publishing houses.

Jesse lives with his wife, Mariah, and their boys in Port Townsend, Washington. In addition to writing and illustrating books, exhibiting fine art (including, at the Watson gallery), and teaching art to kids, Jesse is infatuated with growing bamboo and surfs the chilly NW waters as often as he can.

P.S. Jesse was recently named as one of the Hottest Men of Children's Literature by School Library Journal (SLJ November 2007 issue as well as SLJ's Fuse #8 Blog).

Jesse and Greg Neri, Chess Rumble's author, have been appointed the Double Whammy of Hotness edition #1. But don't worry, Mariah is doing her best to keep him from getting a big head.

 

BOOKS