Sean Cassidy

Readings

Sean's sessions are fun, educational and interactive and they are tailored to the age of the group. Students and teachers will learn skills that they can use in their own work. Sean always brings his sketch books, rough drawings and finished paintings. A normal presentation will be between 60 and 75 minutes in length.

Typically, after talking about how picture books get written, illustrated and printed, Sean does some drawing with the children. For Grades 1, 2, 3 and 4, Sean does a drawing lesson that shows children how to create different expressions on a character. In the older grades, students will learn how to create bodies as well as expressions. Everyone will learn simple skills upon which they can build. Teachers frequently tell Sean that their students return to class and ask to continue exploring what they have just learned.

Sean can also do lessons on body proportions, environments and perspective (suitable for Grades 7 and up). He is flexible and open to working with teachers and librarians to focus on areas they'd like him to cover with their students.

Special Equipment:

Flip chart, whiteboard or blackboard for me; pencils and paper for participants.

Book Sales:

Copies of books can be brought to be sold and autographed, if requested.

Workshops

Workshops are designed to meet the needs of different classes and levels. Sean will deliver a complete class, including handouts, on any of the following topics: developing characters, translating words into pictures, perspective drawing, isometric drawing, drawing people without a model, writing and illustrating picture books. Sean will bring his sketch books and paintings for the class to view.

Special Equipment:

Flip chart, whiteboard or blackboard for me; pencils and paper for participants.

Book Sales:

Copies of books can be brought to be sold and autographed, if requested.

Biography

Sean Cassidy was born and raised in Montreal. His parents kept him well fed and clothed, so, unavoidably, he grew, went to school and discovered that learning was fun. When Sean was in Grade 4, his older brother brought home a small tattered book on “How To Draw”, which he had traded for two Superman comics. Sean was forbidden to touch this book — along with everything else his brother owned. Naturally, whenever his brother went out to play baseball, Sean opened the book. He discovered that one could actually learn to draw, and he learned to draw eyes and mouths. But mostly, he spent his time copying cartoons from Mad magazine and Disney comics. Art was not taught in his high school, so after receiving two degrees and becoming a teacher, he started taking Fine Arts classes. Before settling in Orangeville, Ontario, where Sean continued teaching, he travelled extensively throughout North America and Europe studying Art, Architecture and History. For the last eighteen years, he has taught Art, Illustration and Media in secondary school. Sean recently left teaching in order to devote more time to writing and illustrating books.

Sean's books have garnered many awards: Ruth Schwartz Children’s Book Award, Mr. Christie’s Book Award (Gold), Mr. Christie’s Book Award (Silver), three Blue Spruce selections, Shining Willow selection, Chocolate Lily selection.

Sean relaxes by reading mysteries and history, watching Jeopardy and playing his guitar. He’d like to be a good blues player, but there just doesn’t seem to be enough time in this life.

OTHER PRESENTATIONS:
Librarians and Primary teachers: Over the last hundred years, picture books have developed into a unique medium. They are essential to every literacy programme. Join Sean on a romp through the elements of writing and illustrating picture books. Learn the difference between good and poor picture books. Leave with lots of ideas for increasing visual literacy.

Secondary English and Librarians: "Writing Picture Books" The text of a picture book is very different from other narratives. Sean will cover everything from writing the story, balancing the text, and leaving room for the illustrator. He will cover major mistakes that beginning authors make, what publishers are looking for, and give tips on submitting your work to a publisher.

Secondary Visual Arts: "Illustrating Picture Books" Using his own work as examples, Sean will take you through the process of interpreting the text, working in a sketch book, creating story boards, and creating dummy books. He will cover every step from the sketch book to the roughs to the final art. You will also learn about the different parts of a story book as well as how to balance your art across the length of the book.

Fees: $500.00 for half day (2.5 hours); $800.00 for full day (5 hours) (no GST). Mileage and accommodation required for locations more than 150 km from Orangeville.