The Story
Behind the Illustrations

Paula has been painting since she was a little girl. She turned her love of painting into a career. She took oil and watercolor lessons from well-known artists from her hometown area like Mary Kocher, Bill Wentz and Liza Buck Goldstein. She also studied art at Northampton County Community College. She currently shares her love of art with her community by teaching at a private school, at the local library, and at private paint and sip parties. She also sells her own hand painted note cards and original paintings.

But, there was still something more that Paula wanted to accomplish. She had a lifelong dream to illustrate a children's book, and was starting to worry it wouldn't happen. That is, until her friend, Alicia, asked her to help bring Tad’s story to life. 

Paula hopped at the chance—pun intended.

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Every illustration in this story is an original, hand-painted piece of art. It took Paula countless hours at the kitchen table, trying to get Tad and his friends just right. Tad took a few iterations, but she knew she had him perfected when her two-year-old grandson, who is usually indifferent, grabbed the painting and carried it around with a big smile on his face. He even tried to hug it! 

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Despite numerous distractions and kitty sabotage attempts, she completed the illustrations and is beyond excited to see them bring Alicia's story to life. At the cover reveal and book launch, she became a little teary-eyed seeing the reactions on people's faces and hearing how much those in attendance loved her artwork.

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Paula is thankful to realize her dream of becoming a children's book illustrator, and is looking forward to painting Tad's next adventures. 

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If you want to let Paula know what you think of her paintings, or you would like to discuss the possibility of her illustrating your book, click this Contact button to send her an email, or use the contact form at the bottom of this page.