DR. SEUSS

March marks the birth month of one of my childhood hero's. Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, was born March 2, 1904. To this day, he is one of my biggest influences and inspirations as an artist. Like Walt Disney, Seuss is a true imagineer, and his storytelling through his words and imagery become magic.

 From Cat in the Hat and The Lorax, to Horton Hears a Who and One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, every book of his was a staple for me growing up. I can remember being in school, and whenever I would come across a Dr. Seuss book that I hadn't heard of before, as soon as I got home, I would have my Mom drive me to the local library to check out that book so I could read it and draw all the pictures from it.

 I think it may have been Horton Hears a Who, or One Fish Two Fish... but my Mom drove me to multiple libraries, and they were all checked out. I think it took over a week of checking around until I finally got my hands on an available copy.When I was in the 8th grade, my teacher read us The Lorax, I can only guess to teach us about environmentalism. It was a yearly tradition for all of her 8th grade classes. My wife, who was a few years behind me in the same elementary school, was read the same story. It's a nice memory that we both can share.

 His drawings always seemed so simple. When I would sit down and try to draw them it would frustrate me because I couldn't figure out why they were so hard to replicate. The fluidity of his lines, the strokes of his brush make the drawings seem effortless. This, along with the simplicity of colors Seuss uses gives his artwork an undeniable style.

 If you ever have a chance to visit a Dr. Seuss art gallery, please do. You won't be disappointed. I was fortunate enough to go a couple years ago and not only did it bring me back to my childhood, but it was like being injected with instant inspiration. Thank you Dr. Seuss, for your imagination and storytelling. I'm forever grateful.Never ever grow up!- Dru