These illustrations were both samples in Tomie’s portfolio of work that his artists’ representative showed publishers in her efforts to get Tomie book illustration jobs.
The top one was probably done in 1963/1964. The bottom one was possibly done in 1971. I compared these both to dated samples to determine years of creation.
I find it interesting that Tomie’s early work featured characters with big eyes whereas the work had evolved by the early 1970s.
The other thing that intrigues me about the big-eyed girl is that many illustrators today draw characters with oversized eyes. Tomie hated that style of illustration.
The bottom drawing had the caption…
“All three had fallen in love with the same girl. She was the daughter of a farmer and her name was Celeste.” (Bob)
Pray for Peace, Justice, and Equality
