FROM THE PUBLISHER

Author/Illustrator Mike Venezia has been getting to know the world's greatest artists for as long as he can remember. A graduate of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Mike believes the best way to introduce children to art and artists is through fun. If children can learn about art in a fun way, and think of artists as real people, the exciting world of art will be open to them for the rest of their lives. Mike lives in a Chicago suburb with his wife, Jeannine, and children Michael Anthony and Elizabeth Ann.

Inspired by Roy Lichtenstein's use of Benday dots, Mike has picked up on a similar "trademark" for his own paintings. This self-portrait is a typical example of Mike's use of Benday blobs.