Mary Engelbreit: The Art And The Artist

by Patrick Regan, Mary Engelbreit

Mary Engelbreit: The Art and the Artist follows this amazing artist's career from the moment she first set up shop (a "studio" in her mother's linen closet), and on to her current status as the world's premier illustrator of greeting cards, books, calendars, coffee mugs, and hundreds of other products. This book features the most extensive collection of Mary Engelbreit's work ever published, and it represents nearly 40 years of Mary's art. The new paperback version features a revised preface.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography, Memoir, Crafts

192 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1996

Reviews

[CindySR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just got this coffee table book from the library sale. Remember "Life Is Just A Chair Of Bowlies" and "If Your Ship Hasn't Come In, Swim Out To It!" not to mention "It's Good To Be Queen!"?
Mary Engelbreit (along with Sandra Boynton) made the 70s-90s so much brighter with her art. This huge book must weigh at least 5 pounds. It contains the artist's story and full page pictures of her most famous works. I really scored at the sale!

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. I love stories of people who follow their passion and succeed.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I discovered this book on sale on Thrift Books last week. I learned when it arrived today that it was originally published in 1996. That makes it majorly outdated. I also didn’t expect it to be so big and heavy. I was going to give it to a friend. But the heaviness means I will keep it. I enjoyed the brief biography in the front. But I was more excited to see the drawings on almost every page. Some were new to me and others were not. The best part for me was the collection in the back with ME’s thoughts on each one.

[Melinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm no stranger to ME's art, and there's a very good selection here, but her story was something of a disappointment. The writing itself is stilted and not very engaging; I see she had a collaborator. It almost reads as if she wrote it in the third person. Wonderful art, but the biography is akin to spooning up oatmeal with nothing in it. I bought it for a few dollars at a thrift store. Unless you're a fan, you may want to check out a copy at the library.

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've loved & appreciated this artist's work since I was a kid. I loved hearing about her life and the meaning behind her illustrations, but the "newspaper article" writing style was not my favorite. Still, I enjoyed learning about her work and inspiration.

[Mary Kinietz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book with lots of drawings, but alas only two photos and some old ones.

[Kaeeap · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love her art. Interesting to find out she's had no formal training.

[Alexandria Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super fun look-through, with an inspiring success story. My kids were even inspired by the art.

[Sue Shuppy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is great for struggling artist types, and a great boost to help you get going.

[Elhara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved Mary Engelbreit's art work for a long time. This book is a display of some of my favourites

[Audra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Engelbreit has been one of my favorite artists for a very long time. It was a pleasure reading about her personal start in the business of art. I hope she never stops.