How to Paint the Portrait of a Bird

HOW TO PAINT THE PORTRAIT OF A BIRD
Poem by Jacques Prévert
Translation and Illustration by Mordicai Gerstein
Roaring Brook Press, 2008

Category: Picture book

“First paint a cage with an open door.”

So begins Mordicai Gerstein’s translation of Jacques Prévert’s 1949 poem Pour faire le portrait d’un oiseau. From this simple beginning, Gerstein and Prévert bring readers through the creative process in all its frustrating, finicky, heart-stopping and spirit-soaring glory.

Frustrating? “If the bird doesn’t come right away, don’t be discouraged. Wait.”

Finicky? “When the bird comes, if it comes, remain absolutely silent.”

Heart-stopping? “If it doesn’t sing, don’t be sad.”

Spirit-soaring? “But if the bird sings, it’s a very good sign.”

Oh, I adore this poem, these illustrations, this gem of a meditation on art. This is the perfect book for creative people. I’ve been reading it every morning to remind myself to embrace the process, my process … and I’ve been reading it again every night just to hear Gerstein and Prévert assure me, “Tomorrow you can paint another one.”

Happy reading! Happy creating!

(Those who read this post last week will now understand why I am so in love with this painting. It was created by Mordicai Gerstein, based on the art from HOW TO PAINT THE PORTRAIT OF A BIRD, to raise funds for The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Sigh.)