Patrice Barton

Patrice Barton is an American illustrator of children’s literature. She has created the art for more than 20 books in the picture book and chapter book formats.[1]

Patrice Barton
Occupation	Illustrator
Notable works	MINE!, The Invisible Boy, I Pledge Allegiance, The Year of the Fortune Cookie
Website
patricebarton.com

Barton earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art at the University of Texas at Austin. Before illustrating for children, she worked as a house painter, a needlepoint designer, a copy shop technician, and a graphic designer. Her first illustration job was for the state of Texas, largely creating courtroom displays; she began freelancing during off-hours drawing for the children’s publishing market. Eventually Barton left that job and has been working for herself since then[2] from her studio in Austin.[3]

Barton’s art for the nearly-wordless 2011 picture book MINE! by Shutta Crum is among her work that has been included in Society of Illustrators Original Art Exhibits.[4] Publishers Weekly gave the book a starred review, saying, “(Barton’s) dizzyingly expressive digitized pencil sketches seem to be everywhere at once continually reframing the action to make sure readers savor every gleefully anarchic moment.”[5] The New York Times said, “The only words here are ‘mine’ and ‘woof’ and, along with Patrice Barton’s dynamic and impeccably cute illustrations, they convey all. ... a delightful example of the drama and emotion that a nearly wordless book can convey.”[6]

The Invisible Boy, written by Trudy Ludwig and illustrated by Barton, was included in The Children’s Book Review Best Kids Picture Books of 2013[7] and BuzzFeed’s 13 Children’s Books That Encourage Kindness Toward Others.[8] The book was also adapted into a musical theater production by the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, with sets based on Barton’s illustrations.[9] Kirkus Reviews said of Barton’s artwork: “Tender illustrations rendered in glowing hues capture Brian’s isolation.”[10]