GRUBB, Lisa

Personal

Daughter of a ballet dancer. Education: Self-taught artist.

Addresses

Home— New York, NY; Nyack, NY. Agent— c/o Author Mail, Philomel, Putnam Berkley Group, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016. E-mail— lisagrubbart@aol.com.

Career

Artist, illustrator, and author. Bruce McGaw Publishing, poster designer. Active in various charities. Exhibition: Work exhibited at galleries in Happy Dog Gallery, Piermont, NY; Long Island, NY, and New York, NY.

Writings

Happy Dog!, Philomel (New York, NY), 2003.

Happy Dog's Walla-Pa-Doo!, Philomel (New York, NY), 2004.

Happy Dog Sizzles!, Philomel (New York, NY), 2004.

Contributor of illustrations to to Art Business News, Art Trends, Fine Art, M.Dan's Papers of the Hamptons, and U.S. Art.

Sidelights

Lisa Grubb is a self-taught painter and commercial artist whose signature style has been widely recognized by the media. Utilizing bright colors that seemingly pop from the canvas, Grubb's creations have captivate audiences that have included comic-book aficionados, corporate executives, magazine readers, and the story-book set. In addition to appearing on numerous television networks to share her art, Grubb works with companies like Marvel Comics and Walt Disney, where she has created huge murals that reproduce legendary characters such as Mickey Mouse and Spiderman. In addition to exhibiting her paintings in galleries and shows, Grubb shares her energy and creativity with young children through her self-written children's books, such as Happy Dog!, Happy Dog's Walla-Pa-Doo!, and Happy Dog Sizzles!

Happy Dog!, opens one rainy Saturday, as main character Jack Cat is busy painting a large blue dog. Upon completion of his masterpiece, the furry artist decides to call his newfound friend Happy Dog. Suddenly, Happy Dog comes to life and jumps off the canvas. Racing toward the door, the unusual pooch stops before it is too late; as Jack Cat helpfully tells his new friend, Happy Dog's paint isn't quite dry and may wash away. A Kirkus Reviews critic commented that, while "plot takes a back seat to art, … here the pictures more than compensate, thrumming with enthusiasm and introducing young readers to the most engagingly doggy … since Henry's Mudge."

In an interview on her Web site, Grubb commented that what she likes most about painting is "The quiet place it takes me. I love the colors, I love using a brush, palette knife, my fingers. I love taking a white, blank canvas and just start painting without planning. Then, when I'm done, I stand back and see where it's taken me. It's very relaxing and healing for me. I also like watching people's expressions as they look at my art. Their eyes widen and they begin to smile—and that makes me feel good inside."

Biographical and Critical Sources

PERIODICALS

Booklist, May 1, 2004, Ilene Cooper, review of Happy Dog Sizzles!, p. 1563.

Home Textiles Today, October 20, 2003, "CopCorp Signs Artist Grubb," p. S16.

Kirkus Reviews, May 15, 2003, review of Happy Dog!, p. 751.

Publishers Weekly, April 14, 2003, review of Happy Dog!, p. 68.

School Library Journal, June, 2004, Kathleen Simonetta, review of Happy Dog Sizzles!, p. 108.

ONLINE

Lisa Grubb Web site, http://www.lisagrubb.com (March 19, 2005).*