Ruth Sanderson, "Suddenly Owen and the black knight emerged from the trees, locked in endless combat," 1991.

Ruth Sanderson, “Suddenly Owen and the black knight emerged from the trees, locked in endless combat,” 1991. Story illustration for Ruth Sanderson’s “The Enchanted Wood” (Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1991; Ware, Mass.: Golden Wood Studio Edition, 1999). Oil on canvas. ©Ruth Sanderson. All rights reserved.

Stockbridge, MA, January 28, 2014—Norman Rockwell Museum will present “The Art of Fantasy,” a painting workshop with illustrator Ruth Sanderson, on Saturday, February 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Explore mood, composition, and narrative in oil painting with the acclaimed picture book artist, whose work is currently on view in the Museum’s exhibition, “Dancing Princesses: The Fairy Tale Art of Ruth Sanderson.” Examine the portrayal of a single figure in a simple yet elegant composition; participants are asked to bring figure and landscape photos for reference, and/or include some of Sanderson’s own costumed figures and backgrounds. Starting with a thumbnail drawing, students will create a finished illustration in oils. Admission to the workshop costs $35, $25 for Museum members. Pre-registration required by contacting the Museum at rsvp@nrm.org, or 413.931.2221.

Dancing Princesses: The Fairy Tale Art of Ruth Sanderson
On view through March 9, 2014

Stories about princes and princesses, and quests and bravery in the face of extraordinary odds, have remained an essential part of our culture’s foundation, shared by parents and children for many generations— they have also inspired countless artists along the way. A renowned fantasy artist and illustrator of children’s literature, Ruth Sanderson has created imagery for more than 75 picture books, many of which bring such classic tales to life.

This special installation, part of the Museum’s “Distinguished Illustrator Series,” features more than 60 original illustrations for classic and original stories, including Sanderson’s personal favorite—”The Twelve Dancing Princesses” (1997). Now in the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum, the artist’s paintings and studies for the fairy tale will be accompanied by unique costumes that she commissioned specifically for her work. The exhibition will also feature original paintings for other princess-inspired books, including “The Sleeping Beauty;” “Cinderella;” “The Golden Mare, The Firebird, and The Magic Ring;” “The Snow Princess,” “The Crystal Mountain;” and “The Enchanted Wood,” an original story.