The Making of Picture Book Illustrations: What is Preseparated Art?

Did you know it once took four pieces of artwork to create a full color picture?

Video: Example of color layers using Paul Zelinsky's Lion and Stoat

The following pages will introduce the reader to the history of children's book illustration, specifically the influence of an obsolete technique known as preseparation. While preseparation is no longer used, it continues to shape the appearance of children's books. Continue on to the next page to learn more about what preseparated art is and why it is important.

Curator: Lisa Von Drasek. Exhibit Designer: Paul Mostrom

This exhibit presented by the Children's Literature Research Collections.

The Making of Picture Book Illustrations: What is Preseparated Art?