David Slonim (b. 1966) is an artist and children’s author/ illustrator.

His oil paintings are semi-abstract interpretations of nature observed, remembered and often re-imagined.  He is inspired by a wide variety of masters, including Cezanne, Diebenkorn, Wyeth, Degas, and Levitan.

David’s children’s art is known for matching the tone of the text–   Painterly, atmospheric oils in Moishe’s Miracle, zany cartoony line and wash in Oh Ducky!, softer oil and pencil in He Came With the Couch, and warmly whimsical acrylic and charcoal on How to Teach a Slug to Read.  His books have been translated into five languages.

David earned a bachelor’s degree in illustration from Rhode Island School of Design (BFA 1988). For ten years he created images for clients like Reader’s Digest, IBM, UPS, Tony’s Frozen Pizza, and T.G.I.Fridays. Between freelance illustration jobs, he began to paint in oils.  Overland Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ launched his fine art career in 1998.

When not behind the easel or writing a story, David teaches painting workshops and speaks to school, university and adult audiences about creativity, writing, and life as a professional artist.

Selected Exhibitions, Honors and Shows

• Coors Western Art Exhibition and Sale, 2012
• Purchase Award, Indiana Heritage Arts Permanent Collection 2009
• Best of Show, Open Space: Art About the Land,Minnestrista Center, Muncie, IN 2007
• C. Robert Farlow Memorial Award,Indiana Heritage Arts, Nashville, IN 2009
• Indiana Governor Mitch Daniel’s 2nd Inaugural Commemorative Poster, 2009 Indiana Green
• C.M. Russell Auction, C.M. Russell Museum, Great Falls, MT 2005-2009
• Western Rendezvous of Art, Helena, MT 2004-2007
• Great American Artists, Cincinnati, OH 2001-2005
• Whistle Pik Christmas Miniatures 2002-2008
• Masters in Miniature, CM Russell Museum 2007-2008
• Solo Show, New Paintngs, Gordy Fine Art, Muncie, IN
• Richmond Art Museum Pastel Show, Richmond, IN 2008
• Gateway to the West, Bozeman, MT 2007
• Richmond Art Museum Annual Exhibition, Richmond, IN 2007
• “Christmas Miniatures”, Solo Private Show, Muncie, IN 2007
• “Coming Home”, Solo Private Show, Anderson, IN 2007
• Three Man Show: Pinon Fine Art, Littleton, CO 2007
• Awarding Pictures: The Art of Children’s IllustrationNaples, FL 2007
• Indiana Heritage Arts, Nashville, IN 2002-2007
• Rising Stars, Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Wickenburg, AZ 2002
• Solo Show, Meyers Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ 2006
• Solo Show, Overland Gallery, Scottsdale AZ 2001
• Two Man Show, Overland GalleryScottsdale, AZ 1999-2000

Museum Collections

• Minnetrista Cultural Center, Muncie, IN
• Richmond Art Museum, Richmond, IN
• The Mazza Museum, University of Findlay, OH

Corporate Collections

• The West Foundation, Indianapolis, IN
• Bingham, McHale & Associates, Indianapolis, IN
• Community Bank Shares, Denver, CO
• Toledo Public Library, Toledo, OH
• The Charley Creek Foundation, Wabash, IN

Press

• US Art
• Big Sky Journal
• Plein Air Magazine
• SouthwestArt
• Indianapolis Monthly
• Indianapolis Star
• Anderson Herald Bulletin
• Muncie Star Press

Selected Children’s Book Honors

• The Original Art, Museum of American Illustration
• Publisher’s Weekly Silly Salutations of the Season
• Pottery Barn Kids Selection
• Mazza Museum Permanent Collection, University of Findlay, OH
• Bright Horizons Top 3 “Books of Excellence” 2006
• Best Books of the Year,  The Savvy Source for Parents
• Virginia Reader’s Choice, Recommended Books 2007-2008
• Washington Children’s Choice, Picture Book Nominee 2008
• Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award Nominee 2006
• Alabama Emphasis on Reading Program Book List 2006-2007
• NY Times Top Ten  Children’s Books of the Year
• Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold
• Gold, National Jewish Book Awards
• Finalist, Indiana Authors Award
• North Dakota Library Association Flicker Tale Award
• Communication Arts Illustration Annual
• Naples Art Association, Awarding Pictures Exhibition

Workshops

• Naples Art Association, Naples, FL 2008, 2009
• Art Museum of Lafayette, Lafayette, IN
• David Slonim Studio, Anderson, IN 2006-2011
• Scottsdale Artist School, Scottsdale, AZ 2004
• New Harmony Workshop, New Harmony, IN 2003, 2004
• Indiana Heritage Arts, Nashville, IN  2010
• Sullivan Munce Art Center, Zionsville, IN  2005, 2010
• Anderson Fine Arts Center, 2002

Speaking

• Midwest Writers Conference, Ball State University
• AISLE Survive, Indiana Library Association, Indianapolis
• North Dakota Library Association
• Madison County Rotary Club, Anderson IN
• Elizabeth York Children’s Literature Fesitival, Anderson University, IN
• Marshall County Young Authors Conference, Plymouth, IN
• Washington Elementary School, Plymouth, IN
• Jefferson Elementary, Plymouth, IN
• LaVille Elementary, Plymouth, IN
• Argos Elementary School, Argos, IN
• Deer Run Elementary, Indianapolis, IN
• Ashland City Schools, Ashland, OH
• Ashland University, Ashland, OH
• Mazza Museum, Fall Conference, University of Findlay, OH
• Ohio School for the Deaf, Columbus, OH
• West Side Elementary, Columbus, OH
• St. Anthony’s School, Columbus, OH
• Detroit College of Art and Design, Detroit, MI
• St. Mary’s School, Anderson, IN
• Dubois Schools, all grades K-12, Dubois, Wyoming
• Red Tail Conservancy, Open Space Exhibition, Anderson, IN
• New Harmony, IN, Oil Painting Workshop
• Scottsdale Artsits School, Oil Paintng Workshop
• Marion Young Authors’ Conference, Marion, IN
• Madison County Art Association, Anderson, IN
• Anderson Public Library, Anderson, IN

“Lord, all that we have accomplished, You have done for us.”
(Isaiah 26:12)

Studio visits by appointment.  Please use the contact page or call the number below to arrange a time.