Jane Tanner

Jane grew up in Coburg, Melbourne. Majoring in painting and printmaking at the National Gallery School Melbourne, she worked as a traditional artist for many years. She taught in Victorian secondary schools before becoming a full-time children's book illustrator.

Over 25 years Jane has created more than thirteen picture books (some written by herself), and many book covers.

Her numerous awards include:

• CBC Book Awards Early Childhood – Shortlist 2003
• Christian Schools Book Award – Winner 1998
• Wilderness Society Environment Award – Winner 1994
• Human Rights Award – Winner 1992
• CBC Awards Younger Readers – Shortlist 1992
• Victorian Premier's Award – Shortlist 1989
• CBC Picture Book of the Year – Winner 1989
• Kate Greenaway Medal – Shortlist 1985
• CBC Picture Book Award – Shortlist 1985
• Frequent Shortlisting for Yabba Awards
  

Jane uses soft pastels, watercolours and gauche but is best known for her finely detailed and vibrant use of coloured pencils. Her work is distinctive for the emotional content, realistic detail and her use of light and dark contrast.

Jane has many years of experience working with authors and publishers and speaking to audiences including primary, secondary and tertiary students. Her presentations involve sharing her finished art folio and demonstrating the picture book process from roughs to finished art. Students participate in simple drawing exercises using charcoal to encourage their understanding of the story through tone, emotion and structure.

Her illustrated picture books include:

• Lucy's Cat and the Rainbow Birds
• The Fisherman and The Theefy Spray
• The Wolf
• Drac and The Gremlin
• There's a Sea in my Bedroom
• Time for a Rhyme

And as author/illustrator:

• Just Jack
• Ride with Me
• Isabella's Secret
• Playmates
• Niki's Walk (wordless picture book)