Joan Mitchell Paints a Symphony

A TRUE TALE WITH

A CHERRY ON TOP

Calkins Creek

(Astra Books for Young Readers)

(pub. 2.25.2025)

40 pages

Ages 7 - 10

Author: Lisa Rogers

   Illustrator: Stacy Innerst

Character: Joan Mitchell

Overview:

" It’s 1983, and American artist Joan Mitchell is in her studio outside Paris, transforming her emotions and memories into a symphony of colors and shapes. Inspired by her friend’s description of an idyllic hidden valley in France, Mitchell creates 21 massive paintings—her Grande Vallée series —bursting with vibrant, energizing hues.

But she doesn’t paint the valley’s flowers and meadows. She paints a feeling about them—abundance, freedom, liveliness—creating a harmonious blend of drips, splashes, and brushstrokes in rainbow colors. When the paint dries, it's time to share her valley with the world."

Tantalizing taste:

"Joan envisions the valley as it springs to life

in its fresh greens, vibrant pinks, bright blues.

In its textures -

unfurling fern, rambling vines,

prickly leaves, soft grasses.

In its slow decay

as radiant summer

turns to muted fall.

She senses it, smells it, hears, feels it...

In Joan's La Grande Vallée

you cannot glimpse butterflies,

hear frog's splish and squeak,

or sense warm sunbeams on your skin.

But as you explore

her great, grand valley,

you might imagine you can."

And something more: Lisa Rogers, shared in the Author's Note in Joan Mitchell Paints a Symphony: "I was drawn to Joan's Grande Vallée paintings by their vivid colors and limitless energy, and when I learned of her inspiration, I wanted to know more. These massive abstract paintings somehow feel personal. Each stroke was created with intent, yet the paintings allow space for viewers to imagine and explore on their own."