About
Photo by Trina Koster Photography
Werner Zimmermann is an award-winning artist, illustrator and educator
The start
At seven years old, Werner decided to become an artist. By the time he reached 13, he was painting and drawing almost day and night.
Influences
At 16 years old, Werner had a formative summer on a dairy farm in Ontario. The Farmer Joe books owe a lot to that summer.
After university he went to the Arctic as a printmaking advisor to Inuit artists, working steadily with them from 1977 till 1981 with a last trip north in 1984.
Illustration and teaching
His career in children’s books and his experience as a teacher both started in 1986. Around the time he started illustrating Farmer Joe’s Hot Day, he also started teaching figure drawing in the Animation department at Sheridan College.
He has since illustrated a number of children’s books and taught steadily at Seneca and Humber Colleges.
Now
Werner continues to illustrate books, most recently We Wish you a Merry Christmas, while teaching Life Drawing in the Animation program and speaking to children at schools and libraries across Canada.
He also blogs and vlogs about illustration and creativity, sharing how to draw tutorials and insights into producing children’s books.
Awards
2018 Governor General’s Award – Nomination At the Pond
2018 Governor General’s Award – Nomination At the Pond
2011 Libris Award – Winner Best Picture book of the Year with Helaine Becker for Porcupine in a Pine Tree
2011 Libris Award – Winner Best Picture book of the Year with Helaine Becker for Porcupine in a Pine Tree
1999 Governor General’s Award – Nomination Brave Highland Heart
1999 Governor General’s Award – Nomination Brave Highland Heart
1996 Governor General’s Award – Nomination Whatever you do, don’t go Near That Canoe!
1996 Governor General’s Award – Nomination Whatever you do, don’t go Near That Canoe!
1986 Mr Christie’s Book Award – Winner with Jean Little for Pippin the Christmas Pig
1986 Mr Christie’s Book Award – Winner with Jean Little for Pippin the Christmas Pig
Out of print
Some of Werner’s books have now gone out of print. Do you have a favourite? Complete the form below and we’ll let you know if another print run is planned.
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