
Five questions for Monet the Mouse
Friday, October 3, 2014
Monet the Mouse: The brainchild of author Jill Starling, brought to life by illustrator Jane C. Morrison, this fun-loving mouse thinks he’s French and paints with his tail. Early holiday shoppers can find his story “Monet the Mouse Loves Christmas” at www.jillstarlingnovels.com.
1 Where do you come from, Mr. Monet the Mouse?
I grew up in the cupboards and basements of many homes in and around upstate New York. I have also spent time in lots of wooded areas across the state. Like my forebears, I love to travel and go on adventures. My family and I have made our way on trains and planes, and seen beautiful places throughout the world.
2 Why do you love to paint?
Many generations ago, my Great-Great-Great-Great Grandpa Mouse was scurrying across Paris and met one of the first real impressionist painters of all time, the one and only Claude Monet. They became fast friends. The painter shared great advice with my ancestor that has been passed down from generation to generation in my family. Claude Monet told him, “Anyone can be a great artist, and there is nothing wrong with coloring outside the lines. Most important, enjoy nature, travel far and wide, and always take risks.” As for me, I always loved to paint. It’s a way for me to express myself. There is never any right or wrong way when creating a work of art. After receiving that advice, I told all my mouse friends I must now be referred to as Monet the Mouse.
3 Do you wash your tail between every color, or do you just let the shades blur together?
It depends on my mood. Sometimes I can go on painting for hours and let all the colors blend together, much like the great Claude Monet: impressionism at its finest.
4 What do you love best about Christmas?
I love peering through the mouse peepholes and seeing families come together. I also have a lot of fun spending time with my own family of mice during the holidays ... not to mention with the fabulous cheese platters humans always leave out!
5 What gift would you like to give a special person in your life?
My favorite gift to give that special person in my life is my time, combined with love. Also, cheese ... definitely that, too!
— By JENNIE GREY
Friday, October 3, 2014
Monet the Mouse: The brainchild of author Jill Starling, brought to life by illustrator Jane C. Morrison, this fun-loving mouse thinks he’s French and paints with his tail. Early holiday shoppers can find his story “Monet the Mouse Loves Christmas” at www.jillstarlingnovels.com.
1 Where do you come from, Mr. Monet the Mouse?
I grew up in the cupboards and basements of many homes in and around upstate New York. I have also spent time in lots of wooded areas across the state. Like my forebears, I love to travel and go on adventures. My family and I have made our way on trains and planes, and seen beautiful places throughout the world.
2 Why do you love to paint?
Many generations ago, my Great-Great-Great-Great Grandpa Mouse was scurrying across Paris and met one of the first real impressionist painters of all time, the one and only Claude Monet. They became fast friends. The painter shared great advice with my ancestor that has been passed down from generation to generation in my family. Claude Monet told him, “Anyone can be a great artist, and there is nothing wrong with coloring outside the lines. Most important, enjoy nature, travel far and wide, and always take risks.” As for me, I always loved to paint. It’s a way for me to express myself. There is never any right or wrong way when creating a work of art. After receiving that advice, I told all my mouse friends I must now be referred to as Monet the Mouse.
3 Do you wash your tail between every color, or do you just let the shades blur together?
It depends on my mood. Sometimes I can go on painting for hours and let all the colors blend together, much like the great Claude Monet: impressionism at its finest.
4 What do you love best about Christmas?
I love peering through the mouse peepholes and seeing families come together. I also have a lot of fun spending time with my own family of mice during the holidays ... not to mention with the fabulous cheese platters humans always leave out!
5 What gift would you like to give a special person in your life?
My favorite gift to give that special person in my life is my time, combined with love. Also, cheese ... definitely that, too!
— By JENNIE GREY