Wouldn’t it be cool if your best friend Russ and his Jack Russell terrier Iggy – who are no longer with us – came back to teach the world about art?
From bold and bright to creative and clever, Russ and Iggy’s Art Alphabet, published by Red Sky Presents, takes people of all ages on a brilliant and colorful journey through this charming duo’s world of art. This is their totally true and absolutely awesome story: Russ Butler was a professional artist and teacher whose life mission was dedicated to bringing art and beauty to the world, with Iggy, his Jack Russell terrier and faithful companion, providing him a sense of wonder, glee and enthusiasm along the way. And while Russ and Iggy are no longer with us, they wanted to leave this instructive, fun-filled book and their very own artful thoughts as an inspiration to children – and adults – everywhere.
This vividly imagined picture book is written in verse and is perfect for budding artists, art lovers and anyone who wants to discover cool new things on each and every captivating page. Combining playful rhymes with great works of art from history, including Russ & Iggy’s very own renderings of American Gothic, the impressionism of Monet and an homage to the late Bob Ross and his TV show, The Joy of Painting, this book is an alphabet like no other. It’s even got a page for readers to create their own masterpieces. So, pick up your pens, paints, brushes and colored pencils, and get ready to take a fascinating ride with Russ & Iggy – who are sure to steal your heart – through centuries of paintings, sculptures, drawings and murals. Russ & Iggy’s Art Alphabet is a book that grown-ups will not only want to read over and over to kids, but it also makes for a delightful coffee table book that everyone can enjoy.
Hardcover Book
Kindle
Victoria Looseleaf
Victoria Looseleaf has loved words since she was a young girl growing up in Cleveland, Ohio. Since moving to Los Angeles, her career as an author and award-winning arts journalist has taken her all over the world, where she has interviewed thousands of fascinating people. Victoria is passionate about art, life and kids of all ages.
Clinton Russell Butler
Clinton Russell Butler was an educator, artist and designer whose work can be seen in numerous institutions, including UC Irvine Medical Center and the American Cancer Society, as well as at Temple Beth El of South Orange County, CA., and the Mizell Senior Center in Palm Springs. Butler, who passed away in 2017 of pancreatic cancer, was a beloved figure who believed in arts education for all children. This book, the first in the Russ & Iggy Alphabet series, is his legacy.
J.T. Steiny
J.T. Steiny is a native of Los Angeles who has been drawing and making art of all kinds – illustrations, paintings, cartoons and books – his entire life. He is an associate professor at Otis College of Art and Design and lives with his wife, Roxanne, and their dogs Dashiell and Fannie.
Testimonials
What People are Saying
“I am totally impressed by the brilliant artwork in Russ & Iggy’s Art Alphabet! The story is also poignant, sweet and compelling, and as a visual artist, I can relate to using the alphabet to indicate the creative process through painting.”
– Andre Miripolsky, artist, designer and creator of the “Google Shark” and “Viva LA!” brands
“Victoria Looseleaf has an uncanny knack for reimagining reality in a way that opens up new neural pathways to creativity, and in brighter colors than we envisioned before. In her new book, Russ & Iggy’s Art Alphabet, these delicious colors come to life even more vividly with the help of extraordinary artist J.T. Steiny, conjuring up an enchanting and spellbinding treat for any age.”
– Lili Haydn, in-demand Ted Talk speaker and film composer, as well as Grammy Award-winning violinist/vocalist/composer with Opium Moon
“Russ & Iggy’s Art Alphabet looks and reads great! I love it and will read it with my newborn grandson Harvey when he’s a bit older.”
– Mark Hanauer, commercial and fine arts photographer whose work has been featured in leading publications including Rolling Stone, GQ, Time and the New York Times Sunday Magazine
“This book deserves an A!”
– Larry Karaszewski, Emmy Award-winning screenwriter/producer, “The People vs. Larry Flynt” and “The People vs. O.J. Simpson”
“A delightful literary and visual dance through the alphabet that will charm children and the young-at-heart alike. Victoria Looseleaf and J.T. Steiny have created a treasure trove of characters that celebrate art and life.”
– Kate Johnson, Emmy Award-winning director/producer, “Mia, A Dancer’s Journey,” and adjunct professor of digital media at Otis College of Art and Design
“This colorful book, overflowing with joyful art and a witty, educational text, is for both children and adults alike and is sure to be enjoyed over and over again.”
– Elsa Chahin, President and CEO of Pikler/Lóczy® USA, an organization dedicated to the well-being of the world’s children
Don’t Miss
Our News And Events
Come Celebrate the Holidays, December 7
Come celebrate the holidays – and the life and legacy of the late artist Russ Butler and his dog, Iggy - with the publication of their first book, Russ & Iggy’s Art Alphabet. The story of a dude, his dog and their art was conceived and co-written by Victoria...
Our First Event at Los Angeles Art Association, November 9
Come celebrate the life and legacy of the late artist Russ Butler and his dog, Iggy, with the publication of their first book, Russ & Iggy’s Art Alphabet. The story of a dude, his dog and their art was conceived and co-written by Victoria Looseleaf and JT...