The Nutcracker
Written by Karen Kain
Paintings by Rajka Kupesic
“The Nutcracker is a classic Christmas story that is beautifully
told by internationally renowned ballerina Karen Kain and marvelously
illustrated by the museum quality artwork of Rajka Kupesic.”
-Book Reviews
Karen Kain’s story-telling style is simple yet elegant, with
plenty of conversation and just the right amount of description to accompany
artist Rajka Kupesic’s magnificent oil paintings.”
- CM Magazine
“As a picture book rather than a ballet, of course, its success is highly dependent on the skill of its illustrator. Rich in texture, detail, and glowing colour, Rajka Kupesic’s illustrations for Kain’s story create a world of romance, beauty, and magic – unlike Maurice Sendak’s comic, grotesque stage sets and 1984 picture book of The Nutcracker. The doll-like faces of Kupesic’s characters don’t draw us into their emotions, but rather encourage us to enter with them into this strange and splendid land, glowing with deep blue skies and golden stars. The transformation of edibles into dancing figures, and the appearance of the Fairy from inside a gigantic golden egg – both delights of the Kudelka production – are skillfully transferred to this picture book. Kupesic’s artwork evokes the feeling of the stage sets without being a literal depiction of them; draperies frame several scenes, but like the bed-curtains and other lavishly used fabrics, they suggest a fantasy world that may be the stage, a dream, gilded memories of old Russia, or the thrill of first seeing The Nutcracker.” - Gwyneth Evans, Quill & Quire – Canada’s Magazine of Book News and Reviews
“There can be no doubt that the beauty of
this stunning picture book is due to Rajka Kupesic’s sumptuous
illustrations. Kupesic began her career as a professional ballerina,
performing extensively throughout Europe and her native Croatia. Today,
she is both a painter and a dance instructor, maintaining her passion
for the two art forms. In The Nutcracker, she has given her remarkable
ability for handling detail, colour and mood full rein. Each illustration
depicting the real and dream landscapes of nineteenth century Russia
is lovingly rendered in brilliant oil paintings.”
- Review by Valerie Nielsen, Retired Teacher-Librarian, Winnipeg, MB
Artist Rajka Kupesic – herself a classically trained ballerina – has
painted a sparkling world of Russian palaces and forests, sleighs and graceful
dancers who make dreams come true.
- The Chronical Herald, Halifax, NS – December 6, 2005
“The striking paintings used to illustrate the book were created
by artist Rajka Kupesic, who was a professional ballet dancer in Europe
and danced with the National Ballet of Canada for a year before taking
up painting full-time. The book’s sumptuous feeling is enhanced
by gilded page edges.”
- Janice Mawhinney, The Toronto Star, Dec. 3, 2005
To read a brief biography on Kupesic and view her images available through Northland, Search our Gallery by Artist.
To view Kupesic’s limited edition serigraphs and giclées published by Bremner Fine Art, visit www.bremnerfineart.com