Illustrators
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The talented creative folk behind all our delightful children's books
MEET ARTIST — Allida Pagé Neilly
Her work has been shown in juried exhibitions and two-artist shows, within Canada and as well as California, U.S., where this fine artist lived for several years before settling in Ottawa in 2001. Allida’s art is known for its extraordinary detail, using a dry brush and crosshatch technique. She works in watercolour as well as oil, depending on what feels right for that individual piece. Since she loves both mediums, she will work on a watercolour and at least two or three oils at a time. This new illustrator says, “As an artist, I am always striving to create a mood or feeling.” This is evident with her first children’s book illustrations in The Brownie and the Wishing Spider, published by GWEV Publishing Inc.
This very talented artist’s career covers illustration and cartooning in various media, and he won an award for illustration while working for Heritage Magazine. Fergus, Prince of Frogs is Rod's second book published by GWEV Publishing Inc. and follows Cockerel's Greatest Feeling of All, 2002.
When selected by the Canadian Wildlife Federation as “Wildlife Artist of the Year” for two years in a row, this very successful artist was commissioned to do a series of four limited edition prints. He was guest artist at the International Graphics Fair and and also the featured artist for the televised live auction for WaterCan. Allan enjoys painting wildlife and landscapes but prefers to paint classical mythology and works primarily in acrylics. Hidden in a Flower is the first children’s book Allan has illustrated and he hopes it is just the beginning. MEET ILLUSTRATOR — Heidi Vincent
In 2002, Simon was shortlisted for the McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award. Since then, the book has also been produced as an animated picture book on interactive DVD. In 2007, the Simon book & DVD won a bronze medal in the 2007 Moonbeam Children's book awards, followed by a silver award in the 2009 Mom's Choice Awards.
Having listened to dreams and stories of young people from culturally diverse parts of the world, Heidi thrives on combining her skills to create and promote books that encourage young readers, everywhere, to live life to the fullest. .
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Allida
Pagé Neilly was born in Toronto, Ontario to a family of artists. She cannot remember
a time when she and her brother and sister were not drawing or painting, In fact,
with their mother’s agreement, they even painted murals on the kitchen and bathroom
walls at home! Allida is a full time artist having been educated in both commercial
and fine art. Until recently, her work has been mainly commissioned portraits
and landscapes but she now finds illustration fun and exciting. 
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Rod
Williamson, born in Ottawa, served overseas in the RCAF during WWII. After the
war, Rod studied at the Ontario College of Art, then joined Fairbairn Studios
in Ottawa, thus beginning a span of forty years as a professional graphic artist.
For a number of years Rod freelanced in Vancouver, eventually returning to Ottawa
where he gained another twenty years' experience in the government as an art
director, including advertising art and the design and production of high quality
brochures, as well as overseeing the work through all phases of printing. He
has also been head of a creative service group made up of artists, writers, visual
aid technicians and support staff. 
Allan
Fournier was born in Perth, Ontario but his childhood was spent in the Maritimes
and Quebec. He now lives in Nepean, Ontario with his wife and two sons. Allan
has always enjoyed drawing and painting and saw his first published work in a
comic book at age 10. When he decided at age 26 to make a career in art he began
to regularly paint Christmas cards and limited edition prints for the Canadian
Wildlife Federation. Allan is the artist behind the successful “Prime Ministers
of Canada” poster. 
Heidi Vincent has a passion for developing and illustrating children?s books that inspire kids to be all they can be. This artist enjoys painting in acrylic and has illustrated several wonderful books, including award-winning 
Heidi has many years of corporate marketing and communications experience in the technology industry, as well as non profit. Heidi has an honours BA in Sociology and Anthropoloy from the University of Toronto and an Executive MBA from the University of Ottawa.