Beauty Advocacy Blog

Introducing The American Book of Fables!

5/12/2026

Confessions of an Artist's Wife Vol. 1
( aka: Notes from Deirdre )

What is The American Book of Fables? you ask.

The latest book from John and his friend and collaborator, author Matthew Mehan. It is for sure their magnum opus to date -- a much more ambitious and weighty (literally - it's 396 pages) book even than their previous two, Mr. Mehan's Mildly Amusing Mythical Mammals and The Handsome Little Cygnet.

It's a compendium, a great collection, at once a sampler of traditional American wisdom and new American literature, and chock full of new American art (by John!).

Initial sketch for the oil painting that turned out to be the cover!

Nursery rhymes - old and new - poems, tales - old and new... Matthew has adapted and retold many of Aesop's fables with American wildlife (here the fox and the hare give way to the buffalo and the map turtle) and written original fables for today's reader. There are also selections from original sources: founding Fathers, letters from Abigail Adams, stories gleaned from accounts of the old Wild West, and much more.

Fables is divided into sections, each one exploring a different geographic region of the United States and each one also representing the principles put forth in a different literary section of the Declaration of Independence.

So you could say that it's a work, for the whole family to enjoy, highlighting the whole nation, as a grand celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S.

The book is available and set to launch officially on May 19th. Purchasing information is at the bottom of the page, but for now I just want to take you behind the scenes some more on the massive collection of artwork you will find in these pages!

Artists on Fire

One of the most amazing things about this book - to my mind - is how it was produced. Both author and illustrator are very busy guys, and they identified a window about 4-5 months long in which they could get this done.
After a lot of preparation in the form of deep research on Matthew's part and cross-country travel (John was able to join Matthew on a tour of some of the great National Parks for inspiration), they cleared their calendars starting in November and dove in!

Never before had John illustrated a book while it was being written. While Matthew, in Northern VA, was churning out the written Fables, John, in MA, was painting in tandem. Sharing ideas back and forth, discussing stories and imagery, plotting and planning, they both kept long hours and rode the creative wave for weeks upon weeks.

"Perfect for reading aloud together, The American Book of Fables is a loving celebration of America’s landscape, heritage, and enduring ideals. Beautifully illustrated by John Folley, this patriotic treasury reminds us — and teaches the next generation — of the high principles, dangerous freedoms, and shared memories that make our country not just great, but good."
Justin Shubow
President of the National Civic Art Society

At the outset, John's assignment was to produce thirteen oil paintings - each 3'x5' - one for each section of the book; a few dozen small watercolor paintings; and an accompanying collection of small line drawings to sprinkle through the text.
Matthew always has ambitious and complex visions for the illustrations for his books, every image loaded with symbolism and layers of references and action! Somehow John takes it all in and rises to the occasion time after time.

By day, John would paint the large oil paintings like this one here.

By evening, he would come home for family dinner, help settle the little kids to bed, read aloud to the big kids, and then either head back to the studio for more oil painting or set up shop in the dining room to produce watercolors, three at a time.

In between and while the watercolors dried, he had ink drawings to do. And there were always phonecalls to have with the author to go over the latest ideas!

By the time that the book was complete and heading to the printer, John had literally lost count of how many little paintings and drawings he ended up completing to enhance the many pages of this book.

As we hit March of this year, the clock was ticking. The pressure was on, as the publisher wanted to make sure to have the book in hand well in advance of a July 4th release to celebration the nation's 250th!
Believe me, this author-illustrator team worked until the eleventh hour, practically sending the final pages into the press while the first ones were already on their way out!
It was an amazing creative process to witness.

A thread running through the book is the travels of the lovably clumsy character Hugh Manatee (say it out loud - get it?). John produced this little guy from clay in order to reshape and re-pose him for the various adventures to be depicted in the stories. Definitely his most unusual in-studio model to date!

When the paintings were all done and dry, John brought them to his favorite art reproduction photographer at Image-Tec, where his buddy there worked the magic to render these works into digital form for the publisher. It's a masterful process and the rendering in the book is as close to life as you're gonna get with today's reprinting technology!

John has since handed the original paintings off to Matthew, who was visiting with us just a few weeks ago on the occasion of a book launch of sorts. They will continue to travel with him on his book tour and he has some exciting plans for where some of them may end up (if they're not purchased along the way!).

Why did they do it?

At the end of the day, this huge creative push (the culmination of years of planning, pondering, research, and study) is the result of a pure artistic desire on the part of John and Matthew.
They genuinely wanted to produce a book that would be edifying, would be awesome, would be a continuation of a great tradition and also truly new and original... something great for families to share because it's beautiful and deep and inspiring, and also because it's fun!

We hope you will love it!

How to buy??

Enough of this behind-the-scenes chit-chat! You want to know how to get your hands on this book!!

Pre-order on Amazon!
Then, ASAP, please write (if you deem it worthy — we hope!) a five star review on Amazon!
Share the Amazon link to your friends and family (or just forward this email).

Launch week is May 19-May 22 - your purchase in this window is very helpful to us!

If you want to really support John's illustration work (and we have high hopes for the release of this book, which is why time is of the essence for orders), please also request the book at your local bookstore and local library! Every purchase, glowing review, and library request helps in the 'bestseller' tallies!
Thank you!

Rooted in the beauty, drama, and grandeur of America itself, The American Book of Fables invites young readers into our shared inheritance of place, principle, and possibility. These are not empty tales, but living stories that echo with the rhythms of rivers, mountains, and the enduring ideals that have defined this nation at its best.
...
This is the kind of book that belongs in every home. Read it aloud. Return to it often. Let it do its quiet, steady work."
—Jeremy Tate, founder of the Classical Learning Test

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Lately Complete: Our Lady of Victory

6/26/2023

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Sometimes, an artist produces commissioned works, working with a patron's vision.

Sometimes, an artist produces independently, working out his own vision.

And sometimes, it seems, something happens that's a beautiful "in between."

This new work is one of those pieces.

Our Lady of Victory, 25"x9"
Ink and Watercolor on paper

Let me explain: a version of Our Lady of Victory wrought in a style inspired by the work of Alphonse Mucha. On the one hand, this was a bit of a segue from my main studio work which, as you know, is oil painting in the Boston School tradition. On the other hand, it's a strain of my work that has been growing recently, from my recent Children's books A Child's Christmas ABC Book and A Child's Christmas Counting Book, which were also inspired by Mucha, and just a general pull in the direction of the Beaux Arts master. If you've been watching my Instagram updates and following along with my newsletter, you've noticed this study of mine.

A Parisian encounter

Eleven years ago this month, I rented a tiny apartment in Paris for my honeymoon with Deirdre. It was barely large enough to fit me standing up straight; we affectionately called the spot our 'Hobbit Hole in the Sky.' When we arrived there in the 2nd arrondissement, we found that we were perched just over the little church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires (Our Lady of Victory). Over the next few weeks of strolling the city streets, visiting museums, painting and drawing together and munching baguettes, arriving back at Notre-Dame-des-Victoires became familiar, and the church was our home base in a foreign place.

Like all the churches in Paris, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires is architecturally stunning, imbued with a historic sense of holiness, and packed with painted masterpieces. Perhaps most strikingly, there is, in a side chapel, a large statue of Our Lady of Victory which is surrounded by artistically arranged piles of crutches that were left there by crippled pilgrims -- pilgrims who prayed for Our Lady's intercession and walked away healed, leaving their walking aids behind. It was before this same statue that St. Thérèse, whose sainted parents were devoted to Our Lady of Victory, once famously prayed for discernment about her vocation. We attended daily Mass there several times and became on friendly terms with the priest who was pastor there.

At the end of our visit, this kind priest presented us with a small replica of the famous statue of the Victorious Virgin as a gift to take home with us. We were deeply touched by the gesture. We felt a special connection to this little corner of the City of Lights and a new patroness for our future family: Our Lady of Victory. The statue has always held a place of honor in our home.

A new take on the Madonna

Two years ago, I was commissioned by a patron in the Midwest to produce an oil painting of Our Lady of the Rosary (the same iconic image as Our Lady of Victory, under a slightly different title and understanding). It was an occasion to bring my little statue into the studio for study and inspiration.

That painting was settled in Indiana some time ago, but the image of Our Lady of Victory/Our Lady of the Rosary has been on my mind and heart... An ink and watercolor, "Art Deco" version needed to be born onto paper. This seemed perhaps to be a bit of a 'pet project,' a pure labor of love... something for me to go ahead and try.

But it seems that the goodness of this idea is not just inside my head. As I was sharing the work in progress through Instagram, another patron reached out to inquire about it and ended up purchasing the painting when it was about halfway done. As you can imagine, this was truly a thrill for me! To have my 'concept' adopted at that stage was very affirming and exciting.

Since then, not only have I received many more inquiries and positive feedback from many of you about this painting, but I have also had inquiries about further commissions along these lines. So, clearly, my experimental marriage of sacred art with Mucha-style technique has much territory yet to be explored -- and I can't wait to go there. If this is something that you're interested in being a part of, please be in touch to discuss a commission; I would love to have a conversation with you!

About the piece itself

You will notice the symbolism of celestial bodies in the image. Mary is Queen of Heaven and has often been likened to the Moon -- she is not the source of life herself but the perfect mirror of grace, just as the moon reflects the Sun. Here she is imagined as a Lady strong but serene, powerful through her Son but humble in herself. Her mouth is resolute but quiet; the infant Jesus is more poised to speak to us and He offers us the Rosary, that powerful prayer. All the colors of dusk and dawn are around the two figures, but they stand forth in pure light, triumphant. In the corners are stylized lilies which represent Mary's purity. And the various stone touches hearken back to the architecture of Paris. I wanted the crowns especially to stand out with extreme dimensionality and splendor.

(Bonus detail: You may notice a similarity between the face of Jesus and the face of the angel who has just carved Our Lady's title into everlasting stone... both are modeled after my little daughter Symphorosa.)

I have heard from many of you that Our Lady of Victory is a title that seems very relevant at this historical and cultural moment. Perhaps you are sensing, like me, the spiritual battle taking place around us; perhaps you're occasionally feeling beleaguered and looking to Our Lady as the fair champion we need. We know the gates of Hell will not prevail against Christ's Church. Even when we feel besieged, Mary is a heroine of this story and shares her power through the Holy Rosary.

Prints!

While my original Our Lady of Victory is awaiting framing in its new home in Texas, I am making prints available for all of you because of the way this image seems to have resonated with so many.

I have worked closely with an excellent giclée print maker here in Massachusetts and am very excited to have him reproducing my work on beautiful, archival, creamy paper with slight texture that is reminiscent of the original watercolor paper. I vetted a few test options and am confident that the quality and color of these prints will be a beautiful and excellent representation of the original work!

I'm trying out a print order form for your ease and my organization.
Please click through to place your order!

order prints!

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A thoughtful anniversary gift fine art commission

1/18/2021

1 Comment

Guest post by Deirdre M. Folley

Have you ever been at a loss when it comes time to choose a gift for your loved one?

Whether you're a gift-giving maven or gift-giving-challenged, I think the story of Micah's thoughtful First Anniversary gift will inspire you.

Newlyweds Micah and Megan had agreed that they would not exchange presents for their first year anniversary. John and I have certainly been in that boat! In a busy season (in this case, a baby on the way), it does take the pressure off to know that you won't disappoint your spouse if there's a mutual agreement that no gift is necessary nor expected.

But Micah had other schemes in mind.

"Megan's father is a great gift giver. He's always great about giving his wife and daughters flowers - always so on top of it. I know I cannot compete," Micah told John of the family he'd married into.

When they discussed exchanging gifts on their first anniversary, Megan agreed that Micah could give her flowers - just flowers.

"As I approached the end of the first year of marriage I wanted to give my wife something special. She loves flowers, especially ranunculus. Their rose-like blossoms have tissue-thin petals and come in a range of beautiful colors. The dilemma I faced is that these exquisite flowers fade quickly. Thus the idea was born to capture these flowers permanently." - Micah

So the commission that John received was to paint a small oil painting - one small enough to fit standing up on Megan's desk, the way a vase of flowers would be set - of her favorite kind of flower, the ranunculus.

"It was a fun occasion for me to have some beautiful, florist-sent blooms in the studio," says John, "since of course I wanted to work from life to capture these flowers with all their delicacy and liveliness." We ordered a selection of the blooms and John chose the best colors for his composition, narrowing down on just a few in order to fit their detail onto a demure 8"x6" canvas.

"Working with John on the idea was a delight and he captured their beauty and delicacy perfectly!" Micah told me, "My wife proudly displays her favorite flowers on our living room mantle for all to see and enjoy knowing they will always be in full bloom."

Of course, the final cleverness of Micah's commission is that the first wedding anniversary is traditionally observed as the Paper Anniversary; thus, the gift delivered on canvas (close enough to paper!) ties in doubly well in this case.

We were impressed with Micah's thoughtfulness in bringing this project to John, and delighted to see it come to fruition in time for a late Fall anniversary. Our best wishes to the newlyweds, now one year in!

'Paper Anniversary' 8"x6" oil on canvas

If you're interested in commissioning your own piece, be sure to take a look at my commissions page.
If you were to plan a commissioned fine art gift this year, what would be the occasion?

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Lately Complete: a house portrait Christmas gift

1/9/2021

2 Comments

House portrait by John Folley watercolor on paper

Watercolor on paper, 12" x 16"

It was a pleasure producing a portrait of this impressive home in Ann Arbor for a friend and his wife to give as a gift to his in-laws.

We heard from the patron that the process and product met and exceeded his and his wife's expectations and that the portrait was well-received -- always a pleasure to hear that the gift-giving went over well after putting the love into the process!

I used pen and ink and watercolor on paper for this portrait. Please take a look at my portraiture page if you're interested in learning more about your own house portrait commission!

The pen and ink version before adding color

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<<Previous

Introducing The American Book of Fables!

Confessions of an Artist's Wife Vol. 1
( aka: Notes from Deirdre )

Artists on Fire

Why did they do it?

How to buy??

Lately Complete: Our Lady of Victory

A Parisian encounter

A new take on the Madonna

About the piece itself

Prints!

A thoughtful anniversary gift fine art commission

Lately Complete: a house portrait Christmas gift

Author

Categories

Archives

Introducing The American Book of Fables!

Confessions of an Artist's Wife Vol. 1 ( aka: Notes from Deirdre )

Artists on Fire

Why did they do it?

How to buy??

Lately Complete: Our Lady of Victory

A Parisian encounter

A new take on the Madonna

About the piece itself

Prints!

A thoughtful anniversary gift fine art commission

Lately Complete: a house portrait Christmas gift

Author

Categories

Archives

Confessions of an Artist's Wife Vol. 1
( aka: Notes from Deirdre )