Valentine-Ruppe

June Valentine-Ruppe, a self-taught artist from California, has illustrated over 120 children’s books for Disney, Scholastic, Golden Books, and more. Now focused on her original artwork, June paints women almost exclusively, capturing their diverse facets with styles inspired by Malcolm T. Liepke and Milt Kobayashi. Her paintings, such as “S.W.,” celebrate women’s empowerment, often blending whimsy with an edge or darkness, showcasing her distinctive heavy stroke work and strong palettes.

June’s original paintings are vastly different from the beloved characters she illustrated for over three decades. Inspired by a special exhibit celebrating the empowerment of women, “S.W.” is a reflection of the modern-day woman’s strength through her perspective. Her subjects often stare directly from the canvas, combining the influences of artists like Charles Bragg’s satirical edge and Norman Rockwell’s earnest humor.

June enjoys showcasing the various facets of women, from sentimental to sophisticated. Her work is influenced by a blend of artistic styles and emphasizes expressions, hairstyles, makeup, and fashion. This eclectic approach creates familiar yet other-worldly images that convey a sense of quiet sophistication and contemplation, making her work recognizably that of an astute painter.