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Elaine Gignilliat (pron. Jen'-a-lat' ) is one of the foremost romance book cover artists. She has painted covers for over 350 romance books representing more than 150 authors including her latest work.
Even in the rarefied world of romance illustration, there is room for specialization; Gignilliat's is the historical romance. Noted for her keen sense of place and attention to historical detail, she maintains a large research library in her studio and may spend days or even weeks preparing for the actual two-week painting process. After many years as a fashion illustrator--including a stint in Paris writing and illustrating a fashion column--she can come up with precise costume styles for a book's setting. Although Gignilliat left New York two years ago for her native Georgia, she says she has to turn down work these days.
Gignilliat attributes her success in the romance field not only to her eye for detail and historical accuracy but to a genuine appreciation of the subject matter. She dismisses the categorization of romance books as "silly and unimportant." She says, "Men are never chastised for reading a typically masculine book--whether it's sport or adventure--while the most important subject in the world--love--is dismissed as frivolous." When romance writing is at its best," she says, "it captures a sense of genuine romance--I mean the real, great love-of-your-life romance that ends in total commitment."
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