Patrick O'Brien

Patrick O’Brien is the author and illustrator of thirteen books for children. He specializes in wildlife (from prehistoric to current day) as well as historic subjects, but his most recent book looks into the future of space travel. All these interests are combined in his science fiction adventure series about dinosaurs in space. O’Brien earned a degree in biology from the University of Virginia in 1982, then went on to art school at Virginia Commonwealth University. He has been a freelance illustrator since 1986, working for clients such as National Geographic, The Discovery Channel, The Smithsonian, and The American Museum of Natural History. His artwork has appeared in magazines and newspapers, on posters and greeting cards, and even on billboards. In 2008, a production team for The History Channel filmed O’Brien working in his studio for a documentary about recreating dinosaurs. In addition to creating children’s books, O’Brien paints historical maritime scenes for sale in galleries. O’Brien is a part-time professor of illuatration at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. O’Brien volunteers at the National Aquarium helping to care for birds and reptiles. O’Brien lives with his wife and son in Baltimore, MD.