Linda Cateura was a literary editor of Harper's Bazaar for seven years, an associate editor of Woman's Day, and a freelance book reviewer for The New York Times and Saturday Review. She has studied at The New School, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Art Students League, where she attended David A. Leffel's classes. It was there that she wrote the notes that form the basis of this book.

David A. Leffel was born in New York City and gives workshops and demonstrations throughout the nation. His work hangs in both private and public collections, including the J.B. Speed art museum in Louisville, Kentucky, and his ideas and paintings also have been featured in many publications.