How we view an object, concept, or situation shapes our personality and our world view.

Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) seemed to understand this and changed the world through his writings and illustrations by showing us how “perspective” can dramatically influence our behavior.

We saw this in Green Eggs and Ham when Sam’s friend finally tried the dish he thought he would not like.

We saw this in The Grinch when the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes upon finally “seeing” the true spirit of the holidays.

And now, as new works are released from Ted Geisel’s private collection, we see his perspective evermore clearly across the range of his Secret Art.

THE MIDNIGHT PAINTINGS

Dr. Seuss’s private artworks have been called his “Midnight Paintings” for good reason. They were mostly done in the loneliest hours of the night when the pressures of his day had subsided. In that quiet darkness, he would retire to his easel to see what inspiration might unfold. Those moments were not about being lonely, but rather about great artistic freedom flourishing in the stillness of the night.

Perspective is everything, and he seemed to harness that idea to create one of the 20th century’s most important and timeless bodies of work.