Two names...

[Jon H]

Just been doing a bit of research, and would urge all of you to make some internet searches for Howard Pyle and Arthur Rackham.

Two fantastic illustrators we're all probably already well aware of, but GOOD GRIEF! I come back to these things and am still AMAZED.

Go on, treat yourself, and be prepare to feel very small...

;)



(EDITED FOR MISSING "OF")

[Storn]

One of my favorite classes at CCAD was the "History of American Illustration". It started with Pyle.

why? Because Pyle in my teacher's eye was the Father of American Illustration.

He taught both N.C. Wyeth (who went on to start his own dynasty within his own family!) and Maxfield Parrish. He also taught a female artist who's name I'm blanking on, but she came up with the "kewpies" and was a multi-millionaire at the turn of the century. That isn't mentioned in too many art history courses.

A student of Pyle's taught Rockwell. Another student taught both Lyndekker and Flagg. We even traced a lineage of mentorship all the way to Burne Hogarth... who taught at the School of Visual Arts and his students were Wally Wood, Frazetta and Will Eisner....no small talent there.

I first noticed Pyle in my 6th grade social studies book. "Battle at Breed's Hill"...better known as Bunker Hill... is an amazing picture. During the course, I discovered that the damn thing is a freakin' mural and huge!

[Eric Lofgren]

I put in my two cents with Parrish and Nc. Two artists from relatively the same period and BG., but almost diametrically opposed approaches. IF Frazetta wasn't a little inspired by Wyeth, I'm a baboon. I discovered another illustrator from that period (I think) who's name is Waterhouse, don't know the first name and I would say he was very inspirational to Jeffrey Jones, who's work I very much admire. Hey, does anyone remember the book called "The Studio" featuring Jones, Wrightson, Kaluta and Windsor-Smith? That one represents such a cool cross section of incredibly diverse illustrative styles and is still a favoured prize in my collection (it's ragged, crumbling condition attests to that, I would love to get in H.C.).

Later,
Eric

[Steve T. Laws]

Thanks Jon. I looked them up and just as you say they rock.

Thanks for the tip. Now, excuse me whilst I go and study thier works with a lascivious eye.