True Art Beast: J.C. Leyendecker

So, this is my first post in a series that I will continue from time to time discussing my favorite artists. I decided not to "beat around the bush" and I've chosen my favroite artist, J.C. Leyendecker to discuss first. Leyendecker is one of the great masters associated with the Golden Age of American Illustration. I don't want to waste time and space on biographical information here, for that visit http://www.bpib.com/illustrat/leyendec.htm. Leyendecker is most famous for his work on covers for The Saturday Evening Post. He worked before and was a big influence on Norman Rockwell, sadly he doesn't get as much attention as good 'ol Norman these days. To be clear, I'm not taking a jab at Rockwell, I love his work too.

What do I love about Leyendecker's art? Hmmm...everything. The phenomenal drawing ability, bold and confident painting technique, excellent composition, great design sense and style, he was just a true master. The life and energy in his work is also one of its most appealing attributes. I also love that though he worked from live models his work is never just a boring copy, he turned his subjects into something totally new, totally "Leyendecker". The subject matter of his work is enjoyable too, with all its humor, romance, and nostalgia. Some may say it's corny, but I personally love it. It gives a glimpse, however idealized it may be, of an interesting period in American history and reveals some characteristics of the culture of the time.

My only complaint concerning Leyendecker is that there are not enough books collecting his work or focusing on his remarkable career and position in the history of illustration. Someone needs to make a nice thick new book all about his work with lots of his fantastic studies and rare pieces that I haven't seen yet!

I really can't think of another artist whose work "wows" me as much as Lyendecker's. He's on a level all his own. He was a true Art Beast. Enjoy these samples of his work. Search the internet for more and pick up the few books about him that exist if you can, they're all worth owning.