Since we recently talked to comic book artist Steve Rude for the show, I thought I'd troll the internet and look for art by some of the golden age illustrators he loves. You know — your John Gannams, your John Singer Sargents, your Haddon Sundbloms. Why did I go and do that, huh?
Harry Anderson is a complete beast. A superb illustrator who came from the ranks of some of the best to ever do the job. Rude never lied when he told us Anderson would "get it all just perfect". I mean, look up top..!
Harry was born in 1906, attended college in Illinois, discovered his penchant towards art and painting, and moved to Syracuse to attend art school there (Syracuse School of Art). He graduated in 1931, and by 1937 was doing work for all the national magazines: Collier's, Cosmopolitan, Redbook, The Saturday Evening Post, etc.
Harry continued to paint pictures into the 1980s, but sadly passed away on November 19, 1996.
Below is an excerpt from American Art Archives about Anderson:
"Conception, composition, value, draughtsmanship, and painting dexterity," Harry Anderson once said, "must all work together. And they are important in just that order. But the parts all become automatic in time." No picture, according to him, would be deemed acceptable with any of these elements neglected. As one of the top illustrators from the 1930s to the 1980s, Harry spoke with quiet authority on the subject of making pictures.
- SWAiN
Can't wait to listen. This guy is one of the best and most under used artists I can think of...and a tremendously nice guy to boot. Thanks for featuring him, guys! I was lucky enough to visit his place on the drive from Georgia to Cali and saw soooooo much greatness.
Posted by: ken meyer jr | December 03, 2012 at 21:28