Pete, it’s been a while but I wanted you to know that I’ve watched every one of your “unsung” videos…some of them multiple times. What an important contribution you’ve made and continue to make in understanding and appreciating the masterful work of hundreds of artists whose work was underappreciated and cast off as mere illustration. That bias is still with us. That’s why I find your great efforts to be so important in our time. Occasionally you present a gifted artist of a bygone era struggling to overcome the ill-informed notion that their work was less than art. It’s sometimes painful to see the self-doubt of some artists take hold near the end of outstanding careers. I believe that there is no difference between successful works of art no matter what circumstances brought about their creation. You make that case beautifully in each and every episode. My sincerest thanks and grateful appreciation for what you do. Len Tantillo
Hello Len and it's good to hear from you again. I hope the painting is continuing to be a success. Funnily enough I had another look at your work on the website the other day and was reminded just how much I admire what you do. The reason I was there was I'm currently working on a couple of very marine based illustrators of the past and I was reminded I'd bookmarked your site. Anyway I'm very grateful that you are among those who do not consider illustration to be somehow the poor cousin of real art. Oh the arguments I used to have with my fellow academics...
Dear Sir, I enjoy, greatly, comics (bande dessinée, quadrinhos, or whatever you choose to call them) and find some very artistic and beautiful indeed. Is Burne Hogarth's work in Tarzan, e.g., anything other than great art? (or Moebius' - Jean Giraud - in his Incal series, for that matter?) Who am i to draw a line between "real art" and illustration? That is another reason why i like Prof. Beard's videos, he shows us beauty in lines purists would dismiss as a lesser art. It is not. Thanks, Professor! Cheers from Brazil!
3:45 AM in Oregon, USA. I knew there was a reason I got up a bit earlier than usual.. another wonderful treat from Pete. Now down to my studio with a cup of coffee, inspired once again . Thanks.
Hello and thanks. I agree about Hruby. I don't always like the illustrators I feature but in his case it's a no-brainer for me. Very atmospheric and really well drawn.
I always get excited when a new unsung thumbnail pops up! As a working freelance illustrator/fine artist these videos serve to inspire me and fill we with calm. Please keep up your invaluable work. 🙏
Hello and many thanks for your appreciation for what I'm doing. I'm no spring chicken but I intend to keep making them as long as people keep watching them.
On a cold, gloomy Swiss winter afternoon, there is no better way of spending it but snuggled on a sofa, with a mug of hot tea and your illustration heroes series. There is so much detailed information in them, they are true gems and a constant source of inspiration. Thank you!
As usual you have done a masterful presentation. As we discussed earlier, ¿what is it about these family relationships which produce such beautiful art and end so tragically? Not only the Leyendeckers and Detmolds, but add poor Ida Rentoul to the list. Loosing her husband and both sons in the war is a horrible fate to endure. I have seen her books often, one of the few artists I know from downunder besides Lindsay. Great to hear the index is coming along, I'll probably rewatch all your videos again anyway. My best regards!
Hi Albert. I'm never sure whether it's a statistically significant thing or it just seems that way. I suspect that most familial relationships have their share of misery too. I hope life is good where you are.
Thank you - Ida's fairies and elves in an Australian setting are enchanting (and the koala bear surrounded by native fauna!) - and Jon's commercial illustration took me back to the times when department stores would have illustrated advertisements in the papers/New York Times ~ a most enjoyable video ~ very much appreciated ~
Hello again and it's very rewarding to know that what I like to think of as my more dedicated viewers continue to find illustrators they can enjoy. Thanks as ever.
What a great way to start the week! Once more you bring us a fine selections of artists. I feel sorry that Ida could never watch her sons grow and live more than her, hopefully she's now resting in peace.
Hello, and hers seems to be a particularly sad later life. I sometimes wonder whether I should just gloss over those more personal biographical details. I don't want to depress my viewers - or me for that matter.
Hello again, and quite a few viewers seem to be reflecting on the gloom as we enter the misery of winter, and I must admit to feeling that way myself. And no chance of clearing off to somewhere sunny either. But if my videos are at least metaphorically warming that's no bad thing.
Man, what a great channel. I love the videos and I'm amazed by how much I didn't know about these wonderful illustrators. Thanks a million for bringing them to us. Keep up the good work!
Hello and I'm particularly grateful for your comment. That's the primary reason for making these videos, and I have personally been humbled to realise how few of these talents I had known about previously. Never too late to learn...
So excited to see a new video uploaded! These are so relaxing yet interesting, the perfect thing to watch before bed. I've watched your series all the way through then started again from the beginning. I have a new appreciation for illustration, which I never actually noticed very much before, at all.
Another interesting quartet. Particularly enjoyed Whitcomb's work - always had a soft spot for artists able to capture facial expressions. Thank you Mr. Beard.
Hello again and thanks again. I like to think that if nothing else this series is diverse, and I'm always interested to see who individual viewers are most interested in.
John Whitcomb, Wow! Thanks, Pete; I love that Era in American Illustration, seeing how the Questions relating to National Self-Image, Aspirations, and Sensibility are presented as Confirmed, in myriad potentials, with such dense, Life-Affirming dash, exquisite Vision and Technical Virtuosity! I'm looking forward to your Who's Who Round Up!
I had no idea I was interested in the history of illustration until one of Mr Beard's videos randomly appeared on my YT feed. Dozens watched now and looking forward to more. Thanks for presenting such a well constructed series of videos
Hello and that's music to my ears. I'm pleased to say I've had comments from others who also had little or no connection with this popular artform. Makes it all worthwhile.
*Thanks* for a varied range of illustrators from Hruby to Whitcomb. Some if not all introduced in previous presentations. Look forward to the list to reference the illustrators. Appreciate it.
Wonderful as always! In my youth, reading through old magazines I think I saw some of John Whitcomb's illustrations. I may even have seen at least one of those children's books of his!
Hello and thanks a lot. Whitcomb is yet another I'd never previously come across. It seems he was one of several of his generation who got tired of pure realism of the Rockwell variety. Others are in the pipeline for the series.
feel like my style is closer to Harry Elliott, but I wish it could be something like John Whitcomb. Your videos are always so inspirational and I always look forward to the next one!
Hello again and thanks as usual for your appreciation. I'm fairly convinced that being able to paint 'realistically' is a gift you are born with, and although it can be developed it can't be acquired. But the good news is look what a great career Eliott had...
The who's who list of vids 1-50 will be useful as I joined the party late though having said that i is the surprises and unknowns (to me) that can deligh so much. More beautiful and interesting stuff here yet again. Thanks as ever Pete.
Hello again and thanks as usual. Don't feel obliged to avail yourself of the list - I'm publishing it in response to some viewers who wanted to see certain illustrators again but couldn't remember which instalment they featured in. And I must admit it'll be handy for me too. I thought I was only gong to make half a dozen or so...
That's a great idea to publish a "who's who" (rogue's gallery-? lol) of your featured artists. As usual, Thanks for your work on this installment, featuring (of course!) Jon Whitcomb. Strange that you're just getting around to him, though I suppose there was nothing especially ground-breaking about him technically or aesthetically.
Hello again Kevin, and thanks as usual. Your comment seems to indicate you think Im dealing with the illustrators in a sort of 'best or favourites first' way. Truth is, I just bundle them together in a way that seems to provide the greatest variety. There's no planning or structure - I'm too disorganised for that.
"...Postcards... text messages of their day"...absolutely a brilliant observations. I wish I had made THAT Connection. Bravo! Gregg Oreo long Beach Ca Etats Unis
Hello Pete, love what you're doing. Did you talk already about Jean-Leon Huens ? I searched your videos, but maybe I missed it. If not, maybe you could talk about him in the next episode ? Cheers !
Hello and thanks a lot for your comment. The main reason I haven't covered Jean Leon Huens is that I had never heard of him. This happens fairly regularly and I'm very grateful you have introduced me to his wonderful illustration. But the second reason is that he was (like quite a few others) born too late to qualify for the unsung heroes. I had to limit myself and decided to only feature those born before 1910. I know this seems odd but even with this limit I still have a list of others longer than those I have already covered, and I'm not getting any younger. Sorry about that but if I get the chance to feature him in another context I certainly will.
Hello Again Mr Beard and thank you for this wonderful contribution. As an Australian, I grew up with Ida Outhwaite and the fairie stories. As Australia in its climate ,heritage and wildlife is very different to that of Europe, I found she married the traditions very well and created a world where magic existed. As for John Whitcomb, I fully understand the perversity of the other degree. :D.... I also studied creative wiriting despite my love for art and now years later have decided to team them up. Wonderful video, yet again.
PS It's been quite difficult trying to get information about and work by Australian illustrators from the past. I featured the marvellous Norman Lindsay a while back, and there are a couple of others yet to feature, but there seem to be far fewer than I would have hoped for.
@@petebeard If I may, I can always ask the art faculty for some help and do some digging of my own. Adelaide is very well know for its Art scene. The best Illustrators school is in Melbourne however. If you feel comfortable to drop some names through email, I could try to find some archives for you.
Hi and many thanks for the offer. My problem isn't that I've got names but can't find information or evidence. It's that I can only find a handful of names of Australian illustrators from the late 1800s/early1900s to cover. I've covered Ida Outhwaite, Norman Lindsay and Harold Gaze. And Walter Jardine and Will Dyson are in the pipeline, but I think that's the extent of it. I know the population is small given the size of the country but I can't help feeling some have simply not had any presence globally speaking.
@@petebeard Yes, in all honesty..there is a certain vibe of seclusion here in Australia..nothing really travels much or ever has and not too many make the news, those who do have ties abroad or travelled.
Fabulous as always, Mr Beard thank you again. Just a thought, is there a document listing all the artists in each episode for reference and research purposes?
Hello and thanks as usual. Now there's a funny coincidence - if you look at the description box for this video (and I'm aware that most viewers probably don't) there's an announcement that I will be publishing the list for the first 50 videos when number 70 is uploaded.
Hello and thanks for the comment. What is it about American illustrators and their serious abilities with representational painting? Very few equivalents elsewhere.
Thanks for another Australian illustrator unknown to me, Ida Rentoul Outhwaite, but a search of your site is empty of any May Gibbs? Fair enough if you think her not unsung, the 'Bad, Bad Banksia Man' even made it into some pretty poor popular music, or if you think much of her output too snugglepot and cuddlepie (my wife likes Gibbs so I dare not express this opinion), or if you just haven't gotten to her yet. If you do, though, I'd be interested in your take and thanks again for a wonderfully entertaining and informative 14 minutes.
Hello, and the honest answer is that May Gibbs and others have been languishing in my 'to do' list for a long time. I try to be even-handed about who gets to feature in the unsung series, but I would rather have a colonoscopy than view her work at length (and it is relentlessly samey) so I prioritise others in the hope that I fall off my perch before I really struggle to have a good word for. On the other hand I'm soon going to feature Mabel Lucie Attwell and she has a similar effect on me, so I'll no doubt overcome my prejudice... eventually. Don't tell your missus.
@@petebeard No worries, I quite agree on the colonoscopy, but every time I walk by a Banksia setting seed in the bush I see the Big, Bad Banksia Man and I've noticed my young nephews never heard of him.
I'm now reading-re-reading, studying a beatiful book, printed in Britain, I suppose you know it, "Children's Picturebooks" and surprisingly, found there - in chapter "1950 Decade....."- works of an uruguayan engraver that we have been talking about : Antonio Frasconi.
@@petebeard We spoke about Frasconi last year when I recommend you to look for his work in USA....he's an "unsung" only known in the wood engravers circles.....the book ( Children Picturebooks ) is interesting, not an indeep history about children books, but the authors selected are very attactive. It's a sunny cold day here, with a crescent pandemmia enviroment, then, it's a good opportunity to connect with my son, books an friends.
I can't tell if you are being sarcastic or not so I'll play it straight. Gouache is a type of water soluble paint that Americans incorrectly call 'gwash' for some reason.
For those that disparage illustration and illustrators in contrast to 'real art,' maybe you should throw in some of earlier unsung heroes of illustration - you know, those guys who illustrated bible stories like Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Rafael, Durer, Rubens, and so on up through the 19th century. Makes no sense that pictures of Moses or Adam and Eve constitutes 'art' while those of Huckleberry Finn or Treasure Island are 'mere illustrations.' Not that the subject matter is equivalent, but the visual representations can be.
Hello and many thanks for the comment and observation. I do on occasion feature relevant artists in some of the videos that are not part of the unsung series. The origins of Fantasy Art video is a case in point. But I generally prefer to leave the fine art to others. And I'm happy to say with some confidence that the vast majority of my viewers don't need to be convinced about the true worth and status of illustration. Those elitists who think otherwise wouldn't touch the channel with a ten foot pole.
Hi Jack, if you are interested in illustrated Bible stories and Pete doesn't begrudge me a shameless plug, we recently published an eBook of Edmund Dulac's artwork which includes 13 Bible stories from 1924 and 8 of Song of Solomon from 1938. They are beautiful watercolors used as the front covers of the American Weekly magazine. It's available wherever you purchase your eBooks.
Hello Jack Thought there wasn't any illustration before the printing press.* Lithography was invented in 1796 three centuries after the painters mentioned. Unsung Heros limits itself to artists-illustrators between 1850/60s to 1910. So, this series' defination of an illustrator is bracketed by artist-illustrators who used the printing press, lithography, off-set printing, etc., in that time frame. Granted Durer made prints, the Renaissance painters didn't so they were not illustrators. In short: Renaissance painters were not illustrators. Illustrators are not painters. Art is the beliefs, mores, customs, of a people codified, i.e. in visual, written, etc. terms. It was the illustrators themselves who disparaged illustration. In a long digression: Perhaps it was the print engravers and companies such as the International art dealership-print company Goupil Cie** founded 1829 who translated paintings to affordable prints that helped foster the idea to the public that there was a difference in quality between the two mediums based on economic availability. The illusion was created of the illustration as a knock off of a painting. Compare a painting bought for say a thousand dollars and an illustration in a mass-produced magazine. Which do you think the buyer will more likely dispose of? An "orginal" painting or, in their eyes a "copy"? They're going to equate quality with quantity. Less quantity more perceived quality and vice-versa. Printing is a mass-production product made by a team of illustrators, printers and others. Plus, the back and forth perception that the illustration is subservient to the text or product doesn't help seeing the illustration as a work in itself. Its life span depends how quickly it gets the viewers attention to the product it supports. *So, ironically, it was the printer- illustrator who "dissed", disparaged, illustration.* They did it to themselves. Even before the gate was opened they handicapped their work to be appreciated as a standalone piece. There's even perceived differences in paintings. Landscape painting took centuries to be accepted as equivalent to portrait painting in the public eye and patron's wallet. Btw, comparing a Flemish multi-layered oil painting to a four or six colour print and saying they're equivalent is just plain not true. The effect is light years, light pun intented, between the two. Even the size makes a difference. There are many painting effects that as of now can't be be done in print. Printing is still relatively young. So, as an art form still relatively new. Painting was considered a craft one practiced in a guild up until the painters you mentioned. And that is only one skill an Old Master painter is judged against that few illustrators themselves would even pretend to have. And, there are many very good illustrators I admire. Heck, there aren't many painters today that compare. The image is the sum total of the artist-illustrator's skillset. Saying the two mediums are the same is like comparing oranges and 🍎s. Based on the medium painters are not illustrators and illustrators are not painters. Illustrators use paint only to be translated into printing ink. That's another ball park with its own gamut of colours and set of rules. *So* , please do not associate painters with "those" people who disparage illustration, whoever they may be. The reason for this long comment is because it gets *old* listening to commentators ranting against painting by comparing the two and espousing illustrators don't get the respect they deserve since its not perceived as "art" like painting. Painters and illustrators are the same people working in different mediums. And, if you don't understand the difference between the two mediums its worth learning. You'll appreciate illustration even more knowing how hard illustrators and printers work together to give you the final image. If you choose to side-step the defination of an illustrator by saying one visual representation is good as another regardless of the subject matter then you're calling illustrators whores without morals or worse who should get a free pass promoting toothpaste, drugs, fascism or whatever because they make pretty little pictures then you're really skating on thin ice. Also, you're ignoring the fact many illustrators were paid very well for their work. So, they may be unsung nowadays. How many painters can the average person name off? Not many. My defination of "Art" is its the transitional stage between belief, unwritten customs, mores to the written acknowledgment of the former. Belief expressed first in visual terms followed by verbal terms. Belief, Art, Science. Best * Said by a very wise man. ** The Van Gogh family was much involved with Goupil Cie.
Index to each of the 69 shows, with links and illustrator names: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1X2g69NDFtH7bGBFIuqwwfS0R_HrqLxxS1nPb5KV8c-o/edit?usp=sharing
Hello and what can I say? This is immensely helpful and thanks a lot. I'll still put my 1 to 50 up with the next instalment if only because I've finally completed the damn thing. But I will steer viewers to your superior version too.
Jerimee Appreciate the spreadsheet and the effort put into it. Very useful. *Thanks* With a birds eye overveiw of all the illustrators didn't really realize the extent of Pete's work. Pretty amazing.
Pete, it’s been a while but I wanted you to know that I’ve watched every one of your “unsung” videos…some of them multiple times. What an important contribution you’ve made and continue to make in understanding and appreciating the masterful work of hundreds of artists whose work was underappreciated and cast off as mere illustration. That bias is still with us. That’s why I find your great efforts to be so important in our time.
Occasionally you present a gifted artist of a bygone era struggling to overcome the ill-informed notion that their work was less than art. It’s sometimes painful to see the self-doubt of some artists take hold near the end of outstanding careers. I believe that there is no difference between successful works of art no matter what circumstances brought about their creation. You make that case beautifully in each and every episode. My sincerest thanks and grateful appreciation for what you do.
Len Tantillo
Hello Len and it's good to hear from you again. I hope the painting is continuing to be a success. Funnily enough I had another look at your work on the website the other day and was reminded just how much I admire what you do. The reason I was there was I'm currently working on a couple of very marine based illustrators of the past and I was reminded I'd bookmarked your site. Anyway I'm very grateful that you are among those who do not consider illustration to be somehow the poor cousin of real art. Oh the arguments I used to have with my fellow academics...
Dear Sir,
I enjoy, greatly, comics (bande dessinée, quadrinhos, or whatever you choose to call them) and find some very artistic and beautiful indeed. Is Burne Hogarth's work in Tarzan, e.g., anything other than great art? (or Moebius' - Jean Giraud - in his Incal series, for that matter?) Who am i to draw a line between "real art" and illustration? That is another reason why i like Prof. Beard's videos, he shows us beauty in lines purists would dismiss as a lesser art. It is not. Thanks, Professor!
Cheers from Brazil!
Thanks for all you’ve said here. It’s so true.
I love your chill little classic art series
Hello and many thanks for your comment.
3:45 AM in Oregon, USA. I knew there was a reason I got up a bit earlier than usual.. another wonderful treat from Pete. Now down to my studio with a cup of coffee, inspired once again . Thanks.
Hello and really? 3.45? Since I retired I make it a point of honour to never rise before 8.30. But if the videos inspire you that's good to know.
@@petebeard Yup, 3:45 AM.. Usually up at 5:00. Thanks again Pete.. what a wonderful and generous series.
These videos are always so interesting! I love waking up and eating breakfast while watching these.
Hello and it seems that quite a few viewers find the channel a good accompaniment to their breakfast routine. Strange but gratifying.
Hello Pete!
Loved the Hruby segment. Those illustrators in 1890s t0 1940s were a class in themselves!
Hello and thanks. I agree about Hruby. I don't always like the illustrators I feature but in his case it's a no-brainer for me. Very atmospheric and really well drawn.
This channel is amazing! All this artists' work give me so much inspiration and admiration. Thank you for your hard work!
Hello and thanks a lot for your comment and subscription. It's good to know the work is appreciated.
I always get excited when a new unsung thumbnail pops up! As a working freelance illustrator/fine artist these videos serve to inspire me and fill we with calm. Please keep up your invaluable work. 🙏
Hello and many thanks for your appreciation for what I'm doing. I'm no spring chicken but I intend to keep making them as long as people keep watching them.
I really like the romantic feel of Sergius Hruby artwork as well as the Australian artist Ida Rentoul Outhwaite.
Hello and its good to know that the channel seems to be working in its mission to introduce these talents to a wider audience.
Always a wonderful delight when I start my day seeing a new “Unsung” episode waiting for me🌟
Hello again and thanks as ever for your favourable response. It matters to me.
On a cold, gloomy Swiss winter afternoon, there is no better way of spending it but snuggled on a sofa, with a mug of hot tea and your illustration heroes series. There is so much detailed information in them, they are true gems and a constant source of inspiration. Thank you!
Its a cold, gloomy Brazilian morning around here, and I couldnt agree more with you!
Hello and thanks for that. I bet it's not as gloomy as where I live! Muito obrigado (the only Portugueses I know).
Hello and thanks a lot for your favourable comment - it is very much appreciated.
Once again, an excellent video. Thanks.
Hello Simon and thanks as usual.
@@petebeard My pleasure! And a pleasure to watch your posts.
As usual you have done a masterful presentation. As we discussed earlier, ¿what is it about these family relationships which produce such beautiful art and end so tragically? Not only the Leyendeckers and Detmolds, but add poor Ida Rentoul to the list. Loosing her husband and both sons in the war is a horrible fate to endure. I have seen her books often, one of the few artists I know from downunder besides Lindsay. Great to hear the index is coming along, I'll probably rewatch all your videos again anyway. My best regards!
Hi Albert. I'm never sure whether it's a statistically significant thing or it just seems that way. I suspect that most familial relationships have their share of misery too. I hope life is good where you are.
More wonderful content. Thanks Pete.
Thanks as ever.
Thank you - Ida's fairies and elves in an Australian setting are enchanting (and the koala bear surrounded by native fauna!) - and Jon's commercial illustration took me back to the times when department stores would have illustrated advertisements in the papers/New York Times ~ a most enjoyable video ~ very much appreciated ~
Hello again and it's very rewarding to know that what I like to think of as my more dedicated viewers continue to find illustrators they can enjoy. Thanks as ever.
What a great way to start the week! Once more you bring us a fine selections of artists. I feel sorry that Ida could never watch her sons grow and live more than her, hopefully she's now resting in peace.
Hello, and hers seems to be a particularly sad later life. I sometimes wonder whether I should just gloss over those more personal biographical details. I don't want to depress my viewers - or me for that matter.
Amazing artists! Thank you!
Hello and thanks a lot for your comment. I'm glad you enjoyed the content.
It's a dark, cold and raining but there's a new installment of Unsung Heroes and that makes it a lovely day. Thanks
Hello again, and quite a few viewers seem to be reflecting on the gloom as we enter the misery of winter, and I must admit to feeling that way myself. And no chance of clearing off to somewhere sunny either. But if my videos are at least metaphorically warming that's no bad thing.
Man, what a great channel. I love the videos and I'm amazed by how much I didn't know about these wonderful illustrators. Thanks a million for bringing them to us. Keep up the good work!
Hello and I'm particularly grateful for your comment. That's the primary reason for making these videos, and I have personally been humbled to realise how few of these talents I had known about previously. Never too late to learn...
Thank you for another fascinating journey.
Hello and thanks for the comment. I must say I like the idea of this being a journey. And hopefully one witout end.
So excited to see a new video uploaded! These are so relaxing yet interesting, the perfect thing to watch before bed. I've watched your series all the way through then started again from the beginning. I have a new appreciation for illustration, which I never actually noticed very much before, at all.
Hello again and it really is a good feeling to think I've helped to convert you (and maybe some others) to this wonderful engrossing popular artform.
Same here :)
Another interesting quartet.
Particularly enjoyed Whitcomb's work - always had a soft spot for artists able to capture facial expressions.
Thank you Mr. Beard.
Hello again and thanks again. I like to think that if nothing else this series is diverse, and I'm always interested to see who individual viewers are most interested in.
I'm so glad I have quite a few unwatched episodes still. Erudite, informative, whimsical. Thanks again from sunny Vienna, Scott
Hello again, and dont panic. In a few months I'll be resuming the series - there are still hundreds I haven't featured yet.
@@petebeard Thanks for the update. There are still quite a few I haven't seen yet, so I'm set for the moment.
cheers from windy Vienna, Scott
John Whitcomb, Wow!
Thanks, Pete; I love that Era in American Illustration, seeing how the Questions relating to National Self-Image, Aspirations, and Sensibility
are presented as Confirmed, in myriad potentials, with such dense, Life-Affirming dash, exquisite Vision and Technical Virtuosity!
I'm looking forward to your Who's Who Round Up!
Hello again and thanks as ever for your appreciation of what I'm doing with the channel.
I had no idea I was interested in the history of illustration until one of Mr Beard's videos randomly appeared on my YT feed. Dozens watched now and looking forward to more. Thanks for presenting such a well constructed series of videos
Hello and that's music to my ears. I'm pleased to say I've had comments from others who also had little or no connection with this popular artform. Makes it all worthwhile.
I love watching your series again and again! I wish I could remember every word. Your work is exemplary!
Hello again and that'sone of the most flattering thing anyone has said about my work on the channel. You've brithtened up my day, that's for sure.
*Thanks* for a varied range of illustrators from Hruby to Whitcomb. Some if not all introduced in previous presentations. Look forward to the list to reference the illustrators. Appreciate it.
Hello and my gratitude as ever for your continued interest.
Hi Pete... Whitcomb was my favorite in this one, but Hruby takes a close second. Thanks again.
Hi John, glad you enjoyed them.
Not heard or seen (as far as I can recollect) any of these illustrators or illustrations, but again what a fantastic episode! Do keep it up.
Hello and thats my intention. Thanks as ever.
Wonderful as always! In my youth, reading through old magazines I think I saw some of John Whitcomb's illustrations. I may even have seen at least one of those children's books of his!
Hello and thanks a lot. Whitcomb is yet another I'd never previously come across. It seems he was one of several of his generation who got tired of pure realism of the Rockwell variety. Others are in the pipeline for the series.
@@petebeard Thanks for this! Keep 'em coming!
feel like my style is closer to Harry Elliott, but I wish it could be something like John Whitcomb. Your videos are always so inspirational and I always look forward to the next one!
Hello again and thanks as usual for your appreciation. I'm fairly convinced that being able to paint 'realistically' is a gift you are born with, and although it can be developed it can't be acquired. But the good news is look what a great career Eliott had...
The who's who list of vids 1-50 will be useful as I joined the party late though having said that i is the surprises and unknowns (to me) that can deligh so much.
More beautiful and interesting stuff here yet again. Thanks as ever Pete.
Hello again and thanks as usual. Don't feel obliged to avail yourself of the list - I'm publishing it in response to some viewers who wanted to see certain illustrators again but couldn't remember which instalment they featured in. And I must admit it'll be handy for me too. I thought I was only gong to make half a dozen or so...
Always so interesting to listen to and watch. Thank you.
Hello again and many thanks for your continued interest in the channel. It means a lot to me.
Another great episode. Thank you very much.
Hello again and thanks as ever for your appreciative comment. Always welcome.
Thanks Pete, another great video
Hello again and my gratitude as ever for your comment and support.
Another wonderful entry in the series. Thank you again!
Hello. And I would say 'don't mention it' but then you might not. Thanks
That's a great idea to publish a "who's who" (rogue's gallery-? lol) of your featured artists. As usual, Thanks for your work on this installment, featuring (of course!) Jon Whitcomb. Strange that you're just getting around to him, though I suppose there was nothing especially ground-breaking about him technically or aesthetically.
Hello again Kevin, and thanks as usual. Your comment seems to indicate you think Im dealing with the illustrators in a sort of 'best or favourites first' way. Truth is, I just bundle them together in a way that seems to provide the greatest variety. There's no planning or structure - I'm too disorganised for that.
"...Postcards... text messages of their day"...absolutely a brilliant observations. I wish I had made THAT Connection. Bravo! Gregg Oreo long Beach Ca Etats Unis
Hello again and you flatter me. Not that Im complaining...
Man, the research on display here is astounding.
Hello and that's a very pleasing comment.Thanks a lot.
Another video to end the day on the most pleasant of notes.
thank you sir.
And I look forward to the who's who of the first 50 videos. :-)
Hi and thanks again for your ongoing support.
Hello Pete, love what you're doing.
Did you talk already about Jean-Leon Huens ? I searched your videos, but maybe I missed it. If not, maybe you could talk about him in the next episode ? Cheers !
Hello and thanks a lot for your comment. The main reason I haven't covered Jean Leon Huens is that I had never heard of him. This happens fairly regularly and I'm very grateful you have introduced me to his wonderful illustration. But the second reason is that he was (like quite a few others) born too late to qualify for the unsung heroes. I had to limit myself and decided to only feature those born before 1910. I know this seems odd but even with this limit I still have a list of others longer than those I have already covered, and I'm not getting any younger. Sorry about that but if I get the chance to feature him in another context I certainly will.
@@petebeard thank you for your answer and I understand ! Glad I could make you discover his work ! :)
Hello Again Mr Beard and thank you for this wonderful contribution. As an Australian, I grew up with Ida Outhwaite and the fairie stories. As Australia in its climate ,heritage and wildlife is very different to that of Europe, I found she married the traditions very well and created a world where magic existed. As for John Whitcomb, I fully understand the perversity of the other degree. :D.... I also studied creative wiriting despite my love for art and now years later have decided to team them up. Wonderful video, yet again.
PS It's been quite difficult trying to get information about and work by Australian illustrators from the past. I featured the marvellous Norman Lindsay a while back, and there are a couple of others yet to feature, but there seem to be far fewer than I would have hoped for.
@@petebeard If I may, I can always ask the art faculty for some help and do some digging of my own. Adelaide is very well know for its Art scene. The best Illustrators school is in Melbourne however. If you feel comfortable to drop some names through email, I could try to find some archives for you.
Hi and many thanks for the offer. My problem isn't that I've got names but can't find information or evidence. It's that I can only find a handful of names of Australian illustrators from the late 1800s/early1900s to cover. I've covered Ida Outhwaite, Norman Lindsay and Harold Gaze. And Walter Jardine and Will Dyson are in the pipeline, but I think that's the extent of it. I know the population is small given the size of the country but I can't help feeling some have simply not had any presence globally speaking.
@@petebeard Yes, in all honesty..there is a certain vibe of seclusion here in Australia..nothing really travels much or ever has and not too many make the news, those who do have ties abroad or travelled.
Thank You so much.
good and interesring episode, thank you very much!
Hello and my gratitude for your appreciation.
Another excellent offering ,thanks again for sharing this with us mere mortals, best wishes from the wirral...E
Hi again, and many thanks as usual. I must say I'm not feeling all too mortal just now. Another winter here and no chance to get to the med.
Great selection in this one! And great research always!!!
Hello again and thanks a lot for your appreciation, as ever. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Fabulous as always, Mr Beard thank you again. Just a thought, is there a document listing all the artists in each episode for reference and research purposes?
Hello and thanks as usual. Now there's a funny coincidence - if you look at the description box for this video (and I'm aware that most viewers probably don't) there's an announcement that I will be publishing the list for the first 50 videos when number 70 is uploaded.
This channel is an inspirational resource
Hello and thanks a lot for your appreciation. It matters to me.
Jon Whitcomb! Wow. Thank you.
Hello and thanks for the comment. What is it about American illustrators and their serious abilities with representational painting? Very few equivalents elsewhere.
The very best fifteen minutes of my day.
And comments like yours make my day too.
TS 6:29 lovely illustration for this time of year ...some of these illustrations are circulating around on Facebook in specific groups
Hello again and thanks as usual for the comment. It's rewarding to know that images by these illustrators are reaching a wider audience.
Can't wait for the list!
It'll be up in just over a week I think.
Thanks for another Australian illustrator unknown to me, Ida Rentoul Outhwaite, but a search of your site is empty of any May Gibbs? Fair enough if you think her not unsung, the 'Bad, Bad Banksia Man' even made it into some pretty poor popular music, or if you think much of her output too snugglepot and cuddlepie (my wife likes Gibbs so I dare not express this opinion), or if you just haven't gotten to her yet. If you do, though, I'd be interested in your take and thanks again for a wonderfully entertaining and informative 14 minutes.
Hello, and the honest answer is that May Gibbs and others have been languishing in my 'to do' list for a long time. I try to be even-handed about who gets to feature in the unsung series, but I would rather have a colonoscopy than view her work at length (and it is relentlessly samey) so I prioritise others in the hope that I fall off my perch before I really struggle to have a good word for. On the other hand I'm soon going to feature Mabel Lucie Attwell and she has a similar effect on me, so I'll no doubt overcome my prejudice... eventually. Don't tell your missus.
@@petebeard No worries, I quite agree on the colonoscopy, but every time I walk by a Banksia setting seed in the bush I see the Big, Bad Banksia Man and I've noticed my young nephews never heard of him.
Brilliant, Peter. As ever...
Hello again and your comments and support are always appreciated.
You do a great job - thank you
Hello again and thanks for the continued appreciation.
I'm being educated! - and with wit.
Hello again and I can take any amount of flattery.
Muy bueno !!!
Gracias
Hello and many thanks for your appreciation of the channel - and your subscription.
EXCUSE ME !
Did I just hear you say "LOO-tenant" ? (1:52)
Pete, Pete, Pete.
For shame.
Thank you!
Hi and as usual you're more than welcome.
I'm now reading-re-reading, studying a beatiful book, printed in Britain, I suppose you know it, "Children's Picturebooks" and surprisingly, found there - in chapter "1950 Decade....."- works of an uruguayan engraver that we have been talking about : Antonio Frasconi.
Hello Gabriel and no I'm not familiar with that book. And I also had never heard of Frasconi. So thanks for the informaton.
@@petebeard We spoke about Frasconi last year when I recommend you to look for his work in USA....he's an "unsung" only known in the wood engravers circles.....the book ( Children Picturebooks ) is interesting, not an indeep history about children books, but the authors selected are very attactive.
It's a sunny cold day here, with a crescent pandemmia enviroment, then, it's a good opportunity to connect with my son, books an friends.
@@gabrielerosa665 Hello again and my apologies but I had forgotten about him. So thanks for the reminder.
Hey, what is "goulash" you are referring to? Thanks. 👌🌞
I can't tell if you are being sarcastic or not so I'll play it straight. Gouache is a type of water soluble paint that Americans incorrectly call 'gwash' for some reason.
Nice.
THanks a lot.
nice
Thanks!
For those that disparage illustration and illustrators in contrast to 'real art,' maybe you should throw in some of earlier unsung heroes of illustration - you know, those guys who illustrated bible stories like Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Rafael, Durer, Rubens, and so on up through the 19th century. Makes no sense that pictures of Moses or Adam and Eve constitutes 'art' while those of Huckleberry Finn or Treasure Island are 'mere illustrations.' Not that the subject matter is equivalent, but the visual representations can be.
Hello and many thanks for the comment and observation. I do on occasion feature relevant artists in some of the videos that are not part of the unsung series. The origins of Fantasy Art video is a case in point. But I generally prefer to leave the fine art to others. And I'm happy to say with some confidence that the vast majority of my viewers don't need to be convinced about the true worth and status of illustration. Those elitists who think otherwise wouldn't touch the channel with a ten foot pole.
Hi Jack, if you are interested in illustrated Bible stories and Pete doesn't begrudge me a shameless plug, we recently published an eBook of Edmund Dulac's artwork which includes 13 Bible stories from 1924 and 8 of Song of Solomon from 1938. They are beautiful watercolors used as the front covers of the American Weekly magazine. It's available wherever you purchase your eBooks.
Hello Jack
Thought there wasn't any illustration before the printing press.* Lithography was invented in 1796 three centuries after the painters mentioned.
Unsung Heros limits itself to artists-illustrators between 1850/60s to 1910.
So, this series' defination of an illustrator is bracketed by artist-illustrators who used the printing press, lithography, off-set printing, etc., in that time frame. Granted Durer made prints, the Renaissance painters didn't so they were not illustrators.
In short:
Renaissance painters were not illustrators.
Illustrators are not painters.
Art is the beliefs, mores, customs, of a people codified, i.e. in visual, written, etc. terms.
It was the illustrators themselves who disparaged illustration.
In a long digression:
Perhaps it was the print engravers and companies such as the International art dealership-print company Goupil Cie** founded 1829 who translated paintings to affordable prints that helped foster the idea to the public that there was a difference in quality between the two mediums based on economic availability. The illusion was created of the illustration as a knock off of a painting.
Compare a painting bought for say a thousand dollars and an illustration in a mass-produced magazine. Which do you think the buyer will more likely dispose of? An "orginal" painting or, in their eyes a "copy"? They're going to equate quality with quantity. Less quantity more perceived quality and vice-versa.
Printing is a mass-production product made by a team of illustrators, printers and others.
Plus, the back and forth perception that the illustration is subservient to the text or product doesn't help seeing the illustration as a work in itself. Its life span depends how quickly it gets the viewers attention to the product it supports.
*So, ironically, it was the printer- illustrator who "dissed", disparaged, illustration.* They did it to themselves. Even before the gate was opened they handicapped their work to be appreciated as a standalone piece.
There's even perceived differences in paintings. Landscape painting took centuries to be accepted as equivalent to portrait painting in the public eye and patron's wallet.
Btw, comparing a Flemish multi-layered oil painting to a four or six colour print and saying they're equivalent is just plain not true. The effect is light years, light pun intented, between the two. Even the size makes a difference. There are many painting effects that as of now can't be be done in print. Printing is still relatively young. So, as an art form still relatively new. Painting was considered a craft one practiced in a guild up until the painters you mentioned.
And that is only one skill an Old Master painter is judged against that few illustrators themselves would even pretend to have. And, there are many very good illustrators I admire. Heck, there aren't many painters today that compare.
The image is the sum total of the artist-illustrator's skillset.
Saying the two mediums are the same is like comparing oranges and 🍎s. Based on the medium painters are not illustrators and illustrators are not painters. Illustrators use paint only to be translated into printing ink. That's another ball park with its own gamut of colours and set of rules.
*So* , please do not associate painters with "those" people who disparage illustration, whoever they may be.
The reason for this long comment is because it gets *old* listening to commentators ranting against painting by comparing the two and espousing illustrators don't get the respect they deserve since its not perceived as "art" like painting.
Painters and illustrators are the same people working in different mediums. And, if you don't understand the difference between the two mediums its worth learning. You'll appreciate illustration even more knowing how hard illustrators and printers work together to give you the final image.
If you choose to side-step the defination of an illustrator by saying one visual representation is good as another regardless of the subject matter then you're calling illustrators whores without morals or worse who should get a free pass promoting toothpaste, drugs, fascism or whatever because they make pretty little pictures then you're really skating on thin ice.
Also, you're ignoring the fact many illustrators were paid very well for their work. So, they may be unsung nowadays. How many painters can the average person name off? Not many.
My defination of "Art" is its the transitional stage between belief, unwritten customs, mores to the written acknowledgment of the former. Belief expressed first in visual terms followed by verbal terms. Belief, Art, Science.
Best
* Said by a very wise man.
** The Van Gogh family was much involved with Goupil Cie.
Again at 11:47 !
Guilty as charged.
Index to each of the 69 shows, with links and illustrator names: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1X2g69NDFtH7bGBFIuqwwfS0R_HrqLxxS1nPb5KV8c-o/edit?usp=sharing
Hello and what can I say? This is immensely helpful and thanks a lot. I'll still put my 1 to 50 up with the next instalment if only because I've finally completed the damn thing. But I will steer viewers to your superior version too.
Jerimee
Appreciate the spreadsheet and the effort put into it. Very useful.
*Thanks*
With a birds eye overveiw of all the illustrators didn't really realize the extent of Pete's work. Pretty amazing.
Jon Whitcomb wins it for me in this one .
Thank You so much.
Hello, and your appreciative responses are always welcome.
Nice.
It's appreciated.