Brian During the first half of the 20th century illustrator J.C. Leyendecker produced over 300 covers for the Saturday Evening Post.
But what appeals to me even more than his finished work are his studies.
Gauging his proportions. Getting that arm or hand just right. Color, form, and technique all make appearances at the dress rehearsal.
There is momentum and movement throughout every piece.
Even in the face of a pondering woman.
Color is laid down with confident, deliberate strokes. Light sources have been worked out. How many times did he draw this horse? How many pages of studies lie hidden behind these two legs?
And the payoff at the end of all this hard work is beauty.
The more I look, the more he becomes one of my favorites.
