Monday 27 June 2016

"The Book Of Bunny Suicides" By Andy Riley (published in Great Britain by Hodder And Stoughton, 2003) - Part 1



 I know, you might think that I'm putting these cartoons up as a reaction to the Brexit vote but I am actually quite relieved with the recent referendum results - a little less power to the banks and the bureaucrats can't do much harm! Both the book and its creator, British cartoonist Andy Riley, are quite famous by now but I do wish the horrible rabbits munching on my lawn and flowers would take the hint and disappear forever!  http://misterandyriley.com/



Saturday 18 June 2016

"Pierre-Joseph Redouté's LES LILIACÉES", Sotherby's Auction Catalogue - 20th November 1985 (publisher: Sotherby's, New York 1985) - Part 3


 I fell in love with these pictures as soon as I picked up this book some sixteen years ago! I had never really paid much attention to flower paintings before as I thought the subject too ordinary and mundane but this work is so extraordinary! The beautifully drawn shapes and natural colouring really make you appreciate the harmony and balance of each depicted plant. What makes them so powerful is not only their amazing realism but the sensuality achieved from the richness and depth of the colours, together with monumental and sculptural arrangement of leaves and flowers. Pierre-Joseph Redouté is rightly considered as one of the best and most famous flower painters of all time - this site provides quite a lengthy biography of the artist: http://www.pierre-joseph-redoute.com/





Thursday 9 June 2016

"Moby Dick" By Herman Melville, Cover Art By Peter Rudland (This edition published in 1969 by J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd, Everyman's Library, London, New York)



Great design on this book - yes, I did buy it just for its cover as I already had a copy of this classic. Art work on the cover by British designer Peter Rudland - couldn't find any information on him but here's another blogger and collector with some more covers by the artist:   http://callumjames.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/book-collecting-as-disease-case-of.html

Sunday 5 June 2016

"Andy And The Lion" Story and Pictures by James Daugherty (published by Scholastic Book Services, New York 1968 - Originally published by The Viking Press Inc. 1938) Part 3



This book is packed with James Daugherty's wacky and funny pictures (I counted 45!). I was so impressed with all the energy and excitement created by the artist's skilful drawing. The book was re-printed several times since its original publication in the late 1930's and is probably a classic by now: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_and_the_Lion  Here is an excellent website dedicated to the life and work of  James Daugherty (born in Asheville, North Carolina 1887-1974) who, apart from the large volume of  published books (both written and illustrated by him), he was a significant American artist and a muralist: https://daughertyfoundation.com/