Monday, May 21, 2007

In A Class of His Own: Al Parker

Over the last two weeks we've looked at what I call "The Old School" of illustration and "The New School" of illustration. There were a lot of reasons for the birth of the New School. Artists working in the relatively new medium of designer's colour/gouache found the chalky, fast drying paint required a different approach than oils (or even watercolour) so, by extension, flat, graphic treatments and a looser, rougher painting style with less blending were a natural result. We saw how styles changed and evolved and how some members of the Old School were among the pioneers of the of the New School. As America entered the modern, urban, atomic age of the 50's, a multitude of factors; social, cultural, economic, all played a part in the contemporary look of the New School style.


And always experimenting on the leading edge of that evolving approach to commercial art was one man whose work was being watched by the public, the clients and his peers: Al Parker.


Al Parker's biography is available in a number of locations on the net including at The Illustration House and at The University of St. Louis, so we will skip over those details here and get straight to the point:

I have wanted to better understand Parker's status as an illustrator without equal since reading this Noel Sickles interview in The Comics Journal #242. In speaking about the state of illustration in America, interviewer Gil Kane says to Sickles,

"When you started going into illustration, magazine illustration - at that point, or up to that point - had almost totally been dominated by what I call masculine illustrators - even Norman Rockwell. Then [Al] Parker came in, in the 30's, and set up a situation where - I don't know whether it was Parker who was reflecting a change in magazines or whether Parker's appearance triggered a change in certain magazines - but by degrees, women's stories started to come in.


And people like Jon Whitcomb and that whole Parker school of artists came in and, little by little, adventure illustration - which was represented overwhelmingly in the magazines during those periods - for a while was rather even [with a Parkeresque illustration] in a magazine like The Saturday Evening Post. They kept a pretty good balance, nearly always favoring the masculine illustrator. But it seemed that in advertising and in so many other magazines they were developing the people... I hate to classify Parker with them because he was so much better... still, he created a school that ultimately dominated magazine illustration for a while."


Well, clearly Gil Kane didn't think much of the New School - but why the qualifier, "I hate to classify Parker with them because he was so much better", for Al Parker?


And why did Parker deserve praise from his clients like this highlight in the September 1952 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine...


And why did my friend, Will Davies, and virtually every other illustrator who knew of Parker's work speak with such awe and reverence at the mention of Parker's name? This week, with the help of my friend, Barbara Bradley, we will try to better understand Al Parker's remarkable influence on mid-20th century illustration.

Barbara is an illustrator who began her career in the early 1950's at the famous Cooper studio in New York. She later moved to San Francisco and eventually went on to become the Director of Illustration at the Academy of Art University. Barbara knew Al Parker personally and professionally and I am most grateful for the keen insight she has so generously offered to add to this week's posts. Barbara was recently fêted at The Society of Illustrators in New York. She received the Distinguished Educator of the Arts Award for 2007.

Barbara's fascinating career will be the topic of an upcoming week here at Today's Inspiration but in the meantime, take a moment to visit this blog which was set up in her honor.

* By coincidence, the Norman Rockwell Museum is about to showcase Al Parker's work in a major retrospective. Go to the Rockwell Museum's site for more information.

77 comments:

  1. Yay! A week of Al Parker is a week to look forward to. With his chameleon style, you never know what you're going to get, but you know it will be good. Thanks, Leif.

    If you haven't read it yet, Parker's own essay on The Decade from 1940-1950 in Walt Reed's Illustrator in America is brimming with insights straight from the horse's mouth. He talks about how illustrators could not paint high contrast illustrations during the war because rationed paper was so thin, the illustration would show through on the reverse side.

    Perhaps most interesting, he also puts his spin on the great shift in subject matter and styles; he says that after the war, people began living the good life-- the depression and the war were over, suburban homes were sprouting like mushrooms, and sports cars, fashionable clothes and the new abundance were everywhere. "The need to escape was already waning and with it, escapist art." Magazines didn't need stories about the wild west or the exotic orient to attract the housewife readership. Neighborhood flirtations suddenly became pretty darn interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your comment's a great addition to this week's topic, David -- and I thank you for it. I have not read the article you mention - how could I have missed something like that? But I will now.

    It sounds like a confirmation of what I believed to be happening as I wrote in today's post -- so I'm glad to hear my assumptions confirmed.

    Thanks again - L ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. As you know, Leif, I was lucky enough to be with Barbara Bradley earlier this month, when she received her award from the Society of Illustrators in NY. I'm eager to hear what she has to say about Parker -- I'm sure it will make for interesting reading.

    That first painting of his that leads off the post, with the model -- simply brilliant.

    ReplyDelete
  4. New School or not...he's the guy to learn from. His work always challenges my own perceptions about layout and composition.

    Yay! One whole week! :)

    =s=

    ReplyDelete
  5. "As you know, Leif, I was lucky enough to be with Barbara Bradley earlier this month, when she received her award from the Society of Illustrators in NY."

    Oh my word, Neil! Barbara Bradley was my Advanced Illustration instructor back when she was the head of the illustration department at the San Francisco Academy of Art! Around the late 80s! She was a hard-nails woman alright. I can remember when one young girl had to give her presentation for the week's art assignment and she was so nervous to do so in front of Barbara she broke out in tremendous hives!

    Where the other teachers had this "It's all sunshine and roses" attitude about the illustration field, Mrs. Bradley didn't mince words when she said "You'll be dirt poor unless you work your tail off in this line of work".

    Were you a pupil of the esteemed Mrs. Bradley, Neil? Great to know she's not only still around but as active as always in the illustration world. Al Parker was definitely one of the great ones she introduced me to in her "History of Illustration" class.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for your comments, all! Neil, I wish I could have been there - I'm green with envy, buddy.

    Shane; you are so right - and by extension, Barbara is teaching me a lot about Parker through her writing contribution this week.

    Les; that's a great anecdote... its always the task masters who we remember and appreciate long after the fact - the teachers who gave us the reality check and pushed us to do our best. You were privileged to have such a knowledgable and no-nonsense instructor!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous9:49 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous10:41 AM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Les, 10 years ago I enrolled in Murray Tinkelman's graduate illustration program at Syracuse. For my Master's Thesis topic, I chose the Charles Cooper Studio, where Barbara & so many other great illustrators worked. I interviewed her then for my thesis -- parts of which have been subsequently excerpted in Illustration Magazine -- & I'm working on an article about her now for an upcoming issue.

    But enough about me -- that's a WONDERFUL anecdote about her! The day in NY that I spent with her as she was being honored was one of the best in my professional life. At 80, she is sharp as a tack, & very formidable.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous4:20 PM

    HI Leif,

    Thanks for this- while we are preparing for the exhibition on Parker's work at the Rockwell Museum, this is great material which I can use to get up to speed on the artist's career and methods.

    Sorry for the earlier unwieldy post of our press release- my colleagues discovered your great blog and thought it might be helpful to share with your readers. Thanks again for your kind mention of the exhibition, and for such passionately written blogs about the field of illustration!

    Best,

    Jeremy "Elvis" Clowe

    ReplyDelete
  11. My friend has a large collection of posters in this style because he is a real collector of such a research and development.

    ReplyDelete
  12. As always, love the interesting and cool gadgets and technology news you entertain us with when your on the program.
    Thank you! Digital Marketing Course in Pitampura

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful blog and i read your complete blog so thank you again and keep posting.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Download Updated versions of all types of Apks like App store APKs, Messaging APKs, Popular APKs, Software APKs, and Streaming APKs from Apkmist.

    Apkmist Download
    WhatsApp Plus APK Download
    YOWhatsApp APK Download
    WhatsApp Business APK Download
    GBWhatsApp APK Download
    OGWhatsApp APK Download
    FMWhatsApp APK Download

    ReplyDelete

  15. thanks for shaing your experince. we are providing cowrking Shared Cabin in South Delhi very chepeast price.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I came into the small village with the fishing community to get pictures of the city from the start. SEO Services Dubai we are providing the best SEO services all over the world visit to know more about the website!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Eye is our main part of our system if you are suffering for Eyelid Problem contact Dr. Pk Talwar he provide Best Solution

    ReplyDelete
  18. Best PPC(pay-per-click) Services by King of digital Marketing Contact NOW for More Information.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous2:12 AM

    Thanks For Giving Such Great Info Top 5 Website To Download Free Software

    ReplyDelete
  20. It is very Great page. thank For given this article.
    More Information

    ReplyDelete

  21. I really find very good information about SkymoviesHD on your blog, its really awesome , thank you soo much for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Tibetan mastiff dog breed in India more details>>>Tibetan mastiff dog breed in India and price in india.Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed origin of this breed is
    Tibet. This is one of the muscular and big in size dog. That attracts the dog lover to go for a Tibetan Mastiff.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hey Thankyou very much for providing this quality information with us.
    fancy text generator

    ReplyDelete
  24. i loved this blog very much thankyou.visit now
    Bank IFSC Codes

    ReplyDelete

  25. very interesting , good job and thanks for sharing such a good blog.



    Best telugu News website in india

    lets click and read to know everything in this website, movie news, political news, NRI, Telugu Viral News All news for you ...please come and read


    Mana Telugulo Viral News

    http://www.manatelugulo.com/

    ReplyDelete
  26. Good article! We will be linking to this great post on our site. Keep up the great writing buy lsd online

    ReplyDelete
  27. Why Train with London IT Training? it courses london, At London IT Training, we provide career focused professional certification training that helps the scholars to realize the important working experience. Our training is concentrated specifically on hands on practical approach. To facilitates this, we've a fanatical lab facilities which help the scholar to ensure the simplest practical experience.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Best 5 Dating Sites For Unicorn Threesome - Find A Unicorn Near You, couple seeking unicorns Are you trying to find a unicorn woman to spice things up in bed or experience the primary threesome fun? Unicorn Dating Sites are getting fashionable many couples espeically for bi couples, people like better to find a unicorn woman for threesome dating, chatting and connection through online unicorn dating site. However, it's tough to select out a right, safe, friendly and suitble site to hitch . Here, for helping unicorn hunters skills to seek out a unicorn and appearance for the simplest site so far online, we list top 5 best unicorn dating sites below.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Myflexiwork was born as a result of several experiences the founder went through when he was outsourcing digital services from other sites. Some of the sites have complicated terms of services and others too charge too high service fees. Many of these sites have other loopholes issues stretching from security services to monetization of key players.
    Upon several research, it was seen that all such ills could be solved for better services. Attempts were made to draw site owners’ attention to update their services but they did not embraced the offered solution 100%. Still worried about the general state of things, Myflexiwork was established to curb the situation of the dissatisfaction as experienced before that others too might be facing elsewhere in this field of business.

    Myflexiwork is a web platform where Myflexiwork is used to handle short term electronic contracts between e-service(s) providers and their clients. In other words, it’s a world of commercial activity that deals with selling and buying of digital goods and services with a built-in chat service, sophisticated security system and efficient search triggers for smoothness in transaction process.
    Myflexiwork business has two categories of customers that are the key players on the platform.
    Buyers: Individuals and/or Businesses of all sizes that need to outsource digital activities

    Sellers: Individuals and/or Firms looking for the opportunity to sell digital services

    Please also visit our site https://www.myflexiwork.com/

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thanks for share really very nice aarticle i like your blog too much
    custom mylar bags
    E-Commerce Diversify
    Roofing company

    ReplyDelete
  31. Superslot or Thai home language is called super slot. We are an online slots provider, there are many slots games to choose from, play a lot on mobile phones, number 1, both free credit 50, 100, 150, 200 that can support both IOS and Android systems, easy to apply, have easy access to log. -in has a system to make a top-up transaction Withdraw money via automatic system 24 hours a day,

    ReplyDelete
  32. In English punctuation, a word class is a bunch of words that show similar conventional properties, particularly their articulations and appropriation. The expression "word class" is like the more customary term, grammatical form. hire motivational speakers

    ReplyDelete
  33. Logistics management companies of supply chain management that allows a company to handle the planning and implementation of all the processes put in place to ensure proper and effective flow and movement of goods and information from one point to another.

    A company’s logistics management caters to functions like transport, warehousing, fleet management, inventory control, and handling of third-party logistics.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Thanks for the information. I really enjoyed, I would like get more
    information about this,because is very beautiful, thanks for sharing
    Vector Robot
    Again, thank you so much. I sincerely appreciate your generosity.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks a lot for giving us such a helpful information. You can also visit our website for SKF Bearing

    ReplyDelete
  36. Buy onlinepharmaceuticalmeds.com
    https://onlinepharmaceuticalmeds.com/
    https://onlinepharmaceuticalmeds.com/shop-2/
    💯Fast stealth Secure & Discreet delivery
    contact:
    Wickr: Dillandday
    Telegram : @Mr_Nular

    ReplyDelete
  37. Buy onlinepharmaceuticalmeds.com
    https://onlinepharmaceuticalmeds.com/
    https://onlinepharmaceuticalmeds.com/shop-2/
    ��Fast stealth Secure & Discreet delivery
    contact:
    Wickr: Dillandday
    Telegram : @Mr_Nular

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thanku so much for this.this was amazing.

    Banking Coaching in patna

    ReplyDelete
  39. https://contactnumbers.pk/tcs-tracking-track-your-shipments-cod-parcels

    ReplyDelete
  40. Nice post bank al habib helpline http://helplinezone.com/bank-al-habib-helpline/

    ReplyDelete
  41. I specially congratulate you for this kind of post. Thanks for sharing with us.
    Original biomanix gold in Dubai

    ReplyDelete
  42. Acronis True Image Pro Keygen Crack is a software product produced by Acronis that provides data protection for personal users, including backup, archive, access and restore for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android operating systems.
    Reimage Pro Keygen Crack
    TeamViewer Pro Keygen Crack
    Luminar Pro Keygen Crack

    ReplyDelete
  43. Wondershare Uniconverter Pro Activation Key is a powerful video tool, many useful features are combined in Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate).
    Nitro Pro Activation Key
    Matlab Pro Activation Key
    AOMEI Partition Assistant Pro Activation Key

    ReplyDelete
  44. Thanks for sharing your experince.
    Arcplux

    ReplyDelete
  45. Nitrogen fertilisers and nitrogen are the most important for plants, animals, and human beings. It plays a direct role in the growth and developmental related processes of the plants.
    phenomenon of Brownian motion
    Amazing Health Benefits of Using Cinnamon
    Iron Biofortification of Plants for Improved Human Health
    soilplantfood.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. Nitrogen fertilisers and nitrogen are the most important for plants, animals, and human beings. It plays a direct role in the growth and developmental related processes of the plants.
    Soil Fertility Management to Improve Food Production
    Calibration and interpretation of soil testing
    Food Scraps as Valuable Resources
    soilplantfood.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Banyak sekali situs pkv yang bermunculan saat ini, mulai dari situs situs yang lama sampai dengan situs situs yang baru, di situs pkv teman temman cukup daftar 1 id bisa untuk bermain 9 permainan dalam satu server, bermain dengan beda situs, dalam 1 id ada permainan poker online, dominoqq, capsa susun , aduqq, bandarq, bandarpoker dll. sistem deposit dan pendaftaran sangat mudah, setelah teman teman deposit teman teman bisa langsung bermain untuk deposit bisa menggunakan pulsa online jadi sangat simple bukan. murni player vs player admin tidak di perbolehkan bermain, keamanan dan kenyamanan adalah prioritas kami. agen dominoqq online deposit pulsa kam sudah kumpulkan beberapa situs pkv yg terpercaya dalam satu web ini teman teman bisa cek di list situs pkv di bawah ini. daftar dan login situs pkv online serta link alternatif resmi

    ReplyDelete
  49. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hey,
    I’m impressed by your blog. Absolutely amazing work.

    ReplyDelete