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| J.C. Leyendecker, "The Open Road," 21 x 37 in. |
This intense fellow, with his goggles, cap, and gloves, would have seemed amusingly old-fashioned when Leyendecker painted this ad for Amoco around 1942.
The shapes are lovingly crafted, from micro to macro. Note how the red necktie and the fringe on the scarf flap back in the wind, but the mustache juts forward. The little light spots between strokes add sparkle.
More info about the original painting
So many of Leyendecker's backgrounds (mostly in his studies) are stark white and often laid in loosely with what appears to be a palette knife. I wonder why he did that? Any ideas? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI guess the answer is that he painted the simple backgrounds because a simpler, more poster-like image would have more graphic impact on a magazine cover. And he cut in those white brushstrokes as an expression of virtuosity and verve.
ReplyDeleteGeneral question please. I have been following your YouTube goauche painting series. Do you ever "seal" gouache paintings? Would an acrylic sealer be appropriate if you wanted to frame without putting under glass? What might you recommend, and thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge! Sherrie
ReplyDeleteI love Lyendecker's work and feel so lucky to have a large collection of it at my local museum: the Haggin Museum in Stockton, California.
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