I find this unfortunate, because Louderback was successful in his day and painted in a thick, direct style that I am fond of: Many of his illustrations from the 1920s and early 30s remind me of those by Dean Cornwell, Saul Tepper and Mead Schaeffer.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Walt Louderback: Painterly Illustrator
Walt Louderback (1887-1941) "mailed it in" during much of the 1920s and 1930s when he was living in France and his publisher customers were in the United States. Very little in the way of biographical information regarding Louderback seems to be on the Internet other than here along with this snippet on the Kelly Collection site.
I find this unfortunate, because Louderback was successful in his day and painted in a thick, direct style that I am fond of: Many of his illustrations from the 1920s and early 30s remind me of those by Dean Cornwell, Saul Tepper and Mead Schaeffer.
Gallery
A magazine illustration of a casino scene, probably from the 1930s.
More of a poster style such as Cornwell began to take up towards 1930.
Shades of John Singer Sargent's El Jaleo!
This reminds me of Schaeffer's Count of Monte Cristo illustration style.
I wish I had more information on this one, because I can't reconcile the long hair and the otherwise circa-1930 painting style.
From the Kelly Collection, a book cover illustration.
The Homecoming.
This last image shows a modernist style Louderback tried near the end of his career.
I find this unfortunate, because Louderback was successful in his day and painted in a thick, direct style that I am fond of: Many of his illustrations from the 1920s and early 30s remind me of those by Dean Cornwell, Saul Tepper and Mead Schaeffer.
Not bad at all but he seems to prefer a certain dullness in his colours.
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ReplyDeleteDo you have any of the works he did for author James Oliver Curwood?
DeleteWe believe we might have a painting of his. How do we authenticate it? Is there a catalogof his work?
DeleteDonald Pittenger, congrats fot post, thanks!
ReplyDeleteTo Carol Louderback,
ReplyDeleteI have written about you grandfather on my own blog, Indiana Illustrators, and have collected information on his life and work. I would love to hear from you. You can go to my blog or write to me at: info@hoosiercartoonists.com.
Terence E. Hanley
I have read that Walt Louderback was your grandfather. I collect American Illustration and own several of Walt's paintings - proudly displayed in my collection. I would love to learn more of his history and you indicated you have most of the "puzzle pieces". You can contact me via email at:
ReplyDeletebudmoon@earthlink.net
Regards,
Bud Moon - CHICAGO
Anonymous -- Sorry for the belated reply, but I was In Europe for most of the past 2 weeks. I'm not qualified to authenticate. Try the Illustration Magazine's website where you can page through back issues. Look for the advertisements of dealers -- these ought to have the proper knowledge base.
ReplyDelete