Andrew Loomis Illustrations

William Andrew Loomis (1892-1959) is known today for his series of art/illustration instruction books.  I have copies of most of them, and they are very good.  But he made his career as a successful illustrator in Chicago.  I'm inclined to classify him as a member of the "Chicago School" illustrators who worked in a lush, somewhat painterly style -- the likes of Haddon Sundblom and Gil Elvgren.  A bit of background on Loomis is here.

Below are examples of his commercial, non-instructional art.  The first images are from the 1920s. then from the '30s and a little later.  Many were made for advertisements, some are story illustrations and a few might have been made for his own purposes.

Gallery

Birthday scene, probably ad art.

Coca-Cola ad from around 1920, or maybe a little earlier to judge by the clothing of the woman in the background.

Advertising art for Kellogg's cereals.  Note his use of light.

Another light-intensive work, this from 1928.  The green on her hair is interesting, reflecting the color of the window curtains.  Click to enlarge.

Art for a Chevrolet automobile advertisement, 1929.

Vignette format illustration from the 1930s.

Dramatic scene in a magazine story illustration.

"The Accused" story illustration.  Again note Loomis' use of lighting.

"The Fall."  His portrayal of the lady's legs is convincing (though they seem a little short): I feel sorry for his model doing this pose.

Romantic story scene.

Sultry smoker.

I think this a very nicely made.  If possible, I urge you to click on it to enlarge it so that you can study Loomis' technique here.