Brian Wildsmith XVII

'The Lion and the Rat' a fable by Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695), illustrated by Brian Wildsmith published 1964 by London Oxford University Press.

Brian Wildsmith XVI

 

 

Some lovely animals from Brian Wildsmiths', 'Animals to Count', published in 1996. 

Brian Wildsmith XV

 

Ah! I so love adding roman numerals after Brian Wildsmith's name and finding more examples of his life affirming joy giving illustrations.  Brian Wildsmith's 'Rhythm and Melody 1962 BBC Song Book WIZARD

Brian Wildsmith XIV

 

 

I have just bought myself a copy of 'Goat's Trail' by Brian Wildsmith Published 1986 by Oxford University Press. What a beauty of a book with the goat (children) seeing the world through little portals of adventure and possibility all in Brian's Kaleidoscopic colours and generous watercolours. The Bright Agency is now representing the estate of Brian Wildsmith and I hope we see many re-published editions and exhibitions of this phenomenal artists work soon.  

Brian Wildsmith Exhibition IV

 

My last few images of the phenomenal exhibition celebrating the genius of Brian Wildsmith.  Again often I have taken them to record his workings, the corrections and annotations. 

'Paws, Claws, Tales & Roars: The Art of Brian Wildsmith', is at the Cooper Gallery, Barnsley until January the 4th 2025, so please take an opportunity to visit, it is also just 30 mins from the wonderful Yorkshire Sculpture Park and is a gem of an exhibition about a marvellous artist whose work is full of exuberant joy, colour, observation and wonder.

Brian Wildsmith Exhibition III

 

Here are some drawings and paintings of Castellaras, Brian Wildsmith’s village and home from 1972 to 2016  A place he fell in love with at first sight.

“I dreamt of colour,” he said, growing up in Barnsley in Yorkshire in the post war years - “Everything was grey.” 

Brian Wildsmith Exhibition II

 

Hansel and Gretel  by Brian Wildsmith (1960). This large piece by Brian is a joy to see in real life, for it combines his bold almost pop art collage, and you can see the texture, with his exquisite linear drawings. This piece of work just draws you back again and again because it encompasses different styles in a work of impressive scale and just pure joy!

“Every artist who's ever lived wants to be appreciated. It's just part of being an artist, whether you're a singer, a musician, a painter or an illustrator. We want to be appreciated – that's why we do it. Our art is our expression, but it's really for other people.” Brian Wildsmith