By: Maxwell Eaton III,
on 2/23/2008
Hey you!
By: Susan,
on 5/6/2007
John Byrne - self-portrait
I thought it might be fun for us to take turns talking about who or what inspires us. Other artists have always been a constant source of inspiration for me - not necessarily just children's book artists. Saying that, I want to talk about the painter John Byrne and I just read recently that he is illustrating a children's book, so I am pretty excited about that!
John Byrne is a successful Scottish painter and playwright. I first saw his work when I was a student at art college, and I was completely captivated by it. He creates characters with huge personalities that are very finely drawn and beautifully detailed.
John Byrne - The Slab Boys
I worked on one of his set designs as a scenic artist's assistant at the Royal Lyceum Theatre many years ago, and served him coffee on the opening night of his play Cuttin' a Rug (I worked in the Lyceum Bar too!). There we were, just me and John, and I had my chance to tell him how much I had admired his work over the years....and I was speechless, completely tongue-tied. I still kick myself when I think about it.
I was lucky enough to catch an exhibition of his when I was over in Edinburgh at Christmas time. It was called "Me and Them self-portraits and characters studies by John Byrne"
I am not very eloquent when it comes to describing why someone's work affects me so much, so I will let the pictures speak for themselves. I hope that you enjoy them:
John Byrne - Lucille and Miles, mixed media on paper
John Byrne - mixed media on paper
John Byrne - Phil, mixed media on paper
John Byrne - Me and my Shadow, oil on board
