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So, here's my latest cover, which I must confess, I have mixed feelings about. I wish I could say it was a victory, but I'm afraid the painting got away from me. I fussed with it longer than I should have and made the mistake of taking my reference too seriously. "Brownstone steps are red," I observed, "therefore I shall paint these brownstone steps red". I broke the cardinal rule, "Take what you need and throw out the rest." If I'd just placed the objects the dog is selling on a lighter, more neutral color, the result would not be the chaotic, hodge-podge you see before you. At my request, Françoise Mouly the art director at the New Yorker, did her best to finesse the color digitally, but alas, it couldn't change my feelings about the piece. I am looking forward to my next cover being my best cover.
All that said, it is still a nice way to introduce you to our newish dog, who, to my shame, has not appeared in a drawing or on this blog for the two years we have owned him. Meet, Henry Biscuit, a labrador mix who is a terrified neurotic outside on the streets of Brooklyn, but is a normal, happy puppy in the rolling hills of Connecticut.
Aren't we all, though?
Amazing work Mr. de Seve.
Rookie!
Cute dog. Glad he's found a happy home.
i agree, its a beautiful piece!
love his expression.
thanks for sharing :)
I really love the Cover, Henry Biscuit remembers me of my hometown's stray dogs :).
It's the best issue I've read in years.
I wish I would fail this well...
And Henry Biscuit, it's a pleasure to meet you!
Is that Hobbes?
awesome, as always
How could it not be, intentionally or otherwise?
I am newer to your art and it truly amazes me. I have only recently got bitten by the art bug and looking everywhere to get my fill. I got my new New Yorker in the mail today and all I can say is, it's a beautiful cover. I have been investigating your stuff and I'm overwhelmed by it's beauty. I've known who you were for awhile, but glad the Sherlock Holmes in me made me even more excited about your art. Thank you for inspiring me and making my day. I hope to get an autographed doodle one day!!
Your Fan,
STewart Patton
Wonderful attitude in that dog :).
Stay inspired!
It's admirable that with all of your success you still see problems in your work...but it's a great piece!
Good to meet Henry Biscuit :) and look forward to see your next best cover, Peter. All the best!
Aw, what a cutie. Fun concept!
Great work!!
Each week when the NYer arrives, I study the cover during the 200 foot walk from mailbox to house. I'm more interested in guessing the title to the cover art than composing a joke for the cartoon at the back. So...Tag Sale...apart from the items on the steps, does that reference the dog tag so prominently placed on Henry Biscuit's neck?
Bingo, Steve.
Looks like he's selling your bronze shoe trophy. I hope he checked with you first.
The life you put into those small objects is the high point for me. Gorgeous piece, give yourself a break!
I was wondering about the heavier-than-normal gouache on top of the watercolor, not the red on the steps. I think it's really beautiful and am always thrilled to see you on the cover.
Thanks for the confirmation. Incidentally, your images (and titles) rank at the top of my favorite NYer covers. Loved especially Summer Getaway.
This is wonderful ... nice to see Darla making a cameo appearance on the doggy-dish, if I'm not mistaken. Thanks for sharing your struggles with this cover --- a comfort to know that even the masters have to work at it!
Ditto Jack Hunter's comment. Artists are their own worst critics. Comes with the game, I suppose. It's always so exciting to see a NYer cover by you. And I love this idea, so beautifully executed. Henry Biscuit sounds like a book character. (hint, hint)
Love it! Glad to hear you've got another pooch. We have two rescues and life wouldn't be the same without them!