Learning Composition From Early Illustrators.

Notable, professional illustrators are skilled at developing effective compositions. Many of those creating editorial and advertising illustration during the 60s and 70s were very busy. Numerous consumer magazines provided a seemingly endless volume of work. Publication trends changed and many illustrators made a trail to art galleries. 

For many of these, the transition was relatively easy. Creating an illustration composed of a couple at the beach with their new car in the background (for example) wasn’t much different than strategically placing these elements on canvas, albeit often in a different composition. 

In this illustration by Bernie Fuchs we see wonderful use of color and nicely rendered figures and foliage. What might otherwise be a huge NO-NO for artist, dividing the page with a horizon line in the center seems to work well here. 

 

A 50s Cosmopolitan Magazine illustration by Austin Briggs shown here uses COLOR DOMINACE to create an effective composition. Briggs was very much aware of the need to apply the Principles of Design in his illustrations. 

Bob Peak demonstrates contrast here in both space and technique. We often think of contrast in values or color and forget that contrasting textures, sizes and shapes can contribute to an interesting composition.

Not every vintage illustrator employs a ‘painterly style,’ but most are experts at creating effective, and often exciting, compositions.