Inspiration in the studio - Bill Maudlin

Bill Maudlin 1921-2003

Long before I ever had an interest in drawing and painting, other than the normal interest that most children seem to have, my grandmother gave me a present of "The Brass Ring" by Bill Maudlin (1921-2003).  It was in 1972 - I was seven years old.  Far too young to read and understand the book - but I loved the cartoons and "read" the book again and again over the years.  I have no idea what possessed my Nana to get this book for me - but I'm so glad that she did!

Although I also had no sense of the horrors of war nor any of the amazement that someone involved in combat could express the feelings and emotions of the "average" "Willie and Joe ( combat infantry)" through cartoons.  However,  I did have an appreciation for his sense of humor even then.    These are a couple of my favorite.  I've had a number of cars like the jeep on the right below.

I've not read any other of Bill Mauldin's books, but will certainly do so, nor have I studied his cartoons from an artistic sense - at least not consciously.  Non the less, he's been an inspiration to me.  The Brass Ring is one of the most worn books in my collection - and I rarely read a book more than once.  This book covers Bill Maudlin's early years in Arizona through the end of WW II.

I highly recommend this book for anyone with an interest in World War Two and in the arts.

One of his most famous cartoons was of Lincoln mourning the assassination of John F. Kennedy

Inspiration - better late than never.

I've had so many wonderful encounters on my artistic journey.  One of my first inspirations was my wife's grandfather - Ed LaSalle (nee Lassell).  I remember my first trip to Ed's house when I was dating Julie.  We walked into the living room and I was immediately struck by the paintings which were hung with care throughout the living room and music room.

The first painting I saw was a large fall scene of Tumbledown Mountain.  I can't find a photograph of that painting at the moment.

The painting below was hanging behind the living room couch.  This lighting isn't the best, but it was a large western (3' x 5')  Unfinished, but still very beautiful.  Ed was an illustrator in the 1930's - 1940's and painted landscapes on location well into his 80's.  More on that for another time.

I asked Julie about the paintings.  Never expecting to hear it so casually mentioned that her grandfather,and her grandmother were responsible for the art which filled the house.  The painting below was on the wall near the scene of Tumbledown.  This painting was by Ed's brother, Charles LaSalle (Lassell) - one of the country's leading illustrators in the 20's through the 50's.  

                                                 

The family of artists also included Ed's cousin, Aiden Lassell Ripley, and Ed's son Aiden LaSalle.
I decided to do a research project on the family of artists as a Christmas Present for Julie and the people I met on that journey and the art they shared with me enriched my life more than I could ever imagine.  Subjects for other posts later.

Below is an example of a painting by Aiden Lassell Ripley.  Aiden was a national award winning artist who became the president of the Guild of  Boston Artists from 1959-1969.

Years after Ed passed away, I was able to purchase one of his paintings as a Christmas present for my wife.  Having that painting hanging at the foot of our bed truly inspired me to try painting.