A bit more on Willard Mullin:
Mullin was not only the greatest sports cartoonist of his day, he was also one of the most talented artists ever to work in newspaper comics. His drawings are dynamic and full of energy and life. His lines flow beautifully, while still defining the solid forms that underly his drawings…..Read More:http://animationresources.org/?cat=461
The economy, the craft, the incredible attention to detail. This caricature of the 1935 Kentucky Derby invokes some of the humor, compassion and warmth of a Mark Twain. In this work, you can discern some of the roots and influences of a Wally Wood, Harvey Kurtzman etc. as the art form from the mass circulation dailies began to find articulation in niche markets. One can also detect that “bring out the best side in people” approach would filter into newer print media, particularly magazine advertising that found the aame spirit in a Bill Bernbach, another variant of “Americana” .
---As an added treat, here is an early Mullin piece celebrating the victory of the horse, Omaha in the 1935 Kentucky Derby. Archive supporter, Ted Watts found this treasure in a thrift store and generously allowed us to scan it for the archive. Amazing stuff!--- Read More:http://animationresources.org/?cat=461
Again, the simplification into stereotype is well translated by a refinement and subtlety; Americans had to be influenced by the great Georgian England caricaturists like Hogarth and then their more expansive followers like Rowlandson and Gillray as well as Honore Daumier in France:
---"With the final lettering added to the 'balloons' and the papers in O'Malley's pockets, the drawing was finished. after a few minutes of critical appraisment, Willard added a few penciled notes to the engraver in blue pencil, rolled up the drawing, encased some folding money under a rubber band, and dashed off to the railroad station - a block away."---Read More:http://todaysinspiration.blogspot.ca/2008/10/willard-mullin-draws-brooklyn-bum.html
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