Lynd Ward

Lynd Ward
Born Lynd Kendall Ward
American illustrator
1905-1985

Lynd Ward, with his wife May McNeer, published many books, including this beautifully illustrated volume from 1952, The Story Of Mexico. Ward's reputation was made in the 1920s with his book, God's Man, a precursor to the graphic novel, done in pantomime and showing his skill at wood engraving. Ward was at home with many different art styles and media. For the following illustrations he chose to use both graphite and colored pencils, which bring to vivid life his portraits of people notable in Mexican history.

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John Groth

John Groth
Also signed his work John August Groth
American illustrator, editor, teacher, combat artist and correspondent
1908-1988

The illustrative style Groth uses for this 1963 adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic, A Christmas Carol, was developed during his time as a combat artist. The speed line gives it spontaneity, especially when augmented with the watercolor wash. Groth was the art editor for Esquire Magazine in the 1930s, worked for The Chicago Sun as a correspondent during World War II. In all he was an artist in five wars. He was a teacher who advised his students to "carry their sketchbooks everywhere."

These illustrations are from The Macmillan Classics series, and are scanned from the first edition, ©1963.

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Johnny Gruelle

Johnny Gruelle
Born John Barton Gruelle
American illustrator and cartoonist
1880-1938

Johnny Gruelle was a newspaper cartoonist before creating the Raggedy Ann and Andy series of books and dolls. He was an artist of extraordinary ability with pen and ink and watercolor. These beautiful illustrations are from Raggedy Ann In the Deep Deep Woods, published by M. A. Donohue and Company, and copyright 1930.

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