Broadened Horizons

That decrepit old bookstore I had wandered into one miserable afternoon became a refuge for me, eventually heading down there most Saturdays to explore its mysteries. The owner, Jim Payne, became a friend and book advisor. Many times I couldn't afford the books and magazines he was showing me, but he seemed determined to broaden my horizons, bless his heart. Over time he sold me many small change wonders and even loaned a few items that I dutifully brought back the next visit.

He, of course, knew of my interest in art and drawing particularly, as well as comics and cartooning. He would cut some prices here and there so I could afford the drawing books, such as the Andrew Loomis books.

A 1947 book of Axel Gallen-Kallela drawings was a nice purchase for $6. Jim told me if I didn't like it after a while I could bring it back for an exchange, which I never did. It's only in the last few years that I realized the importance of the Kalevala fantasies that Gallen-Kallela will always be associated with. 

Broadened Horizons

Above is a really low res pic that I found recently on the internet that evidently shows the end result of the sketches above it. I haven't seen any books of his finished art, though I've seen a few pieces here and there.

Broadened Horizons

These drawings of snowy trees are beautiful in their simplicity.

Broadened Horizons

Again, only recently have I seen the finished art for the above sketch of Vainamoinen, the chief hero of Finnish epic.

Here, Gallen-Kallela paints a sensual rejection of Vainamoinen. I had seen this triptych before, but had not associated it with my book of drawings. Appropriate to Vainamoinen, my horizons are constantly broadening.