Crabby Old Guy Again

What happened, after decades of fabulous covers, that Time magazine pulled away from interesting and colorful illustrated portraits of people on the cultural forefronts? Once in a while, these days, there might be a painted portrait on the cover, but they seem dull and dreary.

It used to be, not so long ago, that folks would actually look forward week after week to see who would be portrayed in some artistic way. Case in point, this bright and cheery cover:

Richard Amsel — Lily Tomlin — 1977

Time magazine covers used to be collected and treasured. These days, they are glanced at and quickly tossed into the recycle bins.

I want to start a campaign—some way, somehow—directed to our current media. With so many wonderful illustrators in our modern era, I want to see a new golden age of illustration!!!!

Does anyone else feel that way?

Amsel

Richard Amsel's work was always fresh and lively, with a feeling of solidity merged with design elements. Not an easy task. A great illustrator of the 80s.

Amsel

You can see, between above and below, that Amsel worked closely to reference photos (well, he had to—famous faces had to be as recognizable as possible and be rendered quickly for deadlines).

Who Can Save You Now?

Ah, if only the movie was as good as the poster. A Richard Amsel beauty.

Superb Illustrator

I'm not a big fan of westerns, and I'm not a big fan of John Wayne. But I love this poster of The Shootist, by Richard Amsel. Amsel was a su-perb illustrator.

Illustrative Portraits

Richard Amsel was a fabulous illustrative portraitist back in the 70s/80s.  He had a distinctive style in his mature years, and it was sad to lose him so early. These are but a few of his many wonderful pop portrayals.

Illustrative Portraits

Illustrative Portraits