2016 will always be known as one of those years in which our culture lost many talented icons, but one person's passing from that year that was sadly overlooked, but should be acknowledged is Brian Wildsmith.
To those who do not know, Brian Wildsmith was a British illustrator known for his work on many
children's books during the 60s and 70s. His illustrations had the distinction of having simplistic designs that gave an innocent vibe. But he made up for it with his use of colour, which resulted in the simplicity of his art to have its own charm. His use of brushstrokes, shape and exploration through media gave his drawings the aesthetics that reflect the quality of imagery of the time. Wildsmith's illustrative works were layered with colours and textures that gave them character, he did this by just doing what he was passionate about. Looking at them they prove that anyone can make an illustration; as long as you try to the best of your ability with whatever material you use, you can make content that can be regarded as a piece of art in its own right. At least that's my theory.
As someone who was exposed to his illustrations at a young age, Wildsmith's methods were admirable in a way. He showed me that I can be expressive with my drawings and mediums even with little skills. Though my work developed with the influence of art that's technically stronger, I never forgot Wildsmith as his work continued to appeal to me in a nostalgic sense. Which is why I'm frustrated with myself for not learning of his passing till just now. While it's a tragic shame we lost another talented personality last year; I speak for those who he captivated, influenced and whose childhoods he shaped, Wildsmith will always be remembered as a true artist and a unique human being. Like many illustrators he created an expressive body of work that can be distinguished, his designs were filled with so much colour and charm; whatever you thought of Wildsmith's art you cannot fault him for the passion that went into that whimsy. I should take comfort to know he lived a long and prosperous life and I wonder if he knows he gave colour into the lives of many.
To those who do not know, Brian Wildsmith was a British illustrator known for his work on many
children's books during the 60s and 70s. His illustrations had the distinction of having simplistic designs that gave an innocent vibe. But he made up for it with his use of colour, which resulted in the simplicity of his art to have its own charm. His use of brushstrokes, shape and exploration through media gave his drawings the aesthetics that reflect the quality of imagery of the time. Wildsmith's illustrative works were layered with colours and textures that gave them character, he did this by just doing what he was passionate about. Looking at them they prove that anyone can make an illustration; as long as you try to the best of your ability with whatever material you use, you can make content that can be regarded as a piece of art in its own right. At least that's my theory.
As someone who was exposed to his illustrations at a young age, Wildsmith's methods were admirable in a way. He showed me that I can be expressive with my drawings and mediums even with little skills. Though my work developed with the influence of art that's technically stronger, I never forgot Wildsmith as his work continued to appeal to me in a nostalgic sense. Which is why I'm frustrated with myself for not learning of his passing till just now. While it's a tragic shame we lost another talented personality last year; I speak for those who he captivated, influenced and whose childhoods he shaped, Wildsmith will always be remembered as a true artist and a unique human being. Like many illustrators he created an expressive body of work that can be distinguished, his designs were filled with so much colour and charm; whatever you thought of Wildsmith's art you cannot fault him for the passion that went into that whimsy. I should take comfort to know he lived a long and prosperous life and I wonder if he knows he gave colour into the lives of many.
Brian Wildsmith
RIP
1930-2016
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