Opinion Of 'When We Were Young...'. The Artist Brian Wildsmith

        Watching BBC TV Programme ‘When we were Young…’ my attention was drawn by the illustrator Brian Wildsmith.  Although, a lot range of artists from 19th century till nowadays were mentioned in the educational video about roots and a development of the children illustration as unique picture story makers, but most what I found out interesting in  is a bright sigh of the artist Brian Wildsmith talent, who approaches the illustration as painting in what I have mine private sentiments.   

        Looking at the book Animal Gallery  (2008) by the artist Wildsmith, I  could feel  an energy of a colour.  It might be said that his personal statement (‘style’) is a blend of the expressionist with the realistic style input. Bright, strong and playful mix of colours gives a visual illusion of movement. To achieve it with success here have been employed mixed medias as watercolours techniques, chalk and pen drawings on the colour scales. Tigers, birds and fish exhibit their ‘wild’ emotions with soft features of humans being.  Emotional expressions are shown through the eyes, gestures or trough rendered shapes and are very narrative.

 

Wildsmith, Brian. Animal Gallery (2008). Oxford University Press, Oxford OX2 6DP

 

     One steam of his books pictures stories are dedicated for the  age at 3 – 6 year old group audience.

     For instance, the book Cat on The Mat and Friends (2011) from the same age audience fascinates by carefully planned design in terms of a composition and typography. There are lot expressions as well and a text is supporting visual images by describing what happens with a creature.  The tiger roars  ‘ssspppst!’ for his friends, who are leaving him alone. The world is unknown, but created by the artist. it widens fantasy of a growing up child.

      A design of a bee, butterfly and bird drawings have not unnecessary details and do not decompose a viewer attention. Features of creatures are strengthening by painted pattern and it is simply adorable! The similar might be mentioned about a tiger and a hippopotamus:  they are childish naïve, warm and declare unique usage of watercolours.

   

 

 

 

Wildsmith, Brian. Cat on The Mat and Friends (2011). Oxford University Press, Oxford OX2 6DP

     Books mentioned above help to develop cognitive behaviour of children and introduce a manifestation of the world. 

     The book The Easter Story (1993) bit differs with the theme as a subject matter and it might be adopted by an older group age (6+). Here is talking over about the religion matters and drawings have a lot details, patterns and a semantic connection between angels and peoples.

 

 Wildsmith, Brian. The Easter Story (1993). University Press, Oxford OX2 6DP

     The artist Brian Wildsmith boosts creativity sides of children leading them to feel joy of life, gives visual surprises and a strong element of play. Every picture has got something notable, attractive and breathers energy.  Not all of us are filled with a strong inner energy, but we all want to have it, because this boost the life itself as a creative engine. It is worth to say that the artist Brian Wildsmith is one of the artist, who is pleasant to read visually and learn a lot from his artistic experience.