Reviews (1)

From an illustrators perspective.
Stunning egg tempura illustrations by one of America's finest. Wyeth gives us a peek of his train of thought by including many preliminary sketches. A must have for the master and the apprentice of the arts. ... Read more

Book Description

Generally regarded by as "America's Painter," realist Andrew Wyeth is perhaps the most well know of the artistic Wyeth family dynasty which includes his father N. C. Wyeth, sister Henriette Hurd, and son Jamie Wyeth. Although most recent explorations of this artist have focused on his family and on the Helga pictures, this unique publication chronicles seven decades of an under-appreciated yet historically relevant aspect of his relationship to home and community. Andrew Wyeth: Close Friends is the first critical look at a significant body of paintings and works on paper depicting Wyeth's African-American friends and neighbors in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, a quaint village on the Brandywine River where he has lived since birth.

Beginning in the 1930s, many of Wyeth's African-American neighbors served as his models both in and out of the studio. Images of over 20 individuals are included, as well as depictions of their homes, farms, and meeting places. Wyeth's own words annotate the reproductions of his paintings and drawings and offer a rare glimpse into the mind of this truly individual artist. In her brief introduction, the artist's wife and collaborator, Betsy James Wyeth, recounts her arrival in Chadds Ford as a young bride and her immediate connection to the community she found there.

Andrew Wyeth: Close Friends includes over 100 color reproductions of major tempera and watercolor paintings and numerous black and white images of graphite drawings. Works reproduced are drawn from public and private collections, with a large number from the personal collection of the Wyeths. In addition to a foreword by museum director R. Andrew Maass, the book includes family photographs and facsimiles of personal correspondence. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Unknown Terrain: The Landscapes of Andrew Wyeth makes an irresistible case for ignoring both Wyeth's sentimental champions and his cynical detractors. It's easy to understand either pole of opinion about this very American painter, but harder to get to the essence of what makes him excite such vehemence. In the end, it may simply be that he is very, very good, and like all good painters, a little too complicated for most critics.

For one thing, while Wyeth does have a special sensitivity for suggestive narrative elements, he is also an abstract painter, with a powerful sense of gesture, stroke, and pattern. Some of his watercolors are as thrusting and liquid as Jackson Pollock's drips, and almost as nonobjective. Other compositions can be as fixed as Christina's World, the huge 1948 painting for which he is perhaps best known, but within the strictly ordered confines of tempera, a painstaking medium, he still handles the brush with bravura. The authors of Unknown Terrain make an attempt to elucidate Wyeth's relationship to this century, and they succeed admirably--with the help of nearly 200 reproductions. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Happy Purchase
The staff of the Whitney Museum for a 1998 Wyeth exhibition compiled this beautifully printed and bound book. The stock is heavy and glossy and the colors sharp and clear. Many watercolors included have not been publicly seen for years, as many private collectors contributed their paintings for this exhibition. The dates of the compositions range from the early 30's through the late 90's.

The two most recognized American artists of the 20th Century are Andys-Wyeth and Warhol, and they have more in common than their initials. Both are controversial and neither is as "realistic" as accused and/or categorized.

My enjoyment of Andrew Wyeth was never diminished by the fact that I had a lot of company. Popularity does not necessarily mean inferiority in spite of what the self-consuming art world tells us. True, you have to have a certain fondness for bleak settings to properly take pleasure in most of the paintings. I often idly wondered if Wyeth ever painted landscapes in spring or summer and why he was so enamored of bare earth and beige and brown compositions. I have never seen as many abstracts as are contained in this book.

The essays in the book are interesting, but not so prevalent as to overshadow the marvelous prints. My only complaint is the book is an unhandy shape, longer than it is tall, making it difficult to shelve. However, this is minor. Many hours of viewing pleasure are in store.

What the text says, or what you see?
When you view the work of an artist, who is to be the arbiter of what, in this case the painting is about, what it means? Do you turn to the Professional Art Critic, Art History Majors, you the viewer, or the man or woman who created the work? In this case the Artist is well and painting, and his thoughts about his work are many and well documented.

This book on the paintings of Andrew Wyeth focuses primarily on the media of watercolor and drybrush as opposed to the egg tempera paintings that are the medium for so many of his most famous works. Mr. Wyeth takes up to 6 months for a tempera work, and completes as few as 2-4 a year. The images in this book are produced by the hundreds, and over his career amount to literally thousands of images. This book discusses and publishes many images that have never been publicly shown, and uses this body of work to advance various ideas.

The book is a valuable addition to those who are admirers of his work, the opinions that are expressed by people other than the artist, are either critical to the book on one extreme, or mostly ridiculous from where I sit.

Andrew Wyeth has been a target for the self-proclaimed tastemakers of Art for one reason; his art is widely admired, collected, and highly valued. These elements automatically qualify him for criticism that is so absurd; it adds a comedic aspect to the text. Then there are those who do love his work but feel they must demonstrate that, yes, he is what the critics say he is not, and even more!

The text did help me understand more about the method by which Mr. Wyeth creates these works, and the role they sometimes play in a major tempera piece. I loved his work before this book, and will continue to regardless of what "they" have to say. The only individual whose comments matter are Mr. Wyeth's. His thoughts are documented; I don't see the need for others to presume they know better than he what he paints, and what his intent was when he created the work.

The book is great for the new images it brings to the public. Everything about the construction of the book is as good as you will find in a commercial publication, and the color plates are excellent. As to the text, that is left for you to decide, I am placing the stars above for the Artist and his work, not for what others have to say about it.

Beautiful watercolors!
A collection containing a number of stunning watercolors loosely executed, rarely included in a book of Wyeth's works. Also includes many of his more labored tempera paintings. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

one of the best
My teacher introduced me to Andrew Wyeth's paintings and drawings about a year or two ago. I've been in love with his work ever since. It's just how beautiful his linework is and how he brings life to the paintings. That is so incredibly rare. There are plenty of portrait artists out there, but I can't think of one that impresses me as much as he does. I think this is because of how well he knew his subjects.

He said drawing with pencil helped him get to the core of a thing. If you've ever drawn or painted people and animals from life, as he did, it increases the appreciation for his work one hundred fold. I also think that this is why his paintings and sketches are so full of life - you just don't get that from a photo, there is NO comparison. His landscapes blow me away every time, and I'm not really a fan of landscape paintings. Something about the solitude of it all just takes me in.

My favourite is Night Sleeper, which is on the cover. His palette is just beautiful, i don't really think it's muted or drab - the closeryou look, the more colours you see. How he played colours in juxtaposition, so that they glow, is another part that gives his work such intensity and life.

The comments beside all the work are, as people have mentioned, very good. The entire book is one of those slow joy books. It's just nice to sit with it and turn the pages slowly and take in every thing.

American Legend
I especially appreciate the format of ANDREW WYETH. Examples of Wyeth's work are arranged chronologically throughout the book accompanied by comments in a conversational style by the artist about each individual painting. Much of the commentary is about those special places which the artist loves in both Pennsylvaniaand Maine as well as about his friends, neighbors and members of the Wyeth clan. The separate chronologies of Wyeth's personal life and his exhibitions are extremely helpful. I recommend this book to admirers of the artist and also to those who are just becoming acquainted with Wyeth. He is truly an American legend.

A biography in pictures
This is a book that will give any Wyeth fan pleasure.When I finally got a copy, it was wish fullfillment.To see 138 of the artist's works with his own comments is a great pleasure.And some of the comments are quite provocative!The prints are top quality and follow the artist's career chronologically.The book also includes a personal chronology of Andrew Wyeth's life, as well as exibitions and a bibliography for those who want to know more. Definitely a keeper!

IDEAL for the Wyeth fan... the perfect Andrew Wyeth book!
I got this book from my old boyfriend for Christmas one year. We used to sit in Borders every day after school and drool over the beautifully drab New England paintings this Wyeth boy created. Thus started my fascination with Andy, now my favorite artist. This book is not only chock-full of his paintings; it includes a paragraph or two for each painting from the artist himself, letting you peep into Wyeth's mind and understand every aspect of his paintings -- and his life. In it Wyeth explains the Helgaand Christina (from "Christina's World") series, as well as some of his personal and childhood experiences. An all-around great book, and if you want to learn more about him be sure to check out Andrew Wyeth: A Secret Life by Richard Meryman as well.

Are you a realist?
Of all the Wyeth artists, Andrew is the most prolific and most lauded.Ifyou wonder why, read this book. The idea is simple: A picture and areminisience. Thomas Hoving conducted a series of interviews with Andrewand placed the artist's insight into his own work next to the work itself. The format is as austere and magnificent as the paintings themselves. Theplate qualities are excellent and all of the pieces are shown in theirentirety. This is not an autobiography of Andrew's life but rather apenetrating look into sixty years of peerless artistry. The book containsno detail plates nor does it attempt to explain Andrew's often crypticcommentary, but it takes you into the mind and soul of the artist.Delightin this.It is a treasure. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I think that this is a great book and that it should be used
HELLO, my name is JIll Dalfonso. And yes Deborah is my mother. I really think that this book is great. And not just because she's my mom. My mother spent hours and hours trying to make a plain manuscript into a miraculous book. My mother's other books have been used as teaching guides in other colledges. Ithink that this book is just prefect for this. It has every quality that teachers should look for. I believe that it is intersting for every age and type of reader! Thank You!!! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

the basic Wyeth companion
I found this book at friends' at least fifteen years ago, then I immediately ordered several other copies from the Metropolitan Museum in order to give them to the people I loved most. It introduced me to AW (unfortunately almost unknown in Europe) and to his unique vision as a contemporary painter, which reminded me of the same kind of emotion I had some time before, by viewing Terrence Malick's first two films : Bad Lands & Days of Heaven... A major book on a major artist in Magic Realism, who is a poet aswell, and a philosopher--not to mention the wonderful person to be discovered by reading this basic companion titled : Two Worlds of Andrew Wyeth. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Andrew Wyeth's achievement is unmatched by other modern American realist painters: he produced canvasses that became American icons, deepening our sense of the possibilities of representational painting in an abstract age. This biography, produced by family friend Richard Meryman, who first wrote about Wyeth for Life magazine in 1964, takes in not only Andrew Wyeth's life but three generations of Wyeths: the peerless illustrator N. C. Wyeth, Andrew's father; Andrew Wyeth; and Jamie, Andrew's son and a successful realist painter in his own right. The "Secret Life" of the title refers in part, of course, to the "Helga" paintings, sketches, drawings, and portraits (many of them in the nude) of Wyeth's neighbor, later his companion and assistant, Helga Testorf. The revelation of the "Helga" series gave the married Wyeth's life, at almost 70, a final dose of drama. This new biography, besides delving deeply into Wyeth's personal life, includes long discussions of almost every Wyeth canvas. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Answers to My Questoins Found Here
In a museum about two hours driving from where I live, there was an "Andrew Wyeth Show" where many of his work were shown. I am writing this several days after I saw the show.

To me, the "mystery" was his paintings. Why do they look like more than mere images? Why other realism painting don't catch my attention like those of Wyeth's? His skills as a painter is without a doubt a perfection, but that's not it. What, then, does make his work special?

That was all I wanted to know, and reading Chapters 1 and 2 were enough for me to draw my own conclusion. I found some important keywords that I don't list here because important keywords differ from person to person. I am sure if you read this book with a mission you can find some keywords that helps you - as a painter.

I think that each chapter should have had a name instead of just chapter 2, chapter 3, and so forth because not everybody has time to read this thick book and not everybody is interested in knowing the every detail of the painter. Some chapter had less importance to me, although I am sure they may be important to other people. They were description of his family members and people who had something to do with the painter, but I find them too detail for my purpose of reading.

I think this book can be compressed and will still be as good as it is if compressed wisely. It is too bad that a reader has to read the whole book to see what is written in each chapter. If I was a writer I would have had a chapter for Christina Olson, a chapter for Wyeth as a young person, a chapter for his inspiration, a chapter for the influence from his family especially his father, and so on. That way it is easier to read and go back to where you want to go back to find something that captured your attention. I had to flip pages after pages because the book is not organized.

Andrew Wyeth is a dirty old man
After I read the other 5 reviews I wondered if we had read the same book! In this much too revealing biography, Andrew Wyeth comes across as a man with some very real problems. How so? How would you feel about a neighbor of yours in his 70s who would shed all his clothes and drive around naked on a motorcycle at night? How would you feel about the same man streaking with a niece through a boring party? How would you feel about a man who secretly painted a voluptuous blonde model in the nude for 15 years secretly and hid it from his wife? The list could go and on. What readers have to realize as I have is that tremendously gifted men and women can be brilliant at their gifts of genius and yet fall flat on their faces as decent human beings. There is no doubt that Andrew Wyeth is a genius. There are few who can capture the feeling of loneliness, country, the inner soul of his models with such sensitivity and yet can turn into a leering dirty old man, have a mouth that spews forth utter filth and his people skills are of the lowest caliber. Once some people went to see the artist to commission him to paint something for them and by the end of the visit decided against it because of the way he came across.

I recommend Wyeth's early studies from the 50's to the late 60's as examples of egg tempera painting at its highest level but as far as any young artists emulating his life and mannersisms, they should be warned. There have been artists who have been shining examplesby their lives- Durer, Rembrandt, Cole and Church come to mind- men who were passionate about their work and living on the highest levels of morality and goodness. An artist does not have to be a flaming reprobate to be a success.

Wyeth sees very little that is not jaundiced in life. I was disappointed in the extreme at some of the things that were written in this book. It really caused me to reevaluate my respect for the man. I would not want to know him personally and now I find it difficult to stomach some of his images knowing what he really thinks abaut them. The whole family needs to sober up and walk more circumspectly. If you decide to read this book, you were warned. It is a depressing experience at best. I recommned the Life of John Adams by David McCullough instead!

UNFATHOMABLE SECRETS
This book deals with Andrew Wyeth's relationships.Importantly, it often deals with Andrew Wyeth's relationships simulataneously.One relationship is analysed andthe conclusions are superimposed onto another relationship to seek similarities or contrasts.

Describe the book as a series of overlapping X-rays of Andrew Wyeth's relationships, if you will, but do not expect Meryman to give you one final, big revelation.

Rather, Meryman goes for all the details and intricacies without at any time repeating himself or getting boring.The book is an exciting exploration of a complex and great artist.Meryman is all the time getting there, removing the layers of skin around Wyeth's core secrets, but never actually arriving at the heart, no matter how many accurate, sensitive, well-aimed X-rays he plies.

You sense, though, that the tension in his major relationships -- with his father NC Wyeth, his wife Betsy, his two sons, his sisters, his black friends, the people he painted most, namely, Helga, the Kuerners, the Olsons -- you sense that the tautness of feelings in each case, sharply controlled, come to bloom in his meticulously executed paintings which are austere yet quintessential life.

Paintings feeding on life.Life sublimated into art.And thus the reason, as Meryman shows, why Wyeth could not just paint anything, why before Wyeth embarked on a picture he had to be sure it had enough emotional engagement to see him through to the end, why his subjects became themselves the objects of his emotions, an intimate part of his life, like Helga.

The first picture I saw of Wyeth's was "Winter 1946", showing a boy seemingly lost in the fields.He did this the year after his father's death.Anyone who has lost a parent cannot help recognising the anguish in this picture.

To unleash such power, Wyeth had to find and assimilate it. Throughout his life Andrew Wyeth is seeking emotional momentum, whatever the cost.

It seems that, early in his life, pushed by NC's example and encouragement, Wyeth came to terms with the sacrifices which his art demanded.And yet it comes out clearly in Meryman's book that Wyeth could not come to terms with this driving force, with the brute rush, the ruthlessness which seeking emotional momentum implies.

This is a great book, sensitively written, comprehensive.

Holding it in your hand you can see that it is well-illustrated. It needs a proper index badly, though.

If you want to know Andrew Wyeth, go for it !

A work worthy of its subject, however...
Mr. Richard Meryman has been writing about Mr. Andrew Wyeth for decades.With the possible exception of Family he is as well qualified as anyone tobring this deeply personal biography to readers and art lovers alike. Hissubject is a man who many would argue to be one of, if not the finestartist this Country is home to. When placed among his Father, his Sisters,and his Son, there is no other Family who has contributed to the art worldfor such a long period of time, in so prominent a manner, and with so higha level of excellence. The 21st Century marks the beginning of the thirdthat the Wyeth name has maintained its place in the world of art and thehearts and imaginations of collectors. As a Family their History is alreadythe material of both myth and legend.

My cautionary note in the title isimportant in direct relation to what you know about the man, who he paints,why, and what one of the most prevalent themes that mark his work are. Icame to this book as a great admirer of his work, and I finished it with mylove for his work intact, I do not have any of the same ideas I once didprior to reading the book.

"Christina's World" which is one ofhis singularly well known works, is also one of the least understood. Thehouse and its influence on the artist did spawn it's own art book, but theevents in that house could inspire several more. The same can be said ofChristina Olson. Once I read about the work and what Mr. Wyeth had to say,I felt foolish in my ignorance, the fact that my misconceptions are sharedto this day bring no comfort.

The book does not require any knowledge ofMr. Wyeth to be read and enjoyed. It certainly will add to the experienceif you know of the model that is recognized simply as "Helga".Mr. Meryman introduces you to Helga Testorf, and intriguing women in herown right who continues to assist Mr. Wyeth to this day.

This book alsobrings to the reader Mrs. Betsy Wyeth, who is much more than the Wife ofthis man. She is a powerful partner, a shrewd businesswoman, and thanks toher efforts the body of his work will be documented.

Many of hiswell-known works are serene, even gentle; fishing nets drying in a seabreeze, or Mr. Wyeth's dog sleeping with his head upon a pillow like anyperson would do. These images are only a veneer to the story the storiesand life experiences that caused Mr. Wyeth to document them. A given imageis like one page from hundreds that really explain what the work is allabout.

You most likely will view this great man's work differently afteryou finish the book, but different does not mean negatively or morepositively, rather just not the way you started.

Mr. Meryman has writtena brilliant biography that is erudite, readable, and a triumph in that thesubject of this work is incredibly complex and enigmatic.

Brilliantsubject, and a written work that pays tribute to the man, his Family, hiswork, and some of the people he paints, without fawning over him.

Biography which would appeal primarily to artists.
After reading Michealis' N. C. Wyeth biography, this was something of a letdown. ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Washington Times, published by News World Communications, Inc. on February 13, 1997. The length of the article is 19649 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: WYETH'S BOSWELL: Richard Meryman paints detailed portrait of artist.(Metropolitan Times)(Brief Encounters)
Author: Cynthia Grenier
Publication: The Washington Times (Newspaper)
Date: February 13, 1997
Publisher: News World Communications, Inc.
Page: 10

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more