Jon Whitcomb Original Vintage American Illustration Gouache Mixed Media Painting
Original vintage mixed media gouache and graphite on paper painting by prominent American illustration artist Jon Whitcomb (1906-1988). The painting is a glamorous and romantic scene on a beach. The painting style is detailed, sophisticated, and highly refined. The painting's measurements are approximately 10" x 12", plus frame. The painting is in excellent original condition behind glass in a vintage frame. The painting is signed ìn the lower left corner, and is esrimated to have been created mid 1970s, due to the fashion of the portrait subjects.
Jon Whitcomb (1906-1988), was an American illustrator. He was well known for his paintings of glamorous young women. He was born in Weatherford, Oklahoma and grew up in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Whitcomb attended Ohio Wesleyan University, and graduated from Ohio State University with a major in English. He is the brother of fashion designer and inventor Merry Hull.
Jon Whitcomb started drawing illustrations for student publications while still a srudent at Ohio State University, and worked summers painting for a theater in Cleveland, Ohio.
After he graduated, Jon found work making travel and theater posters, and advertising illustrations.
In 1934, he moved to New York City and joined with Al Cooper to found the Cooper Studio.
Whitcomb was a pioneer in the switch from oil to gouache for illistrations. The different qualities of gouache compared to that of oil led to changes in the design of Whitcomb's illustrations. He zoomed in on people, usually pretty, young city women and reduced the bachground to simple design elements. His new style of illustrations soon appeared in Collier's Weekly, Good Housekeeping, and other magazines.
During World War Ii, Whitcomb was commissioned a Lieutenant, Junior Grade, in the United States Navy. After a variety of duties, he was assigned as a combat artist for the invasions of Tinian, Saipan, and Peleliu.
After the war, Whitcimb produced a series of articles and sketches about Hollywood stars for Cosmopolitan magazine titled "On Location with Jon Whitcomb." He continued to produce story illustrations and covers for magazines, including McCall's and Playboy. He wrote some short srories, two children's books, (Coco, and Pom Pom's Christmas), and a book on glamour, All About Girls. Jon Whitcomb was one of the founding faculty of the Famous Artists School.
Whitcomb was in a relationship with Bob Young, who became a manager for William Bast.
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