Stravinsky

Chagall

Covarrubias


Klee

Picasso

Topolsky


© 2003 Bill Russell

BILL BITES: THE STRAVINSKY CLUB

Issue #2, by Bill Russell

Where does this illustrator fit in the world of art history? What artworks have I done that are seen, noted and remembered? What does any artist do or draw to be included in the great museum collections? These questions erupt in my head after I get an assignment to draw a portrait of Igor Stravinsky. My research on the famous composer and conductor has turned up many portraits of the esteemed gentleman by esteemed artists . . . Chagall, Klee, Covarrubias and Pablo Picasso most notably. They knew him personally. They were in the Paris milieu. Stravinsky had a beautiful head, large hands, a broad nose, usually a sullen expression and those round glasses. Igor Stravinsky, born in 1882 was widely regarded as the most original and influential composer of the 20th century. He was most famous for his ballet scores like The Rite of Spring.

I wanted to be famous for a drawing I did. But why would I set such a high standard for the illustration I was about to do? Why the undo pressures? For some reason after twenty-five years as an illustrator I wanted to measure up. I knew in my heart that an artist couldn't set out to do a famous drawing. But I wanted at least to be included in the archive of Stravinsky portraiture.

I add my name to the list of luminaries. Will it gain some additional cache by the nature of its subject matter? Is it value by association? I know an artist who does astronomy paintings. He made a print series from one of his moon paintings and managed to get Buzz Aldrin to sign them. His famous signature drove up the print's value. It seems arbitrary to me. Standards in the fine art game are lopsided. It's about which celebrities you draw, who collects your work and who writes about your work. Andy Warhol knew this. I think that's why I'm an illustrator. There are fewer pretenses in the so-called "commercial" art world. I'd like to hear what you think. Better yet, draw Stravinsky and join the club.

Comments, etc. to Bill@Billustration.com