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Ah...to be a great illustrator! This is a desire for most graphic art students whose foundations were based in art vs. computers.
But alas, not all of us had the skills with rapidograph, Dr. Martin dyes, airbrush, etc., and moved into the world of art direction.
I loved the relationships I had with my illustrators, it was always my goal to speak for my clients without stepping upon the talent of the illustrator I had hired, I trusted their talents but appreciated their respect in return. The business of art was to achieve a purpose - to sell a product and/or service, and it was the team effort and direction that a great illustrator could take and make work. But there was, hopefully in your experience, the help of a great art director. Thus a layout and concept provided for interpretation. And always a budget.
I feel this thread takes the "fine arts" and structures them into the world of advertising, periodicals etc., to the point of no spontaneity. This may be far more important in "portrait" art, but the question of where is this going? or where can I take it? can be a wonderful exercise for those who may find themselves trying to be so perfect they are creating a photographic image with oils, pastels, etc..
For some reason I just don't see Van Gogh out in a yellow field with his value determination tool, and pad of tracing paper. But then, you're right he might have had a lot of "Garage Sale" pieces (I'd love to get my hands on one). Did these guys experiment or follow the rules... and then there is that age-old question: Was Norman Rockwell a "fine artist" or "illustrator"? My biggest question was always, "Does it matter?"
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