Andrew Wyeth dies at 91

[Julie Deane]

Originally Posted by Marvin Mattelson

his willingness to sit there and work at it until he was satisfied.

In an old book of David Friend's on composition, he highlighted one of Wyeth's paintings and showed a series of preliminary sketches that Wyeth did to think through his composition. It was the first time I ever realized that a good painting requires much preparation and thought.
The High Museum show of his work also had examples of the many sketches and color studies he would do before he started the final piece.

He was a marvelous painter and an excellent teacher through example.

[Allan Rahbek]

Andrew Wyeth was unknown to me untill I bought his book "The Helga Pictures" some 20 years ago. The book was a real eye opener to me, seeing that realism was taken serious by such an accomplished painter.

I made up my mind that it was all right to stick to what I felt was interesting to me, no matter the "ism of the week".

[Clayton J. Beck III]

I don't think Richard would mind if I relate this story ...

The Helga series first came to light when I was studying at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. I was concurrently painting with Richard Schmid at the Palette and Chisel. I brought in the newly published book and after looking through it, he said, with a look in his eye, "He single-handedly held back the tide of the 20th Century modernism with one painting ... Christina's World, and gave realism a foothold."

I have never seen that painting without having that story in my head. I often wonder if Andrew Wyeth realized as he was working on it how much this painting would mean to so many. Of course not, but I still wonder because it seems so obvious to us now as we look at it ... this one is special!

Mourning the loss.

[Tom Edgerton]

Beautiful statement, Marvin...

"I've tried never to be easily satisfied, and I've been painting like fury now for forty years...I have a feeling. You paint about as far as your emotions go, and that's about it."
--Andrew Wyeth

[Linda Brandon]

This is a wonderful thread - thanks, everybody.