Monday, March 12, 2012

Wilhelm M. Busch Originals

Last year I had the chance to purchase a few original sketches from the estate of Wilhelm M. Busch in Germany.
I was sent a disc with images of many works depicting circus scenes. Large oversized drawings that would be up for sale.
It was pure torture to select just a few, all of them were breathtaking.
These are works done on the spot at the circus, either during rehearsals or performances. (most likely during the 60ies or 70ies)
Busch didn't care about making pretty drawings here, to capture the essence of the moment was the most important thing. There is thorough observation and an honest truth in them, that makes it easy for the viewer to relive those moments. 
Busch captured these "Kodak" moments in his head, then put them down on paper, a few strokes within seconds.
Fascinating what is left out, only the most essential lines define an animal like the marvellous leopard.








14 comments:

  1. Love the last, 2nd to last... and 1st.. um, nope - love them all!!

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  2. The one with the two tigers leave me speechless ! Every line is so effective ! That's really impressive. It's like starring at an immediate wire sculpture on paper ! Thank you for sharing.

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  3. Nice post Andreas:) I think the bottom one is my fav of the bunch. Cheers!

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  4. Lovely!

    Odd that he was born the same year we lost that other Wilhelm Busch.

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  5. Communication is the key...Clear staging.These all read so well. Good Luck Choosing.

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  6. These are wonderfully expressive! They really are moments in time! The one with the elephant reminds me of a moment in my childhood when I went to the Zoo with my Oma and Opa to see the elephants and giraffes. Good times!

    Thank-you so much for sharing! I feel like it's time for me to make another trip to the zoo to do some sketching!

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  7. Wow, these are marvelous! Reminded me of Alexander Calder's circus, I think... :D

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  8. Really cool, looks like he was trying to capture what he saw as quick as he could. Sometimes you wonder is it easier to observe then remember the image you just saw in your mind clearly like a freeze frame and draw that image instead of trying to literally draw as the animal is moving. Adreas Ive been studying big cats lately there so fluid and stealth like wiry and slinky with such grace. Do you know of any artist that was very good at drawing cats, that is beside your self, would love to see more of your cat drawings too?

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  9. Wow the elephant's drawing (4th one) is really amazing!Where can I buy original Disney cells/art online?

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  10. I love when you post artists I don't know - It's pretty much a guarantee that I will have a new artist to obsess over. (I bought 'Important People' immediately after reading your post a couple months ago, and it's been my go-to book ever since.)
    This post is no exception! Beautiful

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  11. brilliant! So much life in each drawing! Very Inspiring!

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  12. What a master! He captures such subtleties so casually. One of my favorite artists, thank you so much for sharing these!

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  13. Just came across a series of illustration drawings of his...what a true master...everyone single image was "animated"....great find Andreas!

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