Wilhelm M Busch

Wilhelm M Busch (1908-1987) is one of my favorite artists.

I keep thinking, when I grow up I want to draw like him.

After many years of not looking at his work I sort of rediscovered him when Hans Bacher started to post some of his incredible book illustrations. Go to Hans' blog and check out much more on Busch.

http://one1more2time3.wordpress.com/

 I rushed over to amazon/Germany and ordered a whole bunch of books that included his work. Busch illustrated over 300 books during his lifetime.

He also taught illustration in Hamburg, Germany.

His illustration style changed over the years, yet every period of his life shows genius. Sometimes it's realistic other times very caricatured. It can be just linear or fully rendered. 

He never mocked anybody else. Looking at his art, you realize that it is totally based on his own personal observation. The way characters relate to each other, the fantastic sense of perspective, composition and mood...he owns all that, it's his.

And there is great story telling, too.

This man spent quality time looking at things, the human body, drawing at the circus and the zoo as well as studying environments.

I could go on...and I might in future posts. For now here is a very small sampling of his book illustrations.

Have you ever seen a more beautiful drawing of a couple dancing than this first drawing?

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.

Wilhelm M. Busch 1979

These marvelous life drawings and other doodles by Wilhelm M. Busch were published as a little sketchbook in Germany.

The occasional sexually provocative quality in them makes me want to name him the German Frazetta.

Busch's sense for anatomy with beautiful rhythm and composition is masterful, that's for sure. Every sketch is interesting, often the perspective is daring, and I don't see any drawing formulas here. No flashy shading or over confident lines. 

His proportions always show contrast, thick upper legs with thin ankles, for example.

I love the way he sees things. 

Everything is based on intense observation of human and animal figures.

This man knew stuff!

For more Busch illustrations go to Hans Bacher's blog:

http://one1more2time3.wordpress.com

Circus Alphabet by Wilhelm M. Busch

In 1981 German illustrator Wilhelm M. Busch published a limited edition portfolio titled Circus Alphabet. Edition size of 45. I feel so lucky to have found one of those publications online for sale. Busch gave himself the assignment of illustrating individual letters from the alphabet. What starts out as abstract shapes become figurative compositions inspired by the world of the circus.  

What a great exercise in imagination, draftsmanship and composition!!!

Every little ballpoint pen doodle is a masterpiece. Honestly, these sketches make me feel like I can't draw at all. Soooo deliciously beautiful!

Here are sketches that illustrate the letters A, B and C.

Of course I will post the whole alphabet in the future, in groups of three, with the hope that it will inspire many people to DRAW!!

 

Wilhelm M. Busch, Ex Libris

A few more stunning drawings by Wilhelm M. Busch. 

Such a command over portraying the human body with elegance and grace. The first two sketches have an obvious erotic flair, but the third one shows a grieved Russian woman with her children during WW II.

Throughout his lifetime Busch depicted a wide range of topics and emotions with great skill.. 

A true master draughtsman of the last century.

Wilhelm M. Busch 1971

These wonderful spot illustrations by Wilhelm M. Busch were published in 1971 in a little German book titled "Graf Bobby" (Earl Bobby).

This is the result when a realistic master draughtsman loosens up and caricatures his human subjects. Every drawing is entertaining and full of personality. The lack of formulas in them is refreshing and his economy of lines is inspired. I often find what an artist leaves out just as interesting as what he puts in. 

Great looking characters, beautifully staged, all this totally applies to animation.

Graf Bobby was a popular character in the German speaking countries, the humor in his stories range from silly to philosophical.