Andrew Wyeth: Autobiography

Rating:
Summary: American Legend
Review: I especially appreciate the format of ANDREW WYETH. Examples of Wyeth's work are arranged chronologically throughout the book accompanied by comments in a conversational style by the artist about each individual painting. Much of the commentary is about those special places which the artist loves in both Pennsylvania and Maine as well as about his friends, neighbors and members of the Wyeth clan. The separate chronologies of Wyeth's personal life and his exhibitions are extremely helpful. I recommend this book to admirers of the artist and also to those who are just becoming acquainted with Wyeth. He is truly an American legend.

Rating:
Summary: IDEAL for the Wyeth fan... the perfect Andrew Wyeth book!
Review: I got this book from my old boyfriend for Christmas one year. We used to sit in Borders every day after school and drool over the beautifully drab New England paintings this Wyeth boy created. Thus started my fascination with Andy, now my favorite artist. This book is not only chock-full of his paintings; it includes a paragraph or two for each painting from the artist himself, letting you peep into Wyeth's mind and understand every aspect of his paintings -- and his life. In it Wyeth explains the Helga and Christina (from "Christina's World") series, as well as some of his personal and childhood experiences. An all-around great book, and if you want to learn more about him be sure to check out Andrew Wyeth: A Secret Life by Richard Meryman as well.

Rating:
Summary: Are you a realist?
Review: Of all the Wyeth artists, Andrew is the most prolific and most lauded. If you wonder why, read this book. The idea is simple: A picture and a reminisience. Thomas Hoving conducted a series of interviews with Andrew and placed the artist's insight into his own work next to the work itself. The format is as austere and magnificent as the paintings themselves. The plate qualities are excellent and all of the pieces are shown in their entirety. This is not an autobiography of Andrew's life but rather a penetrating look into sixty years of peerless artistry. The book contains no detail plates nor does it attempt to explain Andrew's often cryptic commentary, but it takes you into the mind and soul of the artist. Delight in this. It is a treasure.

Rating:
Summary: A biography in pictures
Review: This is a book that will give any Wyeth fan pleasure. When I finally got a copy, it was wish fullfillment. To see 138 of the artist's works with his own comments is a great pleasure. And some of the comments are quite provocative! The prints are top quality and follow the artist's career chronologically. The book also includes a personal chronology of Andrew Wyeth's life, as well as exibitions and a bibliography for those who want to know more. Definitely a keeper!