Andrew Wyeth : A Secret Life

Rating:
Summary: Andrew Wyeth is a dirty old man
Review: After I read the other 5 reviews I wondered if we had read the same book! In this much too revealing biography, Andrew Wyeth comes across as a man with some very real problems. How so? How would you feel about a neighbor of yours in his 70s who would shed all his clothes and drive around naked on a motorcycle at night? How would you feel about the same man streaking with a niece through a boring party? How would you feel about a man who secretly painted a voluptuous blonde model in the nude for 15 years secretly and hid it from his wife? The list could go and on. What readers have to realize as I have is that tremendously gifted men and women can be brilliant at their gifts of genius and yet fall flat on their faces as decent human beings. There is no doubt that Andrew Wyeth is a genius. There are few who can capture the feeling of loneliness, country, the inner soul of his models with such sensitivity and yet can turn into a leering dirty old man, have a mouth that spews forth utter filth and his people skills are of the lowest caliber. Once some people went to see the artist to commission him to paint something for them and by the end of the visit decided against it because of the way he came across.

I recommend Wyeth's early studies from the 50's to the late 60's as examples of egg tempera painting at its highest level but as far as any young artists emulating his life and mannersisms, they should be warned. There have been artists who have been shining examples by their lives- Durer, Rembrandt, Cole and Church come to mind- men who were passionate about their work and living on the highest levels of morality and goodness. An artist does not have to be a flaming reprobate to be a success.

Wyeth sees very little that is not jaundiced in life. I was disappointed in the extreme at some of the things that were written in this book. It really caused me to reevaluate my respect for the man. I would not want to know him personally and now I find it difficult to stomach some of his images knowing what he really thinks abaut them. The whole family needs to sober up and walk more circumspectly. If you decide to read this book, you were warned. It is a depressing experience at best. I recommned the Life of John Adams by David McCullough instead!

Rating:
Summary: Biography which would appeal primarily to artists.
Review: After reading Michealis' N. C. Wyeth biography, this was something of a letdown.

Rating:
Summary: Magnetic reading.
Review: I am pleased to have read so much about Andrew and my late uncle, Walter Anderson, who lived in Port Clyde, ME. Walt was Andy's "best Maine friend." I hope I can find the resources to present my insights on their relationship, and the salty side of Walt's character and the people he associated with....only if Andrew would endorse my efforts....God knows I've asked him, in person....maybe someday, soon, I'll find the right connection. Russell Anderson

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful insight into a strange family & a complex man
Review: I read this book last year and I still think about the indepth research and wonderful language. The railroad crossing segment is worth the price of the book. The book will make you see Wyeth's work in a new light. Another book recommendation of same gendre, "Utopia Parkway".

Rating:
Summary: A work worthy of its subject, however...
Review: Mr. Richard Meryman has been writing about Mr. Andrew Wyeth for decades. With the possible exception of Family he is as well qualified as anyone to bring this deeply personal biography to readers and art lovers alike. His subject is a man who many would argue to be one of, if not the finest artist this Country is home to. When placed among his Father, his Sisters, and his Son, there is no other Family who has contributed to the art world for such a long period of time, in so prominent a manner, and with so high a level of excellence. The 21st Century marks the beginning of the third that the Wyeth name has maintained its place in the world of art and the hearts and imaginations of collectors. As a Family their History is already the material of both myth and legend.

My cautionary note in the title is important in direct relation to what you know about the man, who he paints, why, and what one of the most prevalent themes that mark his work are. I came to this book as a great admirer of his work, and I finished it with my love for his work intact, I do not have any of the same ideas I once did prior to reading the book.

"Christina's World" which is one of his singularly well known works, is also one of the least understood. The house and its influence on the artist did spawn it's own art book, but the events in that house could inspire several more. The same can be said of Christina Olson. Once I read about the work and what Mr. Wyeth had to say, I felt foolish in my ignorance, the fact that my misconceptions are shared to this day bring no comfort.

The book does not require any knowledge of Mr. Wyeth to be read and enjoyed. It certainly will add to the experience if you know of the model that is recognized simply as "Helga". Mr. Meryman introduces you to Helga Testorf, and intriguing women in her own right who continues to assist Mr. Wyeth to this day.

This book also brings to the reader Mrs. Betsy Wyeth, who is much more than the Wife of this man. She is a powerful partner, a shrewd businesswoman, and thanks to her efforts the body of his work will be documented.

Many of his well-known works are serene, even gentle; fishing nets drying in a sea breeze, or Mr. Wyeth's dog sleeping with his head upon a pillow like any person would do. These images are only a veneer to the story the stories and life experiences that caused Mr. Wyeth to document them. A given image is like one page from hundreds that really explain what the work is all about.

You most likely will view this great man's work differently after you finish the book, but different does not mean negatively or more positively, rather just not the way you started.

Mr. Meryman has written a brilliant biography that is erudite, readable, and a triumph in that the subject of this work is incredibly complex and enigmatic.

Brilliant subject, and a written work that pays tribute to the man, his Family, his work, and some of the people he paints, without fawning over him.

Rating:
Summary: A work worthy of its subject, however...
Review: Mr. Richard Meryman has been writing about Mr. Andrew Wyeth for decades. With the possible exception of Family he is as well qualified as anyone to bring this deeply personal biography to readers and art lovers alike. His subject is a man who many would argue to be one of, if not the finest artist this Country is home to. When placed among his Father, his Sisters, and his Son, there is no other Family who has contributed to the art world for such a long period of time, in so prominent a manner, and with so high a level of excellence. The 21st Century marks the beginning of the third that the Wyeth name has maintained its place in the world of art and the hearts and imaginations of collectors. As a Family their History is already the material of both myth and legend.

My cautionary note in the title is important in direct relation to what you know about the man, who he paints, why, and what one of the most prevalent themes that mark his work are. I came to this book as a great admirer of his work, and I finished it with my love for his work intact, I do not have any of the same ideas I once did prior to reading the book.

"Christina's World" which is one of his singularly well known works, is also one of the least understood. The house and its influence on the artist did spawn it's own art book, but the events in that house could inspire several more. The same can be said of Christina Olson. Once I read about the work and what Mr. Wyeth had to say, I felt foolish in my ignorance, the fact that my misconceptions are shared to this day bring no comfort.

The book does not require any knowledge of Mr. Wyeth to be read and enjoyed. It certainly will add to the experience if you know of the model that is recognized simply as "Helga". Mr. Meryman introduces you to Helga Testorf, and intriguing women in her own right who continues to assist Mr. Wyeth to this day.

This book also brings to the reader Mrs. Betsy Wyeth, who is much more than the Wife of this man. She is a powerful partner, a shrewd businesswoman, and thanks to her efforts the body of his work will be documented.

Many of his well-known works are serene, even gentle; fishing nets drying in a sea breeze, or Mr. Wyeth's dog sleeping with his head upon a pillow like any person would do. These images are only a veneer to the story the stories and life experiences that caused Mr. Wyeth to document them. A given image is like one page from hundreds that really explain what the work is all about.

You most likely will view this great man's work differently after you finish the book, but different does not mean negatively or more positively, rather just not the way you started.

Mr. Meryman has written a brilliant biography that is erudite, readable, and a triumph in that the subject of this work is incredibly complex and enigmatic.

Brilliant subject, and a written work that pays tribute to the man, his Family, his work, and some of the people he paints, without fawning over him.

Rating:
Summary: Andrew Wyeth is a dirty old man
Review: This book deals with Andrew Wyeth's relationships. Importantly, it often deals with Andrew Wyeth's relationships simulataneously. One relationship is analysed and the conclusions are superimposed onto another relationship to seek similarities or contrasts.

Describe the book as a series of overlapping X-rays of Andrew Wyeth's relationships, if you will, but do not expect Meryman to give you one final, big revelation.

Rather, Meryman goes for all the details and intricacies without at any time repeating himself or getting boring. The book is an exciting exploration of a complex and great artist. Meryman is all the time getting there, removing the layers of skin around Wyeth's core secrets, but never actually arriving at the heart, no matter how many accurate, sensitive, well-aimed X-rays he plies.

You sense, though, that the tension in his major relationships -- with his father NC Wyeth, his wife Betsy, his two sons, his sisters, his black friends, the people he painted most, namely, Helga, the Kuerners, the Olsons -- you sense that the tautness of feelings in each case, sharply controlled, come to bloom in his meticulously executed paintings which are austere yet quintessential life.

Paintings feeding on life. Life sublimated into art. And thus the reason, as Meryman shows, why Wyeth could not just paint anything, why before Wyeth embarked on a picture he had to be sure it had enough emotional engagement to see him through to the end, why his subjects became themselves the objects of his emotions, an intimate part of his life, like Helga.

The first picture I saw of Wyeth's was "Winter 1946", showing a boy seemingly lost in the fields. He did this the year after his father's death. Anyone who has lost a parent cannot help recognising the anguish in this picture.

To unleash such power, Wyeth had to find and assimilate it. Throughout his life Andrew Wyeth is seeking emotional momentum, whatever the cost.

It seems that, early in his life, pushed by NC's example and encouragement, Wyeth came to terms with the sacrifices which his art demanded. And yet it comes out clearly in Meryman's book that Wyeth could not come to terms with this driving force, with the brute rush, the ruthlessness which seeking emotional momentum implies.

This is a great book, sensitively written, comprehensive.

Holding it in your hand you can see that it is well-illustrated. It needs a proper index badly, though.

If you want to know Andrew Wyeth, go for it !

Rating:
Summary: UNFATHOMABLE SECRETS
Review: This book deals with Andrew Wyeth's relationships. Importantly, it often deals with Andrew Wyeth's relationships simulataneously. One relationship is analysed and the conclusions are superimposed onto another relationship to seek similarities or contrasts.

Describe the book as a series of overlapping X-rays of Andrew Wyeth's relationships, if you will, but do not expect Meryman to give you one final, big revelation.

Rather, Meryman goes for all the details and intricacies without at any time repeating himself or getting boring. The book is an exciting exploration of a complex and great artist. Meryman is all the time getting there, removing the layers of skin around Wyeth's core secrets, but never actually arriving at the heart, no matter how many accurate, sensitive, well-aimed X-rays he plies.

You sense, though, that the tension in his major relationships -- with his father NC Wyeth, his wife Betsy, his two sons, his sisters, his black friends, the people he painted most, namely, Helga, the Kuerners, the Olsons -- you sense that the tautness of feelings in each case, sharply controlled, come to bloom in his meticulously executed paintings which are austere yet quintessential life.

Paintings feeding on life. Life sublimated into art. And thus the reason, as Meryman shows, why Wyeth could not just paint anything, why before Wyeth embarked on a picture he had to be sure it had enough emotional engagement to see him through to the end, why his subjects became themselves the objects of his emotions, an intimate part of his life, like Helga.

The first picture I saw of Wyeth's was "Winter 1946", showing a boy seemingly lost in the fields. He did this the year after his father's death. Anyone who has lost a parent cannot help recognising the anguish in this picture.

To unleash such power, Wyeth had to find and assimilate it. Throughout his life Andrew Wyeth is seeking emotional momentum, whatever the cost.

It seems that, early in his life, pushed by NC's example and encouragement, Wyeth came to terms with the sacrifices which his art demanded. And yet it comes out clearly in Meryman's book that Wyeth could not come to terms with this driving force, with the brute rush, the ruthlessness which seeking emotional momentum implies.

This is a great book, sensitively written, comprehensive.

Holding it in your hand you can see that it is well-illustrated. It needs a proper index badly, though.

If you want to know Andrew Wyeth, go for it !