Andy Warhol; More than Meets the Artist

A Closer Look at Warhol

Andy Warhol was most famous for his being at the forefront of the Pop Art movement and for his multi-coloured screen prints of the icons of his epoch. But being an illustrator myself, I was always most fascinated by the fact that he was advertiser and illustrator before artist. 

So while most people would have perhaps seen his work; 'Campbell's Soup Can' (which was an advert in itself), or the peeling banana of the 'Velvet Underground & Nico' LP cover, many of his earlier pieces may have been slightly under appreciated. And although he doesn't really need anymore exposure being one of the best known artists of all time, I'd like to share some of my favourites with you for the anniversary of what would have been his 85th birthday.

Warhol's journey to great fame was launched by his being hired to draw pictures for the advertisement of shoes, record covers and other promotional material. This business brain combined with knowledge of printmaking techniques certainly would have paved the way for his later distinctly commercial and accessible, high art creations not to mention the idea of brand advertising. 

Female Costumed Full Figure 1950's
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Shoes 1959
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Cover for a book of fashion drawings
by Warhol, this slender figure is very art deco and
shows his trademark 'blotted line' style.
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An advert for Tiffany's (and my favourite.)
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Happy birthday Andy!