Graphis Master: Bart Forbes is as Americana As It Gets

The prolific illustrator and artist Bart Forbes is the subject of this week’s Graphis master spotlight.

When people see a Bart Forbes piece, many people recognize it. But not because its a Bart Forbes, but because of its iconoclastic presence in American culture and pride. Whether it’s his world famous work for the 1988 Seoul Olympics or the TIME Magazine’s Man of the Year illustration of Jimmy Carter, Bart Forbes has carved out a remarkable career over the past few decades. His artistic stylization reminds viewers of a Norman Rockwell-inspired visuality, one that is as bold as it is subdued and stoic, showcased in the above US Postal Service stamp for commemorating Helene Madison.

Forbes has been an illustrator and fine art painter for more than five decades, working on commemorative post cards, sporting events, historical moments, and more, including his infamous one of the Kentucky Derby (ABOVE). The Oklahoma-born artist has cemented himself as a premier artist, one who most recently was inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame. His water color technique, coupled with Americana subject matter often makes Forbes‘ work commissioned by sporting events and other American entities. Now, Forbes has put his commercial work behind him and begun focusing more intently on personalized fine art. With landscapes, still-life and wildlife paintings, Forbes has found a new means of exploring texture and light via oil. The depth of Forbes work speaks for itself, but if his continued artistic evolution speaks to anything, it’s that there is much more to come from the septuagenarian.

Be sure to check out Bart Forbes entire Graphis portfolio here before tuning back in next week to read about another bonafide Graphis Master.