Bob peak

The 1950s and ’60s were a time when most wanna-be illustrators wanted to be Bob Peak. It was also the moment when illustration was at a crossroads. Would it continue to merely serve or illuminate a text, or would it say something more? Since the emerging editorial themes (war, peace, race, etc.) were more socially and metaphorically charged, the substance and style of illustration could no longer be entirely realistic. Certain levels of abstraction were filtered into the Amer

Prime Minister to a Growing World

bob peak : cosmopolitan magazine, 1957

"In the beginning, during my first period in New York, I realized I was on the wrong track when I tried to shape my style to commercial demands. I studied the works of illustrators who had done this; they were very successful for a year or two and then dropped from the scene." "It was apparent to me that an artist should not spend years developing a style which, in terms of demand, would quickly pass. In other words, he should not be an artist 'from the wrist down'." "Also, he isn't wise to…

Illustration by Bob Peak of "The Promise" by Robert A. Knowlton, "Good Housekeeping" April 1964

Cosmopolitan magazine Illustrated by Bob Peak June 1964

"In the beginning, during my first period in New York, I realized I was on the wrong track when I tried to shape my style to commercial dema...

Cosmopolitan magazine Illustrated by Bob Peak June 1964

"I’ve watched the popularity of fashion illustration wax and wane. But I’m happy to say – and this book bears me out – that it never goes away; it just keeps coming back, like a familiar melody." ~ Carmen Dell’Orefice, from the introduction to David Downton's 2010 book, "Masters of Fashion Illustration" For quite some time now, I've been wanting to devote a week on Today's Inspiration to fashion illustration of the mid-20th century. Not because I have all sorts wisdom to share on the subject…