COLOR ME BAD

The wild portraits of 

PHILIP BURKE 

illustrator

b.1956

Buffalo,NY

(for Mya L. & all the CIA students)

#Danny  

(for the BoyZ: Alex, Theo & Jared) 

ABOUT

Philip Burke is an American caricature artist and illustrator, known for his vivid portraits that appeared in the pages of Rolling Stone magazine for almost a decade. Burke's work extends beyond the likes of contemporary musicians; often serving as a chronicle of the political and social undercurrent on the pages of Vanity Fair, Time, Vogue or The New Yorker and others.  Burke was born in Buffalo, New York. His first dabbling with caricatures date back to 1971, while a high school sophomore. Philip left Buffalo for the University of Toronto in 1974 where he drew caricatures for the University newspaper during his time there. Although he lost interest in academics, he packed up his portfolio and headed for New York City to pursue a career as an illustrator. 

Living in the West Village, he began drawing pen and ink caricatures for the Village Voice and various other publications. In 1982 Burke was shifting gears and began painting with oils. He signed an exclusive contract with the newly formed Vanity Fair magazine. A year later, Burke returned to his hometown, Buffalo, New York where he got married and started a family. Burke’s vivid colors, sparing brushstrokes, and sharp lines have set him apart from all other contemporary artists. His work has adorned the pages and covers of Time, Newsweek, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, GQ, Vogue, Sports Illustrated, The New York Times, The New York Observer, Slate, Talk, Rolling Stone, and countless other nationally and internationally circulated publications.  Philip Burke’s collection has positioned him on the leading edge of contemporary expressionist art. Established magazines have utilized his talents to revive their image, while new publications incorporate his work to ensure a strong launch into the competitive market. His original oil paintings, ranging in size from 40 inches to 12 feet, have shown in galleries around the world, from New York to Tokyo. 

Aside from his broad popularity, Philip Burke is an artist’s artist. Respected organizations including Society of Illustrators, Society of Publication Design, and Society of Newspaper Design have repeatedly selected his artwork for shows and exhibits. Adoration for Burke's work was validated when the Andy Warhol asked Philip to paint his portrait, a rare and thrilling experience for PB. Burke's work has been exhibited in a partnership with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio : The Color of Rock: The Art of Philip Burke. The exhibit now travels throughout the United States. His original works, mainly in oil, encompass canvases from 40 inches to 12 feet in length. His subject matter has included rock performers, royalty, newsworthy politicos and entertainers from all over the globe. He currently lives and paints in Niagara falls

You just saw the amazing works of Philip Burke

A VISIT WITH THE #GOAT 

AL HIRSCHFELD 

#NINA 

1903 - 2003 

ABOUT 

Al Hirschfeld’s drawings stand as one of the most innovative efforts in establishing the visual language of modern art through caricature in the 20th century. A self described “characterist,” his signature work, defined by a linear calligraphic style, appeared in virtually every major publication of the last nine decades (including a 75 year relationship with The New York Times) as well as numerous book and record covers and 15 postage stamps.  Hirschfeld said his contribution was to take the character, created by the playwright and portrayed by the actor, and reinvent it for the reader. Playwright Terrence McNally wrote: "No one 'writes' more accurately of the performing arts than Al Hirschfeld. He accomplishes on a blank page with his pen and ink in a few strokes what many of us need a lifetime of words to say."  He is represented in many public collections, including the Metropolitan, the Whitney, the National Portrait Gallery, and Harvard’s Theater Collection. Hirschfeld authored several books including Manhattan Oases and Show Business is No Business in addition to 10 collections of his work. He was declared a Living Landmark by the New York City Landmarks Commission in 1996 and a Living Legend by the Library of Congress in 2000.  Just before his death in January 2003, he learned he was to be awarded the Medal of Arts from the National Endowment of the Arts and inducted into the Academy of Arts and Letters. The winner of two Tony Awards, he was be given the ultimate Broadway accolade on what would have been his 100th birthday in June 2003. The Martin Beck Theater was renamed the Al Hirschfeld Theater.

Cheers to the master! 

#NINANINANINANINANINANINA