Andrew Wyeth: Autobiography

by Andrew Wyeth and Thomas Hoving

Book Overview

A comprehensive edition of the artist's work reproduces 138 paintings, including Wyeth's most recognized works, along with his comments about each one and reflections on his life.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0821221590
• ISBN13: 9780821221594
• Release Date: September 1995
• Publisher: Bulfinch Press
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 2.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 11.4" x 10.4"

Customer Reviews

Enjoyable read

I didn't know a lot about Andrew Wyeths work before reading this book. I had seen the paintings and I liked them a lot, but I didn't know that much about them. The book is labeled as an autobiography, but its form is not what many might expect. This is not a book consisting of prose with the occasional picture, it is a book that mainly shows Wyeths paintings with a paragraph or two about the paintings below. Written by Wyeth. For some this may not be what they are looking for, but I liked this very much. It is a very good introduction to Wyeth's paintings and the subject matter he painted. The people, the places and their history. There isn't a lot of information about Wyeth himself in the book. At least not in the sense one would expect from a traditional biopgraphy. But after reading it I feel I know a lot more about both Wyeth and his paintings than a typical art-history or biographical text would give me. I'd be happy to recommend this book.

one of the best

My teacher introduced me to Andrew Wyeth's paintings and drawings about a year or two ago. I've been in love with his work ever since. It's just how beautiful his linework is and how he brings life to the paintings. That is so incredibly rare. There are plenty of portrait artists out there, but I can't think of one that impresses me as much as he does. I think this is because of how well he knew his subjects. He said drawing with pencil helped him get to the core of a thing. If you've ever drawn or painted people and animals from life, as he did, it increases the appreciation for his work one hundred fold. I also think that this is why his paintings and sketches are so full of life - you just don't get that from a photo, there is NO comparison. His landscapes blow me away every time, and I'm not really a fan of landscape paintings. Something about the solitude of it all just takes me in. My favourite is Night Sleeper, which is on the cover. His palette is just beautiful, i don't really think it's muted or drab - the closer you look, the more colours you see. How he played colours in juxtaposition, so that they glow, is another part that gives his work such intensity and life. The comments beside all the work are, as people have mentioned, very good. The entire book is one of those slow joy books. It's just nice to sit with it and turn the pages slowly and take in every thing.

American Legend

I especially appreciate the format of ANDREW WYETH. Examples of Wyeth's work are arranged chronologically throughout the book accompanied by comments in a conversational style by the artist about each individual painting. Much of the commentary is about those special places which the artist loves in both Pennsylvania and Maine as well as about his friends, neighbors and members of the Wyeth clan. The separate chronologies of Wyeth's personal life and his exhibitions are extremely helpful. I recommend this book to admirers of the artist and also to those who are just becoming acquainted with Wyeth. He is truly an American legend.

A biography in pictures

This is a book that will give any Wyeth fan pleasure. When I finally got a copy, it was wish fullfillment. To see 138 of the artist's works with his own comments is a great pleasure. And some of the comments are quite provocative! The prints are top quality and follow the artist's career chronologically. The book also includes a personal chronology of Andrew Wyeth's life, as well as exibitions and a bibliography for those who want to know more. Definitely a keeper!

IDEAL for the Wyeth fan... the perfect Andrew Wyeth book!

I got this book from my old boyfriend for Christmas one year. We used to sit in Borders every day after school and drool over the beautifully drab New England paintings this Wyeth boy created. Thus started my fascination with Andy, now my favorite artist. This book is not only chock-full of his paintings; it includes a paragraph or two for each painting from the artist himself, letting you peep into Wyeth's mind and understand every aspect of his paintings -- and his life. In it Wyeth explains the Helga and Christina (from "Christina's World") series, as well as some of his personal and childhood experiences. An all-around great book, and if you want to learn more about him be sure to check out Andrew Wyeth: A Secret Life by Richard Meryman as well.