Page 16 - 2021 March Sealed Bid Catalogue

Lot 6—GERARD CURTIS DELANO—The Long Shot
In The Long Shot, Gerard Curtis Delano showcases his ability to apply his skills as an accomplished magazine illustrator to become an important voice in the world of western fine art. Today, his timeless appeal and undeniable impact endure well after his twentieth century artistic career.
Paul Rossi elaborates on the artist’s success: “Most artists take up the illustrator’s pen not by choice, but out
of necessity. Delano’s long and successful period as an illustrator helped shape his easel painting through the skills
he mastered as a designer. His cover art, painted for Western Story magazine, was in accord with the genre: bold, simple, eye-catching. He was able to transfer these qualities to easel painting more successfully than many of his fellow illustrators. “11
With the intentional simplicity of The Long Shot and its uncluttered composition, Delano combines narrative and artistic intention to convey a myriad of messages. Sparing distraction, the artist allows the viewer to connect with the themes of essence; silence and solitude, anticipation, and focus, cooperation and friendship. The drama of the moment is set in a seemingly limitless landscape. The artist specifically credits his time studying at the esteemed Art Students League with developing his skills in effectively creating the illusion of distance. (p108).
As with many of Delano’s compositions, The Long Shot draws the viewer into the scene at hand. A rear-three- quarter view of the subject engages the viewer into the action less as an observer, but more as a member of the hunting party. This “over the shoulder” perspective of two hunting companions may compare to many of his sporting illustration contemporaries, but a direct similarity can be easily drawn to the illustrative work of Phillip R. Goodwin. Another western artist born in the east, Goodwin also studied at the Art Students League in New York. The interwoven cast of characters between the instructors and influences of these two important artists is reminiscent of similar situations involving Howard Pyle, N.C. Wyeth, and Charlie Russell.