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Walter Hunt Everett (1880-1946)

Every once in a while you come across an artist you have never heard of whose paintings make your heart beat a little faster.  Recently I came across the work of Walter Hunt Everett, an artist from the Golden Age of illustration.

Everett lived for painting.  He showed great promise as a young artist and rode his bike thirty miles to study under Howard Pyle.  By his early twenties he had a  busy career working for publications such as The Saturday Evening Post, Scribner’s Monthly, Women’s Home Companion, McCall’s, Collier’s, Ladies Home Journal, and illustrated numerous books. He was a standout among illustrators through the 1920s and early 1930s. 

Pan

Detail from Pan

Although brilliant, Everett was difficult to work with.  His art was everything and his drive for perfectionism caused him to neglect responsibilities.  He missed deadlines, skipped paying bills, and eventually lost his wife and son because of his temperament.  Unfortunately for us his temper got the best of him.  One day in a fit, he burned many of his paintings so there is little of his original work to be seen. 

Eventually he left illustration to pursue his own interests.  Here he found time to create work for his personal joy.

A painting post illustration career.

Everett’s work stands out even among the giants of the golden age of illustrators.  His combination of beautifully drawn figures played against flat colorful shapes creates strong design. And the color - oh the color - his palette changes but the color always sings.  Even though his work has aspects of the era he lived in it feels contemporary.

Sketch for Washer Woman

Washer Woman

Enjoy Everett’s work and see if your heart beats a little bit faster.

For more information about William Hunt Everett you can check out these blogs.  Thank you to the authors who generously shared this information.

David Apatoff’s Blog: Illustration Art http://illustrationart.blogspot.com/2008/07/walter-everett-1880-1946.html is a wonderful blog on Everett’s work.  Make sure to read the comments section where Everett’s family members share insight into his life.

Armand Cabrera’s blog: Art and Influence http://www.artandinfluence.com/2012/01/walter-hunt-everett.html

Greg Newbold’s blog: Life Needs Art http://gregnewbold.blogspot.com/2011/11/more-walter-everett.html 

Young Everett in his studio