An Original Ink and Watercolour Painting for Christmas 1993
And Santa managed easily to be back in time for tea.
An original watercolour on paper. Approx. 39 x 30cm. Signed in the lower left hand corner. Reproduced as the frontispiece to the deluxe edition of "Christmas 1993 or Santa's Last Ride". This piece is not only a charming festive image, but an excellent example of Le Cain's distinctive style. The back drop has a sinuous Art Nouveau feel, deep blue skies are reminiscent of Edmund Dulac's early illustration and Le Cain's own wonderful use of colour is seen to its best advantage.
Errol John Le Cain was born and brought up in the Far East, spending his childhood in Singapore and India. Images from this time in his life permeate his illustrations, which are frequently highly decorative, and vibrant with luminous colour. Le Cain started his career as a book illustrator in 1968, with his first picture book King Arthur's Sword, one of only a handful which he both wrote and illustrated. It appears that he was most content illustrating books written by others, or giving his own interpretation of classic fairy tales, such as Cinderella (1971), Thorn Rose (1975), and Beauty and the Beast (1979). He once wrote "The first task of an illustrator is to be in full sympathy with the writer. No matter how splendid and exciting the drawings may be, if they work against the story the picture book is a failure". Le Cain's illustrations to Christmas 1993 very successfully portray the wit and cynicism of the tale, in which Father Christmas has a very bad night. "This sparkling poem tells how wars, bureaucracy and politics make life more and more difficult for Santa Claus... Leslie Bricusse's witty verses are perfectly matched with Errol Le Cain's delectable illustrations to make a sumptuous picture book" (Blurb)
After twice being runner up for the Kate Greenaway Medal, he finally won with Hiawatha's Childhood in 1985.
Stock ID: 30848
Sold
We have sold this item, but similar items
may become available in the future
