Anders Zorn

For an artist the internet can be a great source for inspiration. In the past few years I've spent countless hours learning what's out there in contemporary representational art. And I've also looked more at the painters of the past (it's been quite a while since my last art history class). I've always had a great admiration for John Singer Sargent and a couple of years ago discovered a very gifted contemporary of his, Swedish artist, Anders Zorn (1860-1920). A great painter known mainly for his portraits, he was also a prolific etcher.

In my career as a graphic designer I've had the opportunity to work on many different publications, so when the Swedish-American Historical Society asked me to do the design for a new book they were publishing, I accepted without hesitation. But when I learned that the subject was Anders Zorn, I was elated.

Zorn in America, A Swedish Impressionist of the Gilded Age, by William and Willow Hagans tells the behind the scenes details and stories of the many paintings and etchings Zorn produced during his trips to the United States. It is 406 pages, with more than 140 illustrations and photos.

You can find more information at the Hagans' website Zorn in America, and the book can be purchased from the Swedish-American Historical Society.