” Illustrious Illustrators “

The art of Illustration evolved during prehistoric times and was used by prehistoric man to convey his ‘ ideas ‘ by carving ( etching ) different forms in wall caves . Since the concept of Language was non-existent at the time for early man to relay his thought process , Illustration [ Art ] was the only mode of communication . The art of Illustration took form and basically surfaced during the 8th Century in Japan and China , as the invention of the early Printing Press [Books ] were hand Illustrated by creating ‘ woodcuts ‘ which would accompany the story being told .

Around the 15th Century Illustration became a more dominant factor within the Printing Press and books with Illustrations became available to the public. The processes which were used for Illustrated reproductions during the 16th and 17th Centuries were in the forms of ‘ etching ‘ and ‘ engraving ‘. Later on during the 18th Century , the form of Lithography ‘ surfaced onto the Printing Press scene and this method allowed for a higher quality of Illustrations to be reproduced and rendered . One of the most used forms of rendering Illustrations was the medium of ‘ Relief Etching ‘, and was used widely .

The art of Illustration which is basically a ‘ visualization ‘ of a painting , drawing , photograph or any other form of art which simply ‘stresses ‘ subject more than- form , is and has always been used to elucidate or decorate any textual content such as a : poem , a story or a newspaper [ magazine ] article , by providing it with a visual representation.

Todays Illustrators are revered and widely sought after by Advertising agencies , the Gaming Industry and Magazine companies . Their works are perceived as being the most important and pivotal aspect of the given finished product ( and rightfully so ). This article attempts to introduce and familiarize any of you who may not be familiar with this world ancient art form , to some of today’s New Master Illustrators and Star Illustrators of tomorrow . All of these artists are definitely in a league of their own and all are brilliant . Their works and profiles can be accessed by clicking on any of the images below .

Enjoy and have fun discovering :

The New Masters of Illustration !

Gerard DePardieu

Michael Clarke Duncan

President Barak Obama

Paris Hilton

Marilyn Manson

Arnold Schwarzenneger

Sigmund Freud

Charlie Chaplin

Albert Einstein

Alfred Hitchcock

Salvador Dali

Pablo Picasso