Wyeth

Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009) was one of the most beloved American artists of the last half of the 20th century. Paradoxically, Wyeth’s popularity often led to his being underestimated or dismissed by art critics. On the 100th anniversary of his birth, this PBS-aired American Masters documentary, directed by Glenn Holsten, takes a new, appreciative look at Wyeth's long career. Andrew was home schooled in the studio of his father, artist and illustrator N.C. Wyeth. Summers were spent on the coast of Maine, while the rest of the year was centered around the Wyeths home in Chadds Ford, PA. Andrew's gift for painting was discovered when he was young, and by his early 20s his work was selling well, and he attracted serious attention in the art world. His father encouraged his children to retain the wonder of childhood, and Andrew displayed an almost painful sensitivity, returning to the same landscapes as the inspiration for his painting. His father's premature, traumatic death in a car-train wreck propelled Andrew into independence and achieving his artistic vision, while his wife Betsy handled his business affairs. The documentary describes the creation of Wyeth’s masterpiece Christina's World, and his friendship with neighbor Karl Kuerner, the subject of many of his paintings. Wyeth’s techniques, particularly his use of tempera in his brush strokes, was well suited to his dark, barren landscapes. Other topics include his depiction of African American neighbors, his hidden trove of "Helga" paintings, and his themes of timelessness and yearning. Featuring excerpts from Wyeth home movies, as well as interviews with model Helga Testorf, artist son Jamie, and friends, this is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)