FINAL 3 ARTISTS // the illuminated letter

“An illumination is an embellishment, or additional decoration that enhances the pages of a written, or manuscript page. The decorated pages made it easy for missionaries to find the beginning of a particular section.” Often, these illuminated letters were adorned with gold leaf and painstakingly hand painted. Evidence of the art of illumination exists from as far back as 400 AD and stretches to the 16th century with the art’s height peaking in the Middle Ages. The majority of surviving texts are religious in nature and include such works as the Aberdeen Bestiary (12th century English), Book of Hours (1400s French), Li Livres dou Santé (13th century French) The Book of Dimma (8th Century Ireland), The Book of Kells (ca. 800 Celtic) and in countless Bibles.


ALAN FLETCHER  ǀ  eyecatching
Alan Gerard Fletcher (27 September 1931 – 21 September 2006) was a British graphic designer. In his obituary, he was described by The Daily Telegraph as "the most highly regarded graphic designer of his generation, and probably one of the most prolific".


I chose Alan Fletcher because of the unique creations that he has made. He combines mediums and compositions into his own, and they become different enough to be separated from other similar artists.

ROBERT DE NIRO SR.  ǀ  dramatic
Robert Henry De Niro, Sr. (January 17, 1922 – May 3, 1993) was an American abstract expressionist painter and the father of actor Robert De Niro.


I came across Robert de Niro Sr. mostly because I recognized the name.  I immediately grew fond of the paintings and drawings that I found.  His style is to almost "outline" his subjects, which gives off an extremely dramatic vibe.

BRADBURY THOMPSON  ǀ  whimsical
Bradbury Thompson (1911–1995) was an influential American graphic designer and art director of the twentieth century.


I recently did a research project on Bradbury Thompson for another class, and really recognized the talent that he had.  He was a lifelong artist and really affected everywhere he was during his lifetime.  He mastered the use of primary colors and brought movement to a flat surface.