Pruett Carter was an American illustrator active in the first half of the 20th Century.
Carter was noted primarily for his work in women’s magazines, an area of publishing that was particularly fertile ground for illustrators at the time, but also a rapidly changing filed, in which the demands from art directors moved rapidly from one style to another.
Carter, who initially shared an impressionistic approach with his teacher Walter Biggs, was able to move smoothly into new styles as the century progressed. His negotiation of the changing currents of illustration fashion were no doubt helped by his experience within the industry, having been an art director for Good Housekeeping and Atlanta Journal for a number of years.
He also successfully transitioned from painting in oil to painting in gouache, the fast drying nature of which became an advantage in the production of illustrations on a tight deadline.
His other clients included Ladies Home Journal, Woman’s Home Companion, and McCall’s. Carter was also an influential teacher, He taught illustration in New York at the Grand Central School of Art and in Los Angeles at the Chouinard Art Institute.
Carter’s romance themed illustrations always had an element of dramatic tension, a moment waiting to happen, that made them seem as likely to be illustrating a crime story as a romance.
It’s hard to love these very commercial works but there is a great quality in them… I like how men and women are placed to interact. The artists had to put some seduction but not too much, it’s very peculiar.
Thanks for the comment, Li-An. I think it’s interesting to look at his later ones in particular in terms of the design aspect of the composition, how the shapes and negative space are handled.
Sadly he was one of the few who had a dramatic ending to his career. Based on the Masters section of my Step-by-Step graphics magazine, he shot his wife and son then turned the gun on himself.
Shocking stuff.
Who knows…maybe his genius had it’s downside. When the writing is on the wall…and you can no longer adapt to keep up with the times. :\
=s=
Thanks, Shane. I came across brief mention of his death, but didn’t know the details. One can only assume that there were deep emotional or mental health issues beyond the state of his career.
I love the deftness of the brushwork which would be unattainable without a thorough understanding of his subject matter.
I don’t care if it’s commercial, it’s still a great job.
I grew up in the house he built in Studio City. My parents purchased the home from the O’Keefe’s, they were the only owner after the Carters. We lived there from 1969-1983. I have some of his works on canvas and many interesting stories, however I do not know who to contact to publish (of sorts) this information. Found this website via google. Should anyone have more info/resources feel free to contact me at above home email address. HD
Honora, I was happy to read your post. Pruett Carter was married to my aunt. My grandmother traveled from Georgia USA to CA to ID the bodies. I saw pictures of their house as a child but never was there.
Very Interesting to me.