Setting a Standard in LDS Art : Four Illustrators of the Mid-Twentieth Century
BYU Studies
2005
44
no.2
2005
24-95
Barrett and Black seek to acquaint readers with four well-known American artists. These artists' works are often recognized by LDS Church members, but not many people are familiar with the artists themselves or how they came to have so many paintings commissioned by the LDS Church. These four artists are: Arnold Friberg, Harry Anderson, Tom Lovell, and Ken Riley. Many examples of these artists' works are shown throughout the article. All four artists had a background in illustration due to the high demand in the early 1900's for illustrators of popular magazines. With photography and other methods becoming more prevalent, this demand died out, and illustrators had to find a new niche. A few of these illustrators came to the attention of LDS leaders. Barrett and Black give a short biography for each artist, highlighting how each was shaped by mentors and experiences and showing how each came to paint the inspiring scenes Latter-day Saints are so familiar with. These four artists have set a very high standard in religious art and have inspired many with their passion and faith