Profile
Growing up, Harry Slaghekke was captivated by the powerful and dramatic illustrations used on model construction kits, and how they would transport him to another world of exciting times and places. American cinema and television was also in its hey day, and a provided an idealised visual and cultural influence. At art school, he had the good fortune to learn that same painterly illustration style from an old school illustrator who had worked in the 1950's. Inspired by mid 20th century illustration and film culture, and such artists as Norman Rockwell, Gil Elvgren and Haddon Sundblom, Harry focuses on nostalgic figurative illustration, capturing the same painterly approach that popularised the style in the 1940’s and 50’s. Capturing that nostalgia is about understanding the values and illustration styles of that time. It was a time when people seem to care more, and we trusted our community and leaders more. A pinup girl seemed more wholesome, a soldier more heroic.
Style/Techniques
Abstract, Airbrush, Animation, Black & White, Caricature, Cartoon, Colored Pencil, Conceptual, Engraving, Figurative, Gouache, Impressionistic, Lettering, Line, Line with Color, Mixed Media, Painterly, Pen & Ink, Pencil, Realism, Stylized, Technical, Watercolor, Woodcut, Decorative, Whimsical, Film/Entertainment, Monoprints, Vector
Subject/Specialties
Humor, Action, Adventure, Animals, Architecture, Botanical, Children's Books, Comic Book, Editorial, Education, Family, Fantasy, Fashion/Cosmetics, Historical, Holidays, Icons, Industrial, Mystery, Nature, Packaging, People, Political, Portrait, Product, Religious, Romance, Scientific, Sci-Fi, Sports, Technology, Transportation, Wildlife, Americana, Agriculture, Food/Beverage, Lifestyle, Vintage / Retro, Feminine, Masculine, Spiritual, Environmental, Logos