George Herriman Fan Sketch
on October 8, 2011
Herriman Krazy Kat sketch (click to enlarge)
Here’s a rarely seen sketch from a private collection made by Krazy Kat creator, George Herriman for a fan. It was pulled from a small sketchbook which held sketches by many other luminary cartoonists, mostly dated from 1929. It’s interesting to see that Herriman is able to keep the kinetic energy of his initial pencil drawings in his final ink work.
Pretty interesting. Dated and signed, too. I bet that’s worth a pretty penny!
This piece will probably sell for around $2000 (US). It’s the first drawing I’ve ever seen by Herriman in pencil.
I agree, and it’s not like he could edit them in a computer like I often do to my comics. Herriman was a great, creative and talented cartoonist who new how to think out site the box and was not afraid of being different.
His work was unique and so different when you compare it to other comic strip artists. I think he had a lot of courage to draw so freely.
It’s sad that his work wasn’t as appreciated in his lifetime. Hearst had to fight his editors tooth and nail to keep the strip. When Krazy was running in just one paper, towards the end of Herrimans’ life, Hearst refused to allow the editor for that newspaper to drop it. At least Herriman had an amazing life-long contract where he could do what he wanted with the strip… and Hearst honored it.
Hearst was more astute than others, today Herriman is considered brilliant and somewhat of a genius. Would be nice to have a patron like that now, wouldn’t it?
I thought I hadn’t heard of him but looking at the drawing the cat & mouse look somewhat familiar.
If you haven’t heard of Krazy Kat, you really should look into it. It’s outrageous, almost surreal stuff. And George Herriman has such a crazy line, too! I wish I could let loose like that!
I think it can be truly said that Krazy Kat is a unique experience. Herrimans’ comic work can often be considered art, in the best sense of the word. I’ve often found his work to be inspiring.
I will have to wholeheartedly agree with you, Jerry. It goes beyond comics AND art.