THE APPRENTICESHIP OF ANDREW WYETH

An exacting account of how American painter Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009) embraced his own unique style.

Born into an artistic family headed by the successful children’s illustrator N.C. Wyeth, “frail” Andy went on to become part of “a new generation of artists.” The lengthy narrative contains ample detail about Andy’s creative early life and formal art education before diplomatically delving into the friction between father and son. While the elder Wyeth savored the fantastical, his son found that “the most exciting characters, places, and stories to paint were the ones he lived with every day.” With eloquent quotes from Andy and his inner circle, Barretta has crafted a sensitive and nuanced portrait of a complicated parent/child relationship. His holistic view provides a wealth of information about Andy’s burgeoning career, the tragic death of his father, and the wife and friends who steadfastly supported him, including the subject of Christina’s World, one of five Wyeth works reproduced within the book. Barretta’s watercolor and colored pencil images are pleasant; one standout spread beautifully summarizes Andy’s life and career with sketches from many different Wyeth paintings. The author/illustrator’s admiration for Andy shines in the backmatter, which includes a bibliography, information on the Wyeth family, a glossary of art techniques, and additional fun facts. Most people have pale skin.

A sincere and focused biography that will leave readers determined to paint—and live—their own way.