Sanford Schwartz (1) (1946–)

Covering thirty years of the artist's work, in addition to numerous illustrations the book contains three essays: Cinemascope Vision by Sanford Schwartz; As Far as the Eye Can See by Robert Store; and Turning the Head in Empirical Space by the artist himself. The book also contains a chronology, selected biography, and an index.

There are illustrations throughout, one hundred colour plates and fifteen black and white images, most of the plates are full page or as near as possible in size, some cross the gutter fro doube page spreads, and they include a few close-up details - something essential in such a study where most of the originals pieces are of considerable size. The landscape format of the book is an obvious choice for an artist who paints almost exclusively very wide pictures.

The first two essays are informative and cover Rackstraw Downes' background and training, his contacts and influences, his work in the context of notable contemporary artists, and discuss his work if in somewhat reverential terms. The essay by Downes himself is very interesting as he considers his work in the present context and in relation to Renaissance and post-Renaissance art, and with illuminating perceptions on perspective drawing.

A beautiful well produced book, it has certainly changed my perception of the artist and added much to my understanding.… (altro)