UK illustrator Matthew Cook often works in an area of illustration known as reportage, essentially called on to observe and report on scenes in which news or events of interest to the publication for which he is working are happening.
This is something of a throwback to the days prior to the widespread use of photography in publications, in which illustrators were the eyes of the reading public for events like the Civil War, in addition the more familiar interpretive use of illustrations for stories.
Among Cook’s subjects have been the war in Afghanistan and a project in which he recorded daily activities in the advertising agency, Mother London.
These days, reportage illustrators must bring something to the article beyond mere recording of a scene, and Cook’s crisp colorful watercolors distill the essence of a scene more clearly than a more literal photograph could.
His clients include Royal Mail, Sanyo Corporation, Ogilvy Mather, Penguin Publishing, National Geographic, Knight Ridder and Times Newspapers, among others.
Cook’s online portfolio is divided into subjects like Travel, War, Industry, Maps and Sketch book. He also maintains a site specifically for his war reportage art. Additional illustration portfolios and articles are listed below.
www.matthewcookwarartist.com
Portfolio on The Artworks
Portfolio on SAA Illustration Hub
Portfolio on Altpick
Video interview on An illustrator's blog
Making Great Illustration
Renowned War Artist Illustrates Life in an Ad Agency, psfk
Matthew Cook: Illustrations in a Time of War, Lost At E Minor
Nice illustration…reminds me of a modern day Norman Rockwell.
You just have to love this work !
The clean use of pencil and watercolour is refreshingly different in this digital age. Great skill -fabulous !
When I asked myself the same question I got the answer from wiki.answers.com
What is the importance of sketching?
Answer: Sketching is the fundamental building block of a talented artist.
It hones your observational skills; helps you to keep your style current, by allowing you to continue developing; and gives you a source of images that can eventually end up in your finished work.
When laying out a new “finished work,” sketching allows you to get your placement, balance, perspective and general movement blocked in before you commit to the full drawing.
Mon Dieu, is he (MC) talented!
Thank you so much for the kind words!
It keeps me going.
I LOVE Matthew Cook’s work since I first saw his illustrations in The British Season published in association with Royal Mail in the 90s sometime. What other publications are there featuring his work and where can I obtain them? Has Mr Cook written any sort of instructional book? How can I get in touch with him, really just to express my admiration of his work.
Chris Green
David, I have 2 Landmarks drawings. One of London and one of York. I love them both. But, I would love to have drawings of other cities in Europe I have visited, Rome, Italy, Paris, Ireland, Edinburg etc. Do you think you would ever do drawings of these cities and countries? I would love to have a collection of the cities and countries we have visited. I hope you could consider doing these.
Thank You
I’ve had a drawing in my closet for years that a friend gave me. I never realized how unique and detailed it was til today when I brought it out. It’s a drawing from London by Mathew Cook. It’s absolutely wonderful. I will definitely hang it now. I look forward to seeing more of his great art work. We learn something every day..