Illustrator C.F. Payne at Library
by Tom Keener
TIME magazine commissioned illustrator C.F. Payne to create its cover for the special edition of President Obama’s inauguration in January 2009. His work has adorned Rolling Stone, Texas Monthly, and The Atlantic Monthly. He has also illustrated ten children books, including The Remarkable Farkle McBride and Micawber, written by John Lithgow.
C.F. Payne will appear at the Allen Public Library at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 300 N. Allen Dr. Sponsored by Bach to Books and Storyopolis Entertainment, this event is free. Storyopolis will offer books for sale that can be signed by the artist after the event.
In grade school, C.F. Payne knew that becoming an illustrator or a baseball player would be his career. When he decided that his curve ball was not impressive, Payne elected to attend Miami University in Ohio and obtain a bachelor of fine art. In the 1970s, abstract art was extremely popular, and admitting admiration for Norman Rockwell was considered foolish. However, C.F. Payne persevered, and like Rockwell, his art captures the mood, feelings, detail and aura of his diverse subjects.
When asked about the importance of illustrators to the art world. Payne notes, “Gallery artists often admire illustrators. For example, Van Gogh admired Howard Pyle.” He continues, “The small difference between illustrators and fine arts is only in the mind of the illustrator. In earlier times, when the most people were illiterate, they served as storytellers and their services were invaluable. Today, it is important to recognize and appreciate what artists do; they create something new from blank paper.”
Even though he did not realize his dream of becoming a baseball player, Payne has illustrated numerous articles for sports magazines such as Sports Illustrated and books on baseball, including the Curse of the Bambino by Dan Shaughnessy.
When Payne is not illustrating, he is also the current chair of illustration at Columbus College of Art and Design, as well as a visiting instructor at the Illustration Academy. Payne encourages his students to develop their visual language.
He lives in Cincinnati with his wife Paula and their sons Trevor and Evan.
Call Tom Keener at 214-509-4911 for more information.
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