The large group of child portrait artists who participated in creating commercial art in the 60's and 70's is enormous. Getting to know the look, color and models of these portraits has helped me organize and recognize Medeiros and Kroger's work. Some are in paint and some more cartoonish, many were framed and were available at the local five and dimes. If I had stumbled upon a different print as a young child, one of these artists might have been my favorite instead of Medeiros.
My criteria for inclusion in this list was: 1) child/tween/pet models 2) artists producing in 1960-1970 3) art presented commercially in pairs.
I especially like noting the differences in international artists. After all, what American's found attractive was not what Swedish found most attractive.
The re-occurring themes I see are: a) boy and girl b) cat and dog c) harlequin clothes (Medeiros did not do) d) musical instruments e) hats f) down-turned mouths or closed lips g) BIG EYES
Alvaro
gypsy type children with round noses
Audrey
Pretty paint colors and dress up themes.
Bev
Very Holly Hobby - backgrounds are the impressionist pallette found in Medeiros but image is more cartoon.
I like this one because it's very similar to my beloved Boobsy Girl by Medeiros
Boing
Holding the pets - more dark and ominous.
Cydney
These are titled Summer Visitor and Little Playmates.
Very Keane like. There's a Medeiros with a finger in the mouth too.
Dengel
Diane Dengel. Now that is big eyed sad waif! She has a Raggedy-Ann !
Dickens or Docken
Very Dick and Jane don't ya think?
Eden
It was hard to choose just one Eden to display.
Eve
Eve and Lee's images are so similar its hard not to believe they are the same artist. These children groove!
Franca
There is a contemporary artist that does Indian / Native American art named Ozz Franca as well.
Franca always had the round noses on her art. They are lovely and not always sad.
Goji
Not at all like the juice, but alot like like Maio and Eden in harlequin themed clothes
Gor
So similar to the Lisa ones. Naughty boy themes.
Gig
I'll mention Gig even though it's not child portraits - this list would not be complete without the mention of the Littlest Pet Shop predecessor.
Gallarda
Gallarda was from Spain and is more cartoon than painting. His works were sold commercially in greeting cards across Europe. He has many great images. See sillyshopping on flickr for the definitive catalog.
Golding
Signed G. Golding. Did you know there was a Californian politician named Susan G Golding best-known as the former two-term mayor of San Diego and also acted as CEO of the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation there?
Huldah
Jeffe Huldah or 'Suldah'
Ingwersen
J Ingwersen would probably not appreciate being on this page at all.
These two paintings were in the hallways of my friends house when I was growing up - they have a peaceful affect on me - but it may be because it was such a quiet little christian home.
Also Medeiros has a chair pair
Jaklien
Again very Holly Hobby cartoon - but adorable.
Jones
Leighton Jones - visit his website http://www.leighton-jones.com
Lolylle
Thanks to Flickr Big Eye Vintage Retro photo pool
Kwatz
Again Kwatz, Eve and Lee's images are so similar its hard not to believe they are the same artist. These children groove! The Kwatz eyes go up. What other differences do you see?
Kelly
Elizabeth Kelly - the title of this work is Wistful Boy and Girl
Lee
I hesitated before showing this "moving away" backside image as most of Lee's are the grooving kids - or look like the Osmonds. The moving away backside artist are another whole gammit - please don't get me started.
Kwatz, Eve and Lee's images are so similar - point out the differences to me at [email protected]
Lisa
Naughty boy type cartoon prints. Love the purple painted frames here.
Maio
Harlequin clothes and similar colors. I added some extra as she is so wonderful.
Monte
Titled Storytime and Sewing Hour - very Woolworth's!
Mikke
Very Keane like isn't it. Don't get it confused with Nikki
Is it Mikke or Miki - I see it both ways.
Did they make it confusing on purpose - they don't want us to know.
Nikke
Note the Harlequin - the Lute - also very popular.
G Nivert
Not really a child - but I had to list it - she look's a bit evil with the mask no? Dear heart, the mask and the bonnet do not go!
Sherle
One of my favs
Soulet
It's worth the effort when I am able to match a pair.