John Clapp
Illustration
(12 k), large version (108k)
Seen in Society of Illustrators Annual #39
Jacket art for "Past Forgiving" by Gloria D. Miklowitz
Client: Simon and
Schuster
Art Director: Lucille Chomowicz
Designer: Paul Zakris
Watercolor on paper
Problem:
Originally this was
completed as a solution for another novel
"Perfume": the story of a gentleman 19th
century French serial killer who would kill young women
for their "scent". It was later chosen from my
portfolio to be the jacket for a Young Adult problem
novel about date rape. (?!?!?!? I see the connection but
still,...)
Solution:
I was thinking
about the story and how he chose his victims when this
traditional gentlmenly greeting came to mind. I realized
it could be the instant he smells his victim for the
first time and makes his decision.
This painting has had an amazing life of it's own and is one of the most popular pieces in my portfolio. Years later, it continues to elicit responses, from women in particular. (?!?)
Most amusing to me is that the model is a genuinely pious friend of mine, and truly one of the nicest guys you're ever likely to meet. I don't know what happened to him here.
The painting is also one of the most harried I've ever done. I had to do it overnight,...the drawing was done on top of a washing machine at the laundromat, and the total painting was done in about four hours. Looking back, I still can't believe that.