Lenn Redman

Lenn Redman - One of the Most Prolific Caricaturist of the 20th Century The art of Caricature has been around since the late 1700s when the first known renderings were traced back to England. But no one left a mark on the genre better or more amply than America's own Lenn Redman. From the 1930s to the 1980s, Lenn fascinated audiences and entertained masses around the U.S. with his unique and creative impressions. By the time his career ended, Lenn created more than 100,000 caricatures as well as thousands of other pieces of art. No other caricaturist has come close to creating the quantity and or quality Lenn produced. He is truly a legend in the field. Lenn Redman began his long, fruitful career as a caricaturist at age 21 when he traveled to New York to draw images at the Artist Colony during the 1933 Century of Progress World's Fair. His work was popular and gained huge recognition. Lenn specialized in clever renditions of celebrities and public figures and he drew thousands of these images. But drawing everyday people was his passion. He loved to entertain and make people smile. Lenn was hugely popular as a live artist/performer. In front of captivated crowds, he would bring personalities to life by drawing grease penciled caricatures on clear acetate on a light machine and projecting the images onto a large screen for audiences to enjoy. He performed often at schools, nightclubs, and conventions across the country. He also performed on radio (yes, radio!) and TV on the, You Asked for It Show. Lenn's talent was truly one-of-a-kind. But he had a passion for sharing and teaching his craft. He went on to write a book, 'How to Draw Caricatures'. This popular publication influenced hundreds of thousands of aspiring artist and is still selling today. Lenn also taught at The Art Institute of Chicago and other schools throughout the United States. Lenn opened the Lenn Redman Commercial Art Studio in Chicago in the early 40s. His business thrived as he provided a wide variety of commercial art for major U.S. companies over the next 20 years. It's no surprise that Lenn's extraordinary skills also led him into the field of Animation. In the 1930s, Lenn traveled to Los Angeles where he and fellow animators worked on such legendary works as Fantasia for Walt Disney, Oswald Rabbit for Walt Lantz and Porky Pig for Leon Schlessinger. In the 60s and 70s, Lenn worked on various Hanna-Barbara and Filmation Associates Saturday Morning Cartoons. His credits include Aquaman, Superman, The Archie's, The Cosby Kids and many more. Lenn Redman passed away in 1987 at the age of 75. His talents, creativity and spot-on interpretations continue to entertain fans around the world. Lenn left behind an amazing and entertaining collection. And a part of American art history that everyone can enjoy. Lenn Redman 1912 (Chicago) - 1987 (Los Angeles) Also known as Leonard Redman, Len Redman. Caricaturist, Animator, Artist, Author, Poet, Illustrator, Entertainer, Civil Rights Advocate.