Walter T. Foster Art Instruction Booklets. Sale Includes 10 Issues As Follows:
"A superb mid-century collection of original Walter T. Foster art instruction booklets, published in California circa 1950, representing one of the most influential and widely used series of practical art guides of the 20th century. Produced in an accessible, studio-friendly format, these richly illustrated booklets were designed to teach core drawing and painting techniques across a wide range of subjects, from figure studies and portraiture to animals, landscapes, and marine scenes. Titles in this lot include The Nude, 101 Heads, Birds, Seapower, Dogs, Trees, Faults In Oil Painting, Animals, Oil Painting 2, and Children, offering a comprehensive cross-section of the Foster catalogue at its post-war peak.
Each booklet is beautifully illustrated with step-by-step examples, working sketches, and finished compositions by noted commercial and fine artists of the period, reflecting the strong graphic style and instructional clarity that made Foster publications so enduring. The iconic covers—bold, colourful, and immediately recognisable—capture the spirit of mid-century design, while the interior content provides genuine artistic value, equally appealing to practicing artists, designers, and collectors of vintage art ephemera. These were working manuals, often heavily used, and complete multi-title groupings such as this are increasingly difficult to source.
This sale includes all 10 original issues as shown, forming a cohesive and visually striking set ideal for studio reference, display, or collecting. Condition is consistent with age and use, with visible wear, handling marks, and general patina typical of mid-century instructional booklets, yet remaining entirely usable and highly presentable as a group. A desirable and nostalgic collection that speaks to both the history of art education and the golden age of illustrated instruction."
General wear with some chipping etc to covers and spines. Binding is decent with no loose pages. Pages clean and well presented. Nice copies in good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
