Reynold Brown

Early Poster Work

High School poster work, first CARE poster.

Elements of Reynold Brown's artistic style may be seen to have been developing while he was in high school. The figure work is already well proportioned, the designs are at this stage simple but well conceived. The high school samples presented here are small, about 4 x 5 inches.

Click the images for larger view. Reynold Brown did a number of poster designs while in Alhambra High School, Alhambra, California (1932-35). His art teacher was Lester M Bonar, a capable artist who had served in World War I. Bonar taught his students to draw and paint, emphasizing skills important for the field of illustration, then at its peak in the United States. Lettering and various printing methods were also taught. Bonar's class produced a number of fine artists and art professionals. Brown remained a close friend of Bonar until Bonar died in the 70s.

The first three designs announce the school annual. The fourth, with a different style, announces a school produced play. These are small sketches or studies which demonstrate strong graphic design elements.

These three designs begin to demonstrate a professional look. The first sketch promotes the school logo, the minutemen. The second almost seems to be political in nature showing refugees against a red sky which on closer inspection contains soldiers. The third item uses historical figures to promote a rail line.

National Guard


C.A.R.E.

Besides his "Killing Time" poster done while at North American Aviation Brown did a number of posters for the government including one of their CARE posters and a National Guard Poster.

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