David Weidman, the most famous unknown artist?

In the Home section of the Los Angeles Times on Saturday, David A. Keeps profiles David Weidman, the L.A. man behind classic silk-screen artwork such as "Happy Dog," above, and "Cathedral," right. Though Weidman's artistic output peaked in the late 1960s and '70s, only recently has he been discovered by generations of admirers. Writes Keeps:

Now, at age 89, David Weidman is experiencing more than a renaissance. It's his heyday, thanks to a devoted following of collectors, admirers and entrepreneurs bringing his work to a wider audience. Youth-oriented retailer Urban Outfitters is introducing the artist to a new generation through Weidman pillows and wall art. Gingko Press is in its third printing of "The Whimsical Works of David Weidman and Also Some Serious Ones," a 2009 career retrospective of a man whose name may have little resonance but whose groovy style is instantly recognizable among many children of the 1960s and '70s. 

"He's the best almost-undiscovered designer in Los Angeles," says Michael Giaimo, 56, a Disney animation art director who reveres Weidman as a master. "The sunny, optimistic tone of his work is quintessentially Southern Californian."

Look for our extended photo gallery from our visit to Weidman's L.A. home. We'll post it next week. In the meantime, click to the jump to see more of Weidman's classic artwork ...

Above: "Monkey Business."

Above: "Free Flight, Part II"

Above: "Flowers."

Above: One of the new Urban Outfitters pillows with a classic David Weidman silk-screen design.

Above: One of the David Weidman prints being sold through Urban Outfitters.

Photo credits: Original David Weidman silk-screen artwork photographed by Adam Wallacavage. Urban Outfitters product photos by Urban Outfitters. 

Comments

[la girl]

very nice work. thanks for introducing him to a younger generation.

[bellchat]

I remember his work from Fractured Fairy Tales on The Bullwinkle Show! What a wonderful surprise to see Mr. Weidman's work again. Best Wishes

[Design Fixation]

I love the overlapping quality of these prints... just gorgeous! "Flowers" is my favorite, I like the combination of turquoise and avocado green.

[Monica Pieratt]

I saw his work at the Freemont Gallery in Pasadena. I was so impressed with the colors, quality and imagination.

Outstanding work!!!

[In LA]

My partner and I saw his work a few years ago at the Fairfax flea market. We were attracted to those images right away. As a result, we purchased a few pieces from the guy who said he was David Weidman's grandson at his little stall full of these modern-looking whimsical prints. Those prints since then found a home in our LA house matching them well with the house's mid-century modern style.