The Scott catalogue numbers are 3092 for the souvenir sheet and individual stamps are
- 3093 Kunz
- 3094 Drawson
- 3095 Hill
- 3096 Davies
- 3097 DuBois
Numbers subject to change.
From Details magazine:
GREAT CANADIAN ILLUSTRATORS
Issue date: April 5, 2018
Highlighting the work of five talented Canadians whose work can be found on book covers, posters, magazine, newspapers and even stamps, this issue features five of Canada’s most successful and prolific illustrators.
A proud native of Belleville, Ontario, Will Davies (1924-2016) is a legend of Canadian commercial art, with fashion layouts, story illustrations and advertising campaigns for clients as Simpson’s, Chatelaine, Reader’s Digest, Homemakers, Star Weekly, Woman’s Weekly (U.K.), and many other publications – as well as nine Canadian stamps. His stamp features one of his untitled Harlequin book covers.
Blair Drawson (Stage Fright, circa 1990) has worked as an editorial illustrator for many of North America’s most notable magazines – among them, Time, The New Yorker, Esquire, Rolling Stone and The New York Times Magazine .
France-born Gérard DuBois (It’s Not a Stream of Consciousness, 2015) chose Montréal as a place to launch his freelance career. His work has appeared in many major magazines in North America and Europe – and the 2015 Canadian Christmas stamp trio.
James Hill (1930-2004) of Hamilton had a major influence on his field. The image on this stamp is from a 1966 Redbook feature on hair fashion. Named Artist of the Year by the Guild of American Artists in 1966, he earned two gold medals from the New York-based Society of Illustrators.
Anita Kunz is one of the most iconic illustrators of our time. Her work has been published and exhibited internationally and she regularly provides cover art for The New Yorker and other influential publications. She has also illustrated more than 50 book covers. Best Friends (circa 2012) is from a series of personal work.
“The strength of the Canadian illustrators issue lies in the narrative quality of the imagery, the mastery of colour and composition, and the sense of imagination, humour, style and emotion.”
— Lara Minja, stamp designer
Updated April 6th:
[press release]
Eye-catching new stamps showcase work of five great Canadian illustrators
Issue pays homage to outstanding artists of past half century
TORONTO, April 5, 2018 /CNW/ – Canada Post pays tribute to five talented Canadians whose illustrations have appeared in books, magazines, advertisements, and galleries – and on postage stamps – over the past 50 years in this special issue featuring some of their favourite works.
Canada’s rich history in the field of commercial art and illustration is celebrated through the diversity of techniques, topics, and treatments showcased in this colourful set, which honours Will Davies, Blair Drawson, Gérard DuBois, James Hilland Anita Kunz.
Will Davies (1924-2016) was a legend in the world of Canadian commercial art. His work combined a passion for beauty and the human form with uncanny technical skill. His ability and love of his craft are captured in this glamorous lifestyle portrait from one of the many romance novels he illustrated.
Blair Drawson was an illustrator for many of North America’s most notable magazines before he decided to focus on writing and illustrating books – including nearly a dozen of his own – as well as painting and teaching courses in his craft.
Gérard DuBois has not looked back since relocating from France to Montréal to become a freelance illustrator. His expanding body of work ranges from book and magazine illustrations to commercial projects and exhibitions of his paintings.
James Hill (1930-2004) was one of the most sought-after illustrators in North America from the 1950s to 1970s. A prolific artist who appeared in major publications, galleries, and ad campaigns, he focused the last 25 years of his life on fine arts, wilderness landscapes and portraits.
Anita Kunz is one of the most iconic illustrators of our time, known for her bold and irreverent illustrations and provocative portraits of famous figures. Internationally acclaimed, she is a popular speaker and has been published and exhibited in many countries.
The stamps, launched today at OCAD University – where several of these illustrators trained or taught – complements past issues that feature the work of great Canadian photographers and painters. They are available for purchase on canadapost.ca and at postal outlets across Canada.
