Mike Ludlow , Ballantine Beer Ad. Mid-Century American Illustration, 1957

Only Ballantine Ale Brews "Brewer's Gold," ad illustration appeared in the major magazines of the day. A magic moment is caught at a peak point of drama.
It's the instant of friends having fun.
A cold beer from the fridge is offered and it's is acknowledged with a head nod.
The woman in the foreground covers her giggling face reacting to a funny comment.
The decisive moment is preserved.
Sounds like a critique of an art photograph?
No, it's an illustrator.
This ingenious Infiniti "S" composition simultaneously represents the best of photography and painting.
Cartier-Bresson could have captured the precise moment.
While Nicolas Poussin could have rendered the complex figural composition.
Add to it , a painting technique and color scheme with the quick drama of a post-impressionist.
We have a great work of art by an overlooked American illustrator/artist/painter, Mike Ludlow.
"Here's a cold one for you Mike!"
Signed lower right
Mike Ludlow, American, 2021–2010
Gouache on Board
26 - 23.50 inches
US$9,000 Plus Shipping