ARRT-Richmond welcomed Illustrator Cortney Skinner,
who delivered the evening’s presentation: Paul Revere’s Ride, An Illustrated
History, which was honored with the American Association for State and
Local History (AASLH) Leadership in History Award of Excellence.
Skinner’s insight into Revere’s ride adds fascinating context
to the story most know chiefly from Longfellow’s iconic poem. Details gleaned
from his painstaking research to ensure the historical accuracy of his
illustrations also helped pinpoint previously unknown timing and location
details of Revere’s route.
Research highlights include:
·
Considering the tidal
phase and Revere’s likely embarkation point to calculate the time it would have
taken him to cross the Charles River from Boston to Charlestown
·
Calculating the moon
phase and its exact position at varying times during the night to determine accurate
lighting and the angle and length of shadows at various locations along
Revere’s path. This information also informed Skinner there was likely a shadow
across the Charles River at the point Revere crossed that allowed him to go
unseen by the nearby British Man of War Somerset
·
Building a period-accurate
topographical model of Boston to ensure proper perspectives and viewsheds of
the illustrations
·
Researching and
re-creating the wallpaper pattern that hung in Hancock/Adams room of the
Reverend Clark’s home
·
Investigating the common
cattle and chicken breeds of the time to ensure accurate depiction
These are just a few of the many detailed research
projects Skinner undertook to give his readers the most period-accurate view of
what Paul Revere saw during his ride.
This closer look into the history of that fateful
night is perhaps only surpassed by Skinner’s deeply moving illustrations, which
add context to this pivotal moment in the history of the American Revolution in
a way that couldn’t be otherwise achieved.
Paul Revere’s Ride, An Illustrated History is available through The Paul Revere House.
Skinner’s
webpage shares his portfolio,
news and more.
His biography states:
“I'm a freelance illustrator and concept artist based
in Virginia, with over three decades of professional experience. My work spans
book covers, historical illustration, maps, portraiture, editorial art, and
collectible card game imagery.
“My clients have included major publishers, film and
television production companies, and collectible card game companies. My
illustrations have appeared on the covers of novels, in magazines, and as card
art for games set in beloved fictional universes including Star Wars, Tolkien's
Middle-earth, and Dune.
“Trained in traditional media, I work primarily in
oils and digital painting by hand using a stylus and tablet.
“I do not use AI imagery.
“My work includes meticulously-researched historical
illustrations which display accurate and exciting imagery with a strong sense
of narrative. Whether depicting an historic midnight ride or a fantastical
creature from another world, my artwork is grounded in careful observation and
a deep love of storytelling.
“Beyond commercial work, I maintain an active personal
practice, exploring portraiture, landscapes, and imaginative subjects. I'm
available for commissions in a wide range of genres and media.”
