Down the Yellow Brick Road Again!

I did this acrylic painting back in the early 2000’s for a book called “Memories of a Munchkin” which was an illustrated autobiography of a gentleman named Mienhardt Raabe, assisted and put together by publisher Daniel Kinske. Mr. Raabe was one of the last surviving cast members of the Wizard of Oz, specifically of the Munchkins. He played the munchkin coroner. “Memories of a Munchkin” was published in 2005, and contained a lot of terrific OZ art done for the book, including pieces by Al Hirschfeld, Jack Davis, Mort Drucker… it’s a long list.

Daniel has a new book out in a similar vein, but this one is a lavish collection of all sorts of Wizard of Oz illustrations, rare photos, imagery, and memorabilia in a gorgeous 11″ x 17″, 150 page hardcover volume. The Wonderful Wizards of Art: An Illustrated Odyssey Through the Land of Oz includes rare images by the likes of J.C. Leyendecker, W.W. Denslow, and no doubt many other illustrators who use initials rather than first names. It’s also chock full of vintage photos and images from the history of the books, shows, musicals and film. In all seriousness this is one beautiful collection of Oz art and imagery, which also features and introduction by 102 year old Caren Marsh-Doll, who was Judy Garland‘s dance stand-in in “The Wizard of Oz”, and Ziegfeld Girl. Author Daniel limited the run to only 515 copies, all signed by Caren and Daniel!

I have a copy and it’s really beautiful…

My painting from the “Munchkin: book makes an appearance in this one as well.There are only a few copies left, so if you are an Oz aficionado check it out.