Women in Hats by Miss Daisy Outsider Art

WOMEN IN HATS Outsider Art by Miss Daily 1950 - 1970 The world’s a mess but Spring is imminent and that means woman in hats. Plus the Outsider Art Fair is close, I won’t be there. Instead here are six original drawings by Miss Daisy, a West Coast shut-in who produced hundreds of 9 x 12 drawings of women, one a day, from 1950 to 1970. She dated (and reported the weather) on the reverse of every one, but she remain anonymous. Ten different ones are posted on the Dull Tool Dim Bulb Facebook Page. Six Original Drawings by Miss Daisy. Collection Jim Linderman / Dull Tool Dim Bulb

Basil Merrett Celebrates Lincoln for President's Day Art Brut Outsider Artist

I like to post my holiday celebrations a day early, as if I forget I have to wait another year. The perfect President’s Day post is this work by Basil Merrett, one of my favorite Art Brut artists. While confined in a mental institution Mr. Merrett created hundreds of hand drawn tributes in series, in this case the “Famous People” tributes of which this is number 59 - 60. A simple but no less detailed work reflecting on President Lincoln’s humble beginnings. It is now evident that we would be far better off if ALL our presidents came from humble beginnings. I am glad Basil Merrett isn’t around to pay tribute to the current occupant of the office. He doesn’t deserve it. Basil Merrett “Famous People: Abraham Lincoln c. 1950 Collection Jim Linderman / Dull Tool Dim Bulb #artbrut #outsiderart #outsiderartist

What is Dull Tool Dim Bulb ? (A flattering artificial intelligence answer)

Analysis of the Dull Tool Dim Bulb Blog by Jim Linderman The blog "Dull Tool Dim Bulb" is an online repository curated by Jim Linderman, dedicated to showcasing and analyzing vernacular photography, folk art, ephemera, and curiosities, often with a focus on the unusual, unexpected, and often-overlooked aspects of American popular culture. The blog's name itself, "Dull Tool Dim Bulb," reflects a slightly irreverent and unconventional approach, referencing the only "swear words" his father ever used.  Here's a breakdown of the key elements and aspects of the blog based on the provided search results: Content and Focus: * Vernacular and Self-Taught Art: A central theme is the exploration of art created by individuals outside of traditional artistic institutions or formal training. This includes self-taught artists, outsider art, and antique American folk art. * Vernacular Photography and Ephemera: Linderman's collection encompasses a wide range of vintage photographs, postcards, and other ephemeral materials that offer glimpses into everyday life and cultural trends. * The Unusual and Unsung: The blog often highlights unique and often obscure items, focusing on those that might not be considered "high art" but hold cultural and historical significance. * Underground History of American Popular Culture: Linderman delves into the stories behind the objects and their creators, revealing an underground history of American popular culture. * Authenticity and Storytelling: The blog emphasizes the authenticity of the featured items and provides research and narratives behind them, offering insights into their origins and contexts. * Thematic Exploration: The blog sometimes explores broader themes like racism and its representation in art, or the intersection of art and natural disasters.  Style and Tone: Style and Tone: * Erudite and Humorous: The blog is characterized by an erudite and well-informed approach, combined with a good sense of humor. * Direct and Informative: The writing is generally direct and focuses on presenting the items and their associated information. * Personal Touch: Linderman often includes personal anecdotes and perspectives related to his collecting experiences, such as the story of Rover the Folk Art Dog. * Occasional Juxtaposition: The blog sometimes draws unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated items, such as putting Professor Longhair and Jayne Mansfield together in a post about artist Hudson Marquez.  Overall Impression: The "Dull Tool Dim Bulb" blog functions like a digital flea market run by an "erudite eccentric". It is a treasure trove of fascinating and often unusual objects, accompanied by informative and engaging narratives that shed light on their cultural significance. It caters to those interested in self-taught art, outsider art, vernacular photography, and the often-overlooked corners of American popular culture. The blog also serves as a platform for Linderman's limited edition publishing house, which aims to present unusual and uncommon books and ebooks. 

Harold Maxwell Outsider Artist of Pinups and Burlesque c. 1955

Harold Maxwell first appeared, I believe, at Brimfield, the legendary slog in the mud for Antiques. I don’t know how many of these bizarre portraits were created, but I have four and found 5 or 6 already appearing on auction sites, and a few which have sold. One listing says Ohio. One friend says Michigan. I find nothing with facts on the web before 2024. Harold Maxwell works are large, most of mine are 22 x 24. The black and white pieces are apparently India ink and I would say the color ones are poster paint. Bright and vibrant although the cheap cardboard paper stock is yellowing. So far they are all signed and most dated 1955. That was the year pinup and men’s magazines exploded…the top racks at magazine shops were full of them, so maybe these were based on actual performers. I’d call these show girls from burlesque as much as pinups. Frankly, not the most alluring. In fact downright weird. It was a hobby. Is he an outsider artist? Well he is eccentric with a consistent vision and also appears a bit compulsive but he likely had training. Your call. Group of Howard Maxwell paintings of women, circa 1955. Four collection Jim Linderman, The others are currently offered for sale on auction sites. I try to do an annual Outsider Art Fair post and many are found on Dull Tool Dim Bulb at: https://dulltooldimbulb.blogspot.com/search?q=outsider+art+show

Six startled women Outsider Art Drawings by "Miss Daisy"

SIX STARTLED WOMEN! Drawings by an anonymous west coast shut-in at this point known only as Ms. Daisy. Each is 9" x 12" and there are hundreds. Each drawing has the date created on the reverse and most have a weather report! (Cloudy today, sunny and hot, smog, etc…) She lived into her 90s, and while institutionalized drew one every few days from 1952 until tapering off in the 1960s. Collection Jim Linderman / Dull Tool Dim Bulb

Three original drawings by Basil Merrett c. 1945 - 1950 Collection Jim Linderman Dull Tool Dim Bulb the Blog Outsider Art Art Brut Christmas

Three hand-drawn Christmas pieces by Basil Merrett drawn while confined at the mental hospital Bedlam in London c. 1950. Other “occupants” at Bedlam include Vincent Van Gogh and Louis Wain (The cat artist). Each approx. 4 x 6 Three original drawings by Basil Merrett c. 1945 - 1950 Collection Jim Linderman Dull Tool Dim Bulb the Blog

Obsessive Portrait Drawings by Miss Daisy a Shut-in Outsider Artist

Several years ago I received a package of over 200 original drawings by an elderly woman who drew one a day for a long time. Her caretaker provided me the name "Miss Daisy" who passed away. Each depicts a 1970's era woman, the time period she was creating this work. On the reverse of each 8" x ll" drawing the artist wrote the daily weather and often a short note about her day. I've had time to appreciate the slightly obsessive effort as well as the outsider art characteristics. A memorable day the drawings arrived is shown in the above photo, and I have posted several of the works over the years since on this blog.

Moses Ogden New York Folk Art Sculpture Outsider Art Real Photo Postcard dated 1916

A truly extraordinary Real Photo Post Card of the Moses Ogden folk art environment dated 1916. Turned up by Natalie Curley. I was hoping the indistinct writing would reveal a first person impression of his folk art environment but all I can make out is “given to (???) 1916” written along one border, and the equally indistinct caption on the photo. It seems to identify the place as “Ogden’s Curios.” The place was in Angelica, New York. I am not sure if this view has been published before. Great find! I believe the first national publication to reveal Ogden’s sculptures was, of all places, Popular Science September in 1917. Numerous books have shown examples of Ogden’s work and scholar Tom Patterson tells his story in Raw Vision magazine Spring 2023 Real Photo Postcard collection Dull Tool Dim Bulb

D. C. Nolan. Outsider Art. Photo Brut or mere Hoarder?

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Outsider Art. Famous British Women by Basil Merrett

Basil Merrett was institutionalized at Bethlem Royal Hospital in London as a psychiatric patient. These drawings, each approximately 4" x 6" were done circa 1945-1950. The artist created some 1,000 works of this size,each heavily filled with handwritten text on the reverse. The work was created in numbered series and included authors, musicians, religious images and prominent figures from history. Basil Merrett Drawings c. 1940 Collection Jim Linderman

Why would the Outsider Artist Justin McCarthy sign a painting as by Rubens ?

A cruise ship lounger on deck with a bright red sunburned face. But why would Justin McCarthy sign a painting as by "Rubens" Justin McCarthy suffered what has been called "a major nervous breakdown" from 1917 to 1921 or so, some years of which he was in an institutional setting.This occurred shortly after his well-to-do family left him (as a young man) to wander the Louvre. The story of how he painted himself back to reality has been often told. But the signature? During his recovery McCarthy signed numerous names to his work, but Art scholar Nancy Green Karlins Thoman deserves the credit for revealing some of McCarthy's hand written notes from the time period in her dissertation “Justin McCarthy (1891-1977) The Making of a 20-century Self-Taught Painter.” In a sketchbook from 1919 - 1920 he jotted down his impressions of the great artists noting their characteristics as he remembered them. Among them Van Dyke (sic) Rembrant (sic) and Whistler. And for Rubens? McCarthy wrote “Rubens - red agent, ruby red.” He certainly couldn’t have been intending to copy Rubens with a woman on the deck of a steamer but in his somewhat troubled mind it made sense. To the artist, it was the color red. Years later his friend and patron Sterling Strauser had McCarthy go back and sign many works. Hence, his own signature appears as well! Justin McCarthy Untitled (Woman on a Ship) circa 1920 - 1930? Collection Jim Linderman

Black Jesus Last Supper Outsider Art collection Jim Linderman

Black Jesus Outsider Art. The Last Supper, mid 20th Century. Signed by RAY (unknown)said to be from Virginia. Collection Jim Linderman / Dull Tool Dim Bulb

Nyla Gladine Thompson (1927-1969) Texas Outsider Art by a Polio Victim The Landscape Paintings Collection Jim Linderman

Nyla Gladine Thompson was 9 years old when began to suffer infantile paralysis. She began painting at age 13 with a brush held in her mouth. She painted this way for 20 years, becoming well known in the several Texas towns she lived in. Among her fans was first lady Eleanor Roosevelt. These works date to 1955 or so. Nyla Gladine Thompson works in oil, circa 1955 Collection Jim Linderman

19th Century Folk Art Outsider Art Drawing on Flattened Prang Christmas Card Box Man, Woman, Horse

A sketch on a c.1890 flattened box reeking of age and creativity! Drawn on a Prang Christmas card box. Any school art teacher knows of Prang. They are still in business "providing children with the freedom to create without boundries" which means crayons, markers, chalks and modeling clay. The company was founded in 1882. I do not now if Mr. Prang intended to inspire a drawing of a man with a gun and a woman without a head. 19th Century Folk Art Outsider Art Drawing on Flattened Prang Christmas Card Box Man, Woman, Horse Collection Dull Tool Dim Bulb. Thanks to Box Lot on Facebook

Rare Photographs of Justin McCarthy and Elijah Pierce 1972 at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Two Man Show

I was surprised to come across a group of photographs of the outsider art masters Justin McCarthy and Elijah Pierce taken at their two-man show in 1972. At the time, there had been very few institutional exhibitions of this kind. Pierce had been "discovered" only a year earlier. McCarthy had been included in the "Seventeen Naive Painters" traveling show from the Museum of Modern Art in 1966. Along with the artists, the set shows my mentor Sterling Strauser with Elijah Pierce. I believe others at the show could be indentified by any old timers reading this...and it is interesting to see who turned up for the opening. These pictures actually come from contact prints taken by an as yet unidentified photographer. The whole set is posted on the digital archive of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts along with numerous installation views. Beautiful and historic pictures! See the entire set on the PFAFA Archives page at the following LINK

Outsider Art from The Seaside Psychiatric Hospital in Waterford Ct circa 1950-1970

Tempura or watercolor paintings on paper said to have been produced by a patient at the now abandoned Seaside psychiatric hospital in Waterford, Ct. I don't know about that, but they are very interesting. Group of paintings by F. Jennings circa 1950 - 1970. Collection Jim Linderman

African-American Yard Show Outsider Art Folk Art Environment Assemblage Art Alabama c. 1993

Original photographs of a previously undocumented African-American Yard Show taken in the early 1990's by Mary Klein and Jim Linderman. The gentleman who built the environment, which was nearly as tall as his garage, is today unknown. Somewhere in Alabama, lost in the past. Dull Tool Dim Bulb the Blog.

SuperBabe The Most Powerful Black Beauty in the World B.E. Riddick c. 1970 Outsider Art Colllection Jim Linderman Dull Tool Dim Bulb

Alas, an African-American Superhero before her time. Not likely ever featured in her own comic book. The artist B.F Riddick is largely unknown, but produced numerous erotic and bizarre drawings in the 1970s. SuperBabe The Most Powerful Black Beauty in the World by B. F. Riddick collection Jim Linderman