Does Anyone Know Any Good Art Books?

Has anyone found, have knowledge of or have possession of lost Art.?

• Many years ago I lost, or was stolen don't really know, several sketch books mostly filled with inks in black. The style was Art Nouveau some mistakenly call Art Deco. I have been classified as a original by an art historian. One day I saw in a Portland Oregon School that style used on a door. The person imitating this style I could tell did not have a handle on how to use it so this had to be an attempt to copy the style without an understanding. These were years of work and I really would appreciate their return if you have or have knowledge of anyone possessing these pictures. They usually are a series of wavy lines connecting woman in an intricate pattern. This art was lost about 30 years ago in Chicago, IL. Most if not all are not signed. There may be some other scattered art amongst them such as pencil sketches. The person trying to imitate the style was I am sure younger then thirty and may have seen them some other way.

• Answer:

  I think one problem you would definitely run into is that an Art Nouveau style can be a common theme in any beginning drawing class. Flowing , organic lines seem to come naturally - and of course there is much more approval and exposure of this period of Art than there once was in the 1980's when Formalism ruled. If possible can you try to draw the images again? I do not mean exactly because that would simply be copying - but start with an image in your memory as inspiration. If you lost the sketchbooks at a specific locale in Chicago (many galleries, schools etc) you could try to get in touch with a dean or owner and ask. But sadly after 30 years I am afraid, my friend, that your work may be gone. I am sorry, I know you are heartsick.