1: Illuminates the World, Stimulates the Mind
This was the book that introduced me to my favorite painter, by far. Unable to find this book when the one I had began to fall apart, I had my copy rebound in leather. About the best thing is the organization: from the early facades, to streets, to panoramas and portraits. Looking at these paintings brings my mind into focus like nothing else.
One of the strangest experiences I've ever had was visiting the site of Estes' "View From Twin Peaks," 1990, in late 1996 and showing the painting to the vending guy in the white hat (his name is Mike); he had no idea he was in this great painting!
Estes' artistry is absolute perfection. I have never thought much of most "photorealists," but Estes is a superrealist who not only captures the urban landscape in both its vastness and minutest detail, but stylizes the paintings with a perspective that is lucid and clear. I can't recommend this book enough.
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