Sara Light-Waller, Pulp Illustrator
Being an illustrator is a lot like watching your neighborhood go through continual urban renewal. Popular styles change all the time. Do you keep up with them? Or, do you do your own thing? Being a professional makes that a tough call. I spent years as a portrait artist, landscape painter, and children’s book and magazine illustrator. I’ve won more than a few awards for my illustrations. I’ve done all sorts of wacky client projects from children’s play rugs to tacky company holiday cards. But there’s one thing remains consistent—my love of pulp art styles. Those bright, evocative (and yes, cheesy) magazine covers and fantastic interior artwork continues to astound and amaze me (pun intended.) When I decided to publish my own “new pulp” books I, of course, wanted to illustrate them also. Through continual study of the best pulp artists from the 1920’s to the 1950’s, I learned the style. Here are some of my practice pieces. (These copies were created solely for the purpose of learning, they are not for sale.)
I am available for commission work so please contact me at sara@lucinapress.com if you have a pulp project that needs a deft and experienced hand. I love working with clients and have a large portfolio to show off, if you’d like to see it. Ad Astra!
Pulp Copies
Robert A. Graef (1879-1951) copy. The original artwork was seen on the cover of the August 1 1932 issue of “Argosy.” The featured story was called, “The Spot of Life.” My copy is done in watercolor with touches of gouache and pastel on watercolor paper.
George Rozen (1895-1973) copy. The original artwork was seen on the cover of the November 1 1932 issue of “The Shadow Magazine.” The featured story was called, “The Five Chameleons.” My copy is done in gouache and watercolor on watercolor paper.
George Rozen (1895-1973) copy. The original artwork was seen on the cover of the September 1 1936 issue of “The Shadow Magazine.” The featured story was called, “The Golden Masks.” My copy is done in watercolor and Inktense watersoluable pencils on watercolor paper.
George Rozen (1895-1973) copy. The original artwork was seen on the cover of the June 15, 1938 issue of “The Shadow Magazine.” The featured story was called, “The Rackets King.” My copy is done in watercolor and Inktense watersoluable pencils on watercolor paper.
Copy, original artist unknown. The original artwork was seen on the cover of the October 1938 issue of “Thrilling Detective.” My copy is done in casein on watercolor paper.
Howard V. Brown (1878-1945) copy. The original artwork was seen as an interior illustration for “Thrilling Wonder Stories” in 1938. My copy is done in pen & ink and scratchboard on Claybord.
Pulp-inspired Artwork
New Pulp Illustrations
New mural detail. Acrylic paint on board. (All images are copyright Sara Light-Waller, 2020. All Rights Reserved.)
Do you need an illustrator for a pulp-inspired project?
I take commissions. If you have a pulp project that needs an authentic touch, please give me a shout at sara@lucinapress.com. If you’d like to see more of my artwork visit my studio website: Flying Pony Studios.
