Norman Saunders Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Norman Saunders Art Value Price Guide

Apr. 09, 2025
NORMAN SAUNDERS, Kangaroo Valley Scene, New South Wales, oil on board, 24 x 49.5 cm. (9.4 x 19.4 in.), frame: 38 x 63 x 3 cm. (14.9 x 24.8 x 1.1 in.)
Est: $80 - $120
NORMAN SAUNDERS Kangaroo Valley Scene, New South Wales oil on board signed lower right
Lawsons
Dec. 29, 2024
Norman Saunders (NY,MN,NE,1907-1989) gouache painting
Est: $4,500 - $5,500
ARTIST: Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) NAME: A Rope for the Rogues YEAR: 1960 MEDIUM: gouache on paper CONDITION: Excellent. Framed under glass. SIGHT SIZE: 17 x 24 inches / 43 x 60 cm FRAME SIZE: 29 x 36 inches / 73 x 90 cm SIGNATURE: Unsigned, credited in the magazine for the image. NAME VARIANTS: Blaine Saunders NOTE: Comes with copy of the original magazine and letters from artist's son David to Steven Spilger; An image of this painting appears on page 224 of the Norman Sounders book. PROVENANCE: Illustration for Real Magazine, October 1960th, pages 26-27 (credited in the magazine); Painting was preserved in the private collection of Norman Saunders until his death in 1989 because he was proud of it; Was inherited by artist's son David Saunders; Was sold in 2010 to Steven Spilger to raise money to pay for printing the H.J.Ward book with The Illustrated Press. SIMILAR ARTISTS: Sergio Aragones, Frank Brunner, Robert Maguire, Mort Drucker, Charles Sheldon, Earl Norem, Pearl Frush, William Reusswig, Frederick E Ray Jr, Ken Barr, Hank Ketcham, Harrison Cady, Enoch Bolles, Manuel SanJulian, Henry Hintermeister, Erich Sokol. CATEGORY: antique vintage painting SKU#: 116083 US SHIPPING: $120 + insurance. AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) Norman Blaine Saunders was a prolific 20th-century American commercial artist. He is best known for paintings in pulp magazines, paperbacks, men's adventure magazines, comic books and trading cards. On occasion, Saunders signed his work with his middle name, Blaine. Saunders was born in Minot, North Dakota, but his earliest memories were from the family's homestead near Bemidji in northern Minnesota where he and his parents lived in a one-room cabin. He recalled moving north at age seven, to Roseau County on the CanadaвЂ“US border, where his father was a game warden and a touring Presbyterian minister. "A tribe of the Chippewa Indians were there and by the time I was 12, was practically a blood brother." Saunders' career was launched when his contributions to Captain Billy's Whiz Bang resulted in a job with Fawcett Publications, where he was employed from 1928 to 1934. He left Fawcett to become a freelance pulp artist, moved to New York City and studied under Harvey Dunn at the Grand Central School of Art. He painted for all the major publishers and was known for his fast-action scenes, his beautiful women and his ability to meet a deadline. He worked in almost any genreвЂ”Westerns, weird menace, detective, sports and the saucy pulps (sometimes signed as "Blaine"). He was able to paint very quickly, producing 100 paintings a yearвЂ”two a week from 1935 through 1942вЂ”and thus lived well during the Depression era. During World War II, Saunders served with the Military Police overseeing German prisoners. Transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers, he supervised the construction of a gas pipeline following the Burma Road. During his off hours, he painted watercolors of Burmese temples. In 1958, Saunders obtained his first assignment from the trading cards company Topps, painting over photographs of baseball players who had been traded, so that they would appear to be wearing the jersey of their new team. Topps soon employed Saunders to create artwork for many other cards, including the 1962 Mars Attacks series and the Batman TV series in 1966. Product developer Len Brown, inspired by Wally Wood's cover for EC Comics' Weird Science #16, pitched the idea to art director Woody Gelman. Wood fleshed out his and Gelman's initial sketches, and Bob Powell did the final designs. Saunders painted the 55-card set. The cards were test marketed by Topps through a dummy corporation called Bubbles, Inc. under the name Attack From Space. Sales were sufficient to expand the marketing, and the name was changed to Mars Attacks. The cards sparked parental and community outrage over their graphic violence and implied sexuality. Topps responded initially by repainting 13 of the cards to reduce the gore and sexuality; then, following inquiries from a Connecticut district attorney, Topps agreed to halt production. Saunders also produced a number of less well known trading-card series, including Ugly Stickers, Nutty Initials, Make Your Own Name Stickers and Civil War News. Saunders married Ellene Politis in 1947. Their daughter, Zina Saunders, is also an illustrator for magazines, books and trading cards. Their son, David Saunders, is a painter-sculptor who designed the "Apple Fence" at New York's Laguardia Airport.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Sep. 12, 2024
NORMAN SAUNDERS (1907-1989). DO WILD RADIO WAVES CAUSE AIR DISASTERS?. oil
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
NORMAN SAUNDERS (1907-1989). DO WILD RADIO WAVES CAUSE AIR DISASTERS?. oil on canvas 30 x 22 in. (76.2 x 55.9 cm.) (sight).
Christie's
Apr. 14, 2024
Norman Saunders (NY,MN,NE,1907-1989) gouache painting
Est: $5,000 - $6,250
ARTIST: Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) NAME: A Rope for the Rogues YEAR: 1960 MEDIUM: gouache on paper CONDITION: Excellent. Framed under glass. SIGHT SIZE: 17 x 24 inches / 43 x 60 cm FRAME SIZE: 29 x 36 inches / 73 x 90 cm SIGNATURE: Unsigned, credited in the magazine for the image. NAME VARIANTS: Blaine Saunders NOTE: Comes with copy of the original magazine and letters from artist's son David to Steven Spilger; An image of this painting appears on page 224 of the Norman Sounders book. PROVENANCE: Illustration for Real Magazine, October 1960th, pages 26-27 (credited in the magazine); Painting was preserved in the private collection of Norman Saunders until his death in 1989 because he was proud of it; Was inherited by artist's son David Saunders; Was sold in 2010 to Steven Spilger to raise money to pay for printing the H.J.Ward book with The Illustrated Press. SIMILAR ARTISTS: Sergio Aragones, Frank Brunner, Robert Maguire, Mort Drucker, Charles Sheldon, Earl Norem, Pearl Frush, William Reusswig, Frederick E Ray Jr, Ken Barr, Hank Ketcham, Harrison Cady, Enoch Bolles, Manuel SanJulian, Henry Hintermeister, Erich Sokol. CATEGORY: antique vintage painting SKU#: 116083 US Shipping $120 + insurance. AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) Norman Blaine Saunders was a prolific 20th-century American commercial artist. He is best known for paintings in pulp magazines, paperbacks, men's adventure magazines, comic books and trading cards. On occasion, Saunders signed his work with his middle name, Blaine. Saunders was born in Minot, North Dakota, but his earliest memories were from the family's homestead near Bemidji in northern Minnesota where he and his parents lived in a one-room cabin. He recalled moving north at age seven, to Roseau County on the CanadaвЂ“US border, where his father was a game warden and a touring Presbyterian minister. "A tribe of the Chippewa Indians were there and by the time I was 12, was practically a blood brother." Saunders' career was launched when his contributions to Captain Billy's Whiz Bang resulted in a job with Fawcett Publications, where he was employed from 1928 to 1934. He left Fawcett to become a freelance pulp artist, moved to New York City and studied under Harvey Dunn at the Grand Central School of Art. He painted for all the major publishers and was known for his fast-action scenes, his beautiful women and his ability to meet a deadline. He worked in almost any genreвЂ”Westerns, weird menace, detective, sports and the saucy pulps (sometimes signed as "Blaine"). He was able to paint very quickly, producing 100 paintings a yearвЂ”two a week from 1935 through 1942вЂ”and thus lived well during the Depression era. During World War II, Saunders served with the Military Police overseeing German prisoners. Transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers, he supervised the construction of a gas pipeline following the Burma Road. During his off hours, he painted watercolors of Burmese temples. In 1958, Saunders obtained his first assignment from the trading cards company Topps, painting over photographs of baseball players who had been traded, so that they would appear to be wearing the jersey of their new team. Topps soon employed Saunders to create artwork for many other cards, including the 1962 Mars Attacks series and the Batman TV series in 1966. Product developer Len Brown, inspired by Wally Wood's cover for EC Comics' Weird Science #16, pitched the idea to art director Woody Gelman. Wood fleshed out his and Gelman's initial sketches, and Bob Powell did the final designs. Saunders painted the 55-card set. The cards were test marketed by Topps through a dummy corporation called Bubbles, Inc. under the name Attack From Space. Sales were sufficient to expand the marketing, and the name was changed to Mars Attacks. The cards sparked parental and community outrage over their graphic violence and implied sexuality. Topps responded initially by repainting 13 of the cards to reduce the gore and sexuality; then, following inquiries from a Connecticut district attorney, Topps agreed to halt production. Saunders also produced a number of less well known trading-card series, including Ugly Stickers, Nutty Initials, Make Your Own Name Stickers and Civil War News. Saunders married Ellene Politis in 1947. Their daughter, Zina Saunders, is also an illustrator for magazines, books and trading cards. Their son, David Saunders, is a painter-sculptor who designed the "Apple Fence" at New York's Laguardia Airport.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Dec. 17, 2023
Norman Saunders (NY,MN,NE,1907-1989) gouache painting
Est: $5,250 - $6,500
ARTIST: Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) NAME: A Rope for the Rogues YEAR: 1960 MEDIUM: gouache on paper CONDITION: Excellent. Framed under glass. SIGHT SIZE: 17 x 24 inches / 43 x 60 cm FRAME SIZE: 29 x 36 inches / 73 x 90 cm SIGNATURE: Unsigned, credited in the magazine for the image. NAME VARIANTS: Blaine Saunders NOTE: Comes with copy of the original magazine and letters from artist's son David to Steven Spilger; An image of this painting appears on page 224 of the Norman Sounders book. PROVENANCE: Illustration for Real Magazine, October 1960th, pages 26-27 (credited in the magazine); Painting was preserved in the private collection of Norman Saunders until his death in 1989 because he was proud of it; Was inherited by artist's son David Saunders; Was sold in 2010 to Steven Spilger to raise money to pay for printing the H.J.Ward book with The Illustrated Press. SIMILAR ARTISTS: Sergio Aragones, Frank Brunner, Robert Maguire, Mort Drucker, Charles Sheldon, Earl Norem, Pearl Frush, William Reusswig, Frederick E Ray Jr, Ken Barr, Hank Ketcham, Harrison Cady, Enoch Bolles, Manuel SanJulian, Henry Hintermeister, Erich Sokol. CATEGORY: antique vintage painting SKU#: 116083 US Shipping $120 + insurance. AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) Norman Blaine Saunders was a prolific 20th-century American commercial artist. He is best known for paintings in pulp magazines, paperbacks, men's adventure magazines, comic books and trading cards. On occasion, Saunders signed his work with his middle name, Blaine. Saunders was born in Minot, North Dakota, but his earliest memories were from the family's homestead near Bemidji in northern Minnesota where he and his parents lived in a one-room cabin. He recalled moving north at age seven, to Roseau County on the CanadaвЂ“US border, where his father was a game warden and a touring Presbyterian minister. "A tribe of the Chippewa Indians were there and by the time I was 12, was practically a blood brother." Saunders' career was launched when his contributions to Captain Billy's Whiz Bang resulted in a job with Fawcett Publications, where he was employed from 1928 to 1934. He left Fawcett to become a freelance pulp artist, moved to New York City and studied under Harvey Dunn at the Grand Central School of Art. He painted for all the major publishers and was known for his fast-action scenes, his beautiful women and his ability to meet a deadline. He worked in almost any genreвЂ”Westerns, weird menace, detective, sports and the saucy pulps (sometimes signed as "Blaine"). He was able to paint very quickly, producing 100 paintings a yearвЂ”two a week from 1935 through 1942вЂ”and thus lived well during the Depression era. During World War II, Saunders served with the Military Police overseeing German prisoners. Transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers, he supervised the construction of a gas pipeline following the Burma Road. During his off hours, he painted watercolors of Burmese temples. In 1958, Saunders obtained his first assignment from the trading cards company Topps, painting over photographs of baseball players who had been traded, so that they would appear to be wearing the jersey of their new team. Topps soon employed Saunders to create artwork for many other cards, including the 1962 Mars Attacks series and the Batman TV series in 1966. Product developer Len Brown, inspired by Wally Wood's cover for EC Comics' Weird Science #16, pitched the idea to art director Woody Gelman. Wood fleshed out his and Gelman's initial sketches, and Bob Powell did the final designs. Saunders painted the 55-card set. The cards were test marketed by Topps through a dummy corporation called Bubbles, Inc. under the name Attack From Space. Sales were sufficient to expand the marketing, and the name was changed to Mars Attacks. The cards sparked parental and community outrage over their graphic violence and implied sexuality. Topps responded initially by repainting 13 of the cards to reduce the gore and sexuality; then, following inquiries from a Connecticut district attorney, Topps agreed to halt production. Saunders also produced a number of less well known trading-card series, including Ugly Stickers, Nutty Initials, Make Your Own Name Stickers and Civil War News. Saunders married Ellene Politis in 1947. Their daughter, Zina Saunders, is also an illustrator for magazines, books and trading cards. Their son, David Saunders, is a painter-sculptor who designed the "Apple Fence" at New York's Laguardia Airport.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Sep. 10, 2023
Norman Saunders (NY,MN,NE,1907-1989) gouache painting
Est: $5,250 - $6,500
ARTIST: Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) NAME: A Rope for the Rogues YEAR: 1960 MEDIUM: gouache on paper CONDITION: Excellent. Framed under glass. SIGHT SIZE: 17 x 24 inches / 43 x 60 cm FRAME SIZE: 29 x 36 inches / 73 x 90 cm SIGNATURE: Unsigned, credited in the magazine for the image. NAME VARIANTS: Blaine Saunders NOTE: Comes with copy of the original magazine and letters from artist's son David to Steven Spilger; An image of this painting appears on page 224 of the Norman Sounders book. PROVENANCE: Illustration for Real Magazine, October 1960th, pages 26-27 (credited in the magazine); Painting was preserved in the private collection of Norman Saunders until his death in 1989 because he was proud of it; Was inherited by artist's son David Saunders; Was sold in 2010 to Steven Spilger to raise money to pay for printing the H.J.Ward book with The Illustrated Press. SIMILAR ARTISTS: Sergio Aragones, Frank Brunner, Robert Maguire, Mort Drucker, Charles Sheldon, Earl Norem, Pearl Frush, William Reusswig, Frederick E Ray Jr, Ken Barr, Hank Ketcham, Harrison Cady, Enoch Bolles, Manuel SanJulian, Henry Hintermeister, Erich Sokol. CATEGORY: antique vintage painting SKU#: 116083 US Shipping $120 + insurance. AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) Norman Blaine Saunders was a prolific 20th-century American commercial artist. He is best known for paintings in pulp magazines, paperbacks, men's adventure magazines, comic books and trading cards. On occasion, Saunders signed his work with his middle name, Blaine. Saunders was born in Minot, North Dakota, but his earliest memories were from the family's homestead near Bemidji in northern Minnesota where he and his parents lived in a one-room cabin. He recalled moving north at age seven, to Roseau County on the CanadaвЂ“US border, where his father was a game warden and a touring Presbyterian minister. "A tribe of the Chippewa Indians were there and by the time I was 12, was practically a blood brother." Saunders' career was launched when his contributions to Captain Billy's Whiz Bang resulted in a job with Fawcett Publications, where he was employed from 1928 to 1934. He left Fawcett to become a freelance pulp artist, moved to New York City and studied under Harvey Dunn at the Grand Central School of Art. He painted for all the major publishers and was known for his fast-action scenes, his beautiful women and his ability to meet a deadline. He worked in almost any genreвЂ”Westerns, weird menace, detective, sports and the saucy pulps (sometimes signed as "Blaine"). He was able to paint very quickly, producing 100 paintings a yearвЂ”two a week from 1935 through 1942вЂ”and thus lived well during the Depression era. During World War II, Saunders served with the Military Police overseeing German prisoners. Transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers, he supervised the construction of a gas pipeline following the Burma Road. During his off hours, he painted watercolors of Burmese temples. In 1958, Saunders obtained his first assignment from the trading cards company Topps, painting over photographs of baseball players who had been traded, so that they would appear to be wearing the jersey of their new team. Topps soon employed Saunders to create artwork for many other cards, including the 1962 Mars Attacks series and the Batman TV series in 1966. Product developer Len Brown, inspired by Wally Wood's cover for EC Comics' Weird Science #16, pitched the idea to art director Woody Gelman. Wood fleshed out his and Gelman's initial sketches, and Bob Powell did the final designs. Saunders painted the 55-card set. The cards were test marketed by Topps through a dummy corporation called Bubbles, Inc. under the name Attack From Space. Sales were sufficient to expand the marketing, and the name was changed to Mars Attacks. The cards sparked parental and community outrage over their graphic violence and implied sexuality. Topps responded initially by repainting 13 of the cards to reduce the gore and sexuality; then, following inquiries from a Connecticut district attorney, Topps agreed to halt production. Saunders also produced a number of less well known trading-card series, including Ugly Stickers, Nutty Initials, Make Your Own Name Stickers and Civil War News. Saunders married Ellene Politis in 1947. Their daughter, Zina Saunders, is also an illustrator for magazines, books and trading cards. Their son, David Saunders, is a painter-sculptor who designed the "Apple Fence" at New York's Laguardia Airport.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Jun. 11, 2023
Norman Saunders (NY,MN,NE,1907-1989) gouache painting
Est: $5,250 - $6,750
ARTIST: Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) NAME: A Rope for the Rogues YEAR: 1960 MEDIUM: gouache on paper CONDITION: Excellent. Framed under glass. SIGHT SIZE: 17 x 24 inches / 43 x 60 cm FRAME SIZE: 29 x 36 inches / 73 x 90 cm SIGNATURE: Unsigned, credited in the magazine for the image. NAME VARIANTS: Blaine Saunders NOTE: Comes with copy of the original magazine and letters from artist's son David to Steven Spilger; An image of this painting appears on page 224 of the Norman Sounders book. PROVENANCE: Illustration for Real Magazine, October 1960th, pages 26-27 (credited in the magazine); Painting was preserved in the private collection of Norman Saunders until his death in 1989 because he was proud of it; Was inherited by artist's son David Saunders; Was sold in 2010 to Steven Spilger to raise money to pay for printing the H.J.Ward book with The Illustrated Press. SIMILAR ARTISTS: Sergio Aragones, Frank Brunner, Robert Maguire, Mort Drucker, Charles Sheldon, Earl Norem, Pearl Frush, William Reusswig, Frederick E Ray Jr, Ken Barr, Hank Ketcham, Harrison Cady, Enoch Bolles, Manuel SanJulian, Henry Hintermeister, Erich Sokol. CATEGORY: antique vintage painting SKU#: 116083 US Shipping $120 + insurance. AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) Norman Blaine Saunders was a prolific 20th-century American commercial artist. He is best known for paintings in pulp magazines, paperbacks, men's adventure magazines, comic books and trading cards. On occasion, Saunders signed his work with his middle name, Blaine. Saunders was born in Minot, North Dakota, but his earliest memories were from the family's homestead near Bemidji in northern Minnesota where he and his parents lived in a one-room cabin. He recalled moving north at age seven, to Roseau County on the CanadaвЂ“US border, where his father was a game warden and a touring Presbyterian minister. "A tribe of the Chippewa Indians were there and by the time I was 12, was practically a blood brother." Saunders' career was launched when his contributions to Captain Billy's Whiz Bang resulted in a job with Fawcett Publications, where he was employed from 1928 to 1934. He left Fawcett to become a freelance pulp artist, moved to New York City and studied under Harvey Dunn at the Grand Central School of Art. He painted for all the major publishers and was known for his fast-action scenes, his beautiful women and his ability to meet a deadline. He worked in almost any genreвЂ”Westerns, weird menace, detective, sports and the saucy pulps (sometimes signed as "Blaine"). He was able to paint very quickly, producing 100 paintings a yearвЂ”two a week from 1935 through 1942вЂ”and thus lived well during the Depression era. During World War II, Saunders served with the Military Police overseeing German prisoners. Transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers, he supervised the construction of a gas pipeline following the Burma Road. During his off hours, he painted watercolors of Burmese temples. In 1958, Saunders obtained his first assignment from the trading cards company Topps, painting over photographs of baseball players who had been traded, so that they would appear to be wearing the jersey of their new team. Topps soon employed Saunders to create artwork for many other cards, including the 1962 Mars Attacks series and the Batman TV series in 1966. Product developer Len Brown, inspired by Wally Wood's cover for EC Comics' Weird Science #16, pitched the idea to art director Woody Gelman. Wood fleshed out his and Gelman's initial sketches, and Bob Powell did the final designs. Saunders painted the 55-card set. The cards were test marketed by Topps through a dummy corporation called Bubbles, Inc. under the name Attack From Space. Sales were sufficient to expand the marketing, and the name was changed to Mars Attacks. The cards sparked parental and community outrage over their graphic violence and implied sexuality. Topps responded initially by repainting 13 of the cards to reduce the gore and sexuality; then, following inquiries from a Connecticut district attorney, Topps agreed to halt production. Saunders also produced a number of less well known trading-card series, including Ugly Stickers, Nutty Initials, Make Your Own Name Stickers and Civil War News. Saunders married Ellene Politis in 1947. Their daughter, Zina Saunders, is also an illustrator for magazines, books and trading cards. Their son, David Saunders, is a painter-sculptor who designed the "Apple Fence" at New York's Laguardia Airport.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Mar. 12, 2023
Norman Saunders (NY,MN,NE,1907-1989) gouache painting
Est: $5,500 - $7,250
ARTIST: Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) NAME: A Rope for the Rogues YEAR: 1960 MEDIUM: gouache on paper CONDITION: Excellent. Framed under glass. SIGHT SIZE: 17 x 24 inches / 43 x 60 cm FRAME SIZE: 29 x 36 inches / 73 x 90 cm SIGNATURE: Unsigned, credited in the magazine for the image. NAME VARIANTS: Blaine Saunders NOTE: Comes with copy of the original magazine and letters from artist's son David to Steven Spilger; An image of this painting appears on page 224 of the Norman Sounders book. PROVENANCE: Illustration for Real Magazine, October 1960th, pages 26-27 (credited in the magazine); Painting was preserved in the private collection of Norman Saunders until his death in 1989 because he was proud of it; Was inherited by artist's son David Saunders; Was sold in 2010 to Steven Spilger to raise money to pay for printing the H.J.Ward book with The Illustrated Press. SIMILAR ARTISTS: Sergio Aragones, Frank Brunner, Robert Maguire, Mort Drucker, Charles Sheldon, Earl Norem, Pearl Frush, William Reusswig, Frederick E Ray Jr, Ken Barr, Hank Ketcham, Harrison Cady, Enoch Bolles, Manuel SanJulian, Henry Hintermeister, Erich Sokol. CATEGORY: antique vintage painting SKU#: 116083 US Shipping $120 + insurance. AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) Norman Blaine Saunders was a prolific 20th-century American commercial artist. He is best known for paintings in pulp magazines, paperbacks, men's adventure magazines, comic books and trading cards. On occasion, Saunders signed his work with his middle name, Blaine. Saunders was born in Minot, North Dakota, but his earliest memories were from the family's homestead near Bemidji in northern Minnesota where he and his parents lived in a one-room cabin. He recalled moving north at age seven, to Roseau County on the CanadaвЂ“US border, where his father was a game warden and a touring Presbyterian minister. "A tribe of the Chippewa Indians were there and by the time I was 12, was practically a blood brother." Saunders' career was launched when his contributions to Captain Billy's Whiz Bang resulted in a job with Fawcett Publications, where he was employed from 1928 to 1934. He left Fawcett to become a freelance pulp artist, moved to New York City and studied under Harvey Dunn at the Grand Central School of Art. He painted for all the major publishers and was known for his fast-action scenes, his beautiful women and his ability to meet a deadline. He worked in almost any genreвЂ”Westerns, weird menace, detective, sports and the saucy pulps (sometimes signed as "Blaine"). He was able to paint very quickly, producing 100 paintings a yearвЂ”two a week from 1935 through 1942вЂ”and thus lived well during the Depression era. During World War II, Saunders served with the Military Police overseeing German prisoners. Transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers, he supervised the construction of a gas pipeline following the Burma Road. During his off hours, he painted watercolors of Burmese temples. In 1958, Saunders obtained his first assignment from the trading cards company Topps, painting over photographs of baseball players who had been traded, so that they would appear to be wearing the jersey of their new team. Topps soon employed Saunders to create artwork for many other cards, including the 1962 Mars Attacks series and the Batman TV series in 1966. Product developer Len Brown, inspired by Wally Wood's cover for EC Comics' Weird Science #16, pitched the idea to art director Woody Gelman. Wood fleshed out his and Gelman's initial sketches, and Bob Powell did the final designs. Saunders painted the 55-card set. The cards were test marketed by Topps through a dummy corporation called Bubbles, Inc. under the name Attack From Space. Sales were sufficient to expand the marketing, and the name was changed to Mars Attacks. The cards sparked parental and community outrage over their graphic violence and implied sexuality. Topps responded initially by repainting 13 of the cards to reduce the gore and sexuality; then, following inquiries from a Connecticut district attorney, Topps agreed to halt production. Saunders also produced a number of less well known trading-card series, including Ugly Stickers, Nutty Initials, Make Your Own Name Stickers and Civil War News. Saunders married Ellene Politis in 1947. Their daughter, Zina Saunders, is also an illustrator for magazines, books and trading cards. Their son, David Saunders, is a painter-sculptor who designed the "Apple Fence" at New York's Laguardia Airport.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Dec. 18, 2022
Norman Saunders (NY,MN,NE,1907-1989) gouache painting
Est: $5,750 - $7,500
ARTIST: Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) NAME: A Rope for the Rogues YEAR: 1960 MEDIUM: gouache on paper CONDITION: Excellent. Framed under glass. SIGHT SIZE: 17 x 24 inches / 43 x 60 cm FRAME SIZE: 29 x 36 inches / 73 x 90 cm SIGNATURE: Unsigned, credited in the magazine for the image. NAME VARIANTS: Blaine Saunders NOTE: Comes with copy of the original magazine and letters from artist's son David to Steven Spilger; An image of this painting appears on page 224 of the Norman Sounders book. PROVENANCE: Illustration for Real Magazine, October 1960th, pages 26-27 (credited in the magazine); Painting was preserved in the private collection of Norman Saunders until his death in 1989 because he was proud of it; Was inherited by artist's son David Saunders; Was sold in 2010 to Steven Spilger to raise money to pay for printing the H.J.Ward book with The Illustrated Press. SIMILAR ARTISTS: Sergio Aragones, Frank Brunner, Robert Maguire, Mort Drucker, Charles Sheldon, Earl Norem, Pearl Frush, William Reusswig, Frederick E Ray Jr, Ken Barr, Hank Ketcham, Harrison Cady, Enoch Bolles, Manuel SanJulian, Henry Hintermeister, Erich Sokol. CATEGORY: antique vintage painting SKU#: 116083 US Shipping $120 + insurance. AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) Norman Blaine Saunders was a prolific 20th-century American commercial artist. He is best known for paintings in pulp magazines, paperbacks, men's adventure magazines, comic books and trading cards. On occasion, Saunders signed his work with his middle name, Blaine. Saunders was born in Minot, North Dakota, but his earliest memories were from the family's homestead near Bemidji in northern Minnesota where he and his parents lived in a one-room cabin. He recalled moving north at age seven, to Roseau County on the CanadaвЂ“US border, where his father was a game warden and a touring Presbyterian minister. "A tribe of the Chippewa Indians were there and by the time I was 12, was practically a blood brother." Saunders' career was launched when his contributions to Captain Billy's Whiz Bang resulted in a job with Fawcett Publications, where he was employed from 1928 to 1934. He left Fawcett to become a freelance pulp artist, moved to New York City and studied under Harvey Dunn at the Grand Central School of Art. He painted for all the major publishers and was known for his fast-action scenes, his beautiful women and his ability to meet a deadline. He worked in almost any genreвЂ”Westerns, weird menace, detective, sports and the saucy pulps (sometimes signed as "Blaine"). He was able to paint very quickly, producing 100 paintings a yearвЂ”two a week from 1935 through 1942вЂ”and thus lived well during the Depression era. During World War II, Saunders served with the Military Police overseeing German prisoners. Transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers, he supervised the construction of a gas pipeline following the Burma Road. During his off hours, he painted watercolors of Burmese temples. In 1958, Saunders obtained his first assignment from the trading cards company Topps, painting over photographs of baseball players who had been traded, so that they would appear to be wearing the jersey of their new team. Topps soon employed Saunders to create artwork for many other cards, including the 1962 Mars Attacks series and the Batman TV series in 1966. Product developer Len Brown, inspired by Wally Wood's cover for EC Comics' Weird Science #16, pitched the idea to art director Woody Gelman. Wood fleshed out his and Gelman's initial sketches, and Bob Powell did the final designs. Saunders painted the 55-card set. The cards were test marketed by Topps through a dummy corporation called Bubbles, Inc. under the name Attack From Space. Sales were sufficient to expand the marketing, and the name was changed to Mars Attacks. The cards sparked parental and community outrage over their graphic violence and implied sexuality. Topps responded initially by repainting 13 of the cards to reduce the gore and sexuality; then, following inquiries from a Connecticut district attorney, Topps agreed to halt production. Saunders also produced a number of less well known trading-card series, including Ugly Stickers, Nutty Initials, Make Your Own Name Stickers and Civil War News. Saunders married Ellene Politis in 1947. Their daughter, Zina Saunders, is also an illustrator for magazines, books and trading cards. Their son, David Saunders, is a painter-sculptor who designed the "Apple Fence" at New York's Laguardia Airport.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Sep. 11, 2022
Norman Saunders (NY,MN,NE,1907-1989) gouache painting
Est: $6,000 - $7,750
ARTIST: Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) NAME: A Rope for the Rogues YEAR: 1960 MEDIUM: gouache on paper CONDITION: Excellent. Framed under glass. SIGHT SIZE: 17 x 24 inches / 43 x 60 cm FRAME SIZE: 29 x 36 inches / 73 x 90 cm SIGNATURE: Unsigned, credited in the magazine for the image. NAME VARIANTS: Blaine Saunders NOTE: Comes with copy of the original magazine and letters from artist's son David to Steven Spilger; An image of this painting appears on page 224 of the Norman Sounders book. PROVENANCE: Illustration for Real Magazine, October 1960th, pages 26-27 (credited in the magazine); Painting was preserved in the private collection of Norman Saunders until his death in 1989 because he was proud of it; Was inherited by artist's son David Saunders; Was sold in 2010 to Steven Spilger to raise money to pay for printing the H.J.Ward book with The Illustrated Press. SIMILAR ARTISTS: Sergio Aragones, Frank Brunner, Robert Maguire, Mort Drucker, Charles Sheldon, Earl Norem, Pearl Frush, William Reusswig, Frederick E Ray Jr, Ken Barr, Hank Ketcham, Harrison Cady, Enoch Bolles, Manuel SanJulian, Henry Hintermeister, Erich Sokol. CATEGORY: antique vintage painting SKU#: 116083 US Shipping $120 + insurance. AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) Norman Blaine Saunders was a prolific 20th-century American commercial artist. He is best known for paintings in pulp magazines, paperbacks, men's adventure magazines, comic books and trading cards. On occasion, Saunders signed his work with his middle name, Blaine. Saunders was born in Minot, North Dakota, but his earliest memories were from the family's homestead near Bemidji in northern Minnesota where he and his parents lived in a one-room cabin. He recalled moving north at age seven, to Roseau County on the CanadaвЂ“US border, where his father was a game warden and a touring Presbyterian minister. "A tribe of the Chippewa Indians were there and by the time I was 12, was practically a blood brother." Saunders' career was launched when his contributions to Captain Billy's Whiz Bang resulted in a job with Fawcett Publications, where he was employed from 1928 to 1934. He left Fawcett to become a freelance pulp artist, moved to New York City and studied under Harvey Dunn at the Grand Central School of Art. He painted for all the major publishers and was known for his fast-action scenes, his beautiful women and his ability to meet a deadline. He worked in almost any genreвЂ”Westerns, weird menace, detective, sports and the saucy pulps (sometimes signed as "Blaine"). He was able to paint very quickly, producing 100 paintings a yearвЂ”two a week from 1935 through 1942вЂ”and thus lived well during the Depression era. During World War II, Saunders served with the Military Police overseeing German prisoners. Transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers, he supervised the construction of a gas pipeline following the Burma Road. During his off hours, he painted watercolors of Burmese temples. In 1958, Saunders obtained his first assignment from the trading cards company Topps, painting over photographs of baseball players who had been traded, so that they would appear to be wearing the jersey of their new team. Topps soon employed Saunders to create artwork for many other cards, including the 1962 Mars Attacks series and the Batman TV series in 1966. Product developer Len Brown, inspired by Wally Wood's cover for EC Comics' Weird Science #16, pitched the idea to art director Woody Gelman. Wood fleshed out his and Gelman's initial sketches, and Bob Powell did the final designs. Saunders painted the 55-card set. The cards were test marketed by Topps through a dummy corporation called Bubbles, Inc. under the name Attack From Space. Sales were sufficient to expand the marketing, and the name was changed to Mars Attacks. The cards sparked parental and community outrage over their graphic violence and implied sexuality. Topps responded initially by repainting 13 of the cards to reduce the gore and sexuality; then, following inquiries from a Connecticut district attorney, Topps agreed to halt production. Saunders also produced a number of less well known trading-card series, including Ugly Stickers, Nutty Initials, Make Your Own Name Stickers and Civil War News. Saunders married Ellene Politis in 1947. Their daughter, Zina Saunders, is also an illustrator for magazines, books and trading cards. Their son, David Saunders, is a painter-sculptor who designed the "Apple Fence" at New York's Laguardia Airport.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Jun. 12, 2022
Norman Saunders (NY,MN,NE,1907-1989) gouache painting
Est: $6,250 - $8,000
ARTIST: Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) NAME: A Rope for the Rogues YEAR: 1960 MEDIUM: gouache on paper CONDITION: Excellent. Framed under glass. SIGHT SIZE: 17 x 24 inches / 43 x 60 cm FRAME SIZE: 29 x 36 inches / 73 x 90 cm SIGNATURE: Unsigned, credited in the magazine for the image. NAME VARIANTS: Blaine Saunders NOTE: Comes with copy of the original magazine and letters from artist's son David to Steven Spilger; An image of this painting appears on page 224 of the Norman Sounders book. PROVENANCE: Illustration for Real Magazine, October 1960th, pages 26-27 (credited in the magazine); Painting was preserved in the private collection of Norman Saunders until his death in 1989 because he was proud of it; Was inherited by artist's son David Saunders; Was sold in 2010 to Steven Spilger to raise money to pay for printing the H.J.Ward book with The Illustrated Press. SIMILAR ARTISTS: Sergio Aragones, Frank Brunner, Robert Maguire, Mort Drucker, Charles Sheldon, Earl Norem, Pearl Frush, William Reusswig, Frederick E Ray Jr, Ken Barr, Hank Ketcham, Harrison Cady, Enoch Bolles, Manuel SanJulian, Henry Hintermeister, Erich Sokol. CATEGORY: antique vintage painting SKU#: 116083 US Shipping $120 + insurance. AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) Norman Blaine Saunders was a prolific 20th-century American commercial artist. He is best known for paintings in pulp magazines, paperbacks, men's adventure magazines, comic books and trading cards. On occasion, Saunders signed his work with his middle name, Blaine. Saunders was born in Minot, North Dakota, but his earliest memories were from the family's homestead near Bemidji in northern Minnesota where he and his parents lived in a one-room cabin. He recalled moving north at age seven, to Roseau County on the CanadaвЂ“US border, where his father was a game warden and a touring Presbyterian minister. "A tribe of the Chippewa Indians were there and by the time I was 12, was practically a blood brother." Saunders' career was launched when his contributions to Captain Billy's Whiz Bang resulted in a job with Fawcett Publications, where he was employed from 1928 to 1934. He left Fawcett to become a freelance pulp artist, moved to New York City and studied under Harvey Dunn at the Grand Central School of Art. He painted for all the major publishers and was known for his fast-action scenes, his beautiful women and his ability to meet a deadline. He worked in almost any genreвЂ”Westerns, weird menace, detective, sports and the saucy pulps (sometimes signed as "Blaine"). He was able to paint very quickly, producing 100 paintings a yearвЂ”two a week from 1935 through 1942вЂ”and thus lived well during the Depression era. During World War II, Saunders served with the Military Police overseeing German prisoners. Transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers, he supervised the construction of a gas pipeline following the Burma Road. During his off hours, he painted watercolors of Burmese temples. In 1958, Saunders obtained his first assignment from the trading cards company Topps, painting over photographs of baseball players who had been traded, so that they would appear to be wearing the jersey of their new team. Topps soon employed Saunders to create artwork for many other cards, including the 1962 Mars Attacks series and the Batman TV series in 1966. Product developer Len Brown, inspired by Wally Wood's cover for EC Comics' Weird Science #16, pitched the idea to art director Woody Gelman. Wood fleshed out his and Gelman's initial sketches, and Bob Powell did the final designs. Saunders painted the 55-card set. The cards were test marketed by Topps through a dummy corporation called Bubbles, Inc. under the name Attack From Space. Sales were sufficient to expand the marketing, and the name was changed to Mars Attacks. The cards sparked parental and community outrage over their graphic violence and implied sexuality. Topps responded initially by repainting 13 of the cards to reduce the gore and sexuality; then, following inquiries from a Connecticut district attorney, Topps agreed to halt production. Saunders also produced a number of less well known trading-card series, including Ugly Stickers, Nutty Initials, Make Your Own Name Stickers and Civil War News. Saunders married Ellene Politis in 1947. Their daughter, Zina Saunders, is also an illustrator for magazines, books and trading cards. Their son, David Saunders, is a painter-sculptor who designed the "Apple Fence" at New York's Laguardia Airport.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Mar. 13, 2022
Norman Saunders (NY,MN,NE,1907-1989) gouache painting
Est: $6,500 - $8,500
ARTIST: Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) NAME: A Rope for the Rogues YEAR: 1960 MEDIUM: gouache on paper CONDITION: Excellent. Framed under glass. SIGHT SIZE: 17 x 24 inches / 43 x 60 cm FRAME SIZE: 29 x 36 inches / 73 x 90 cm SIGNATURE: Unsigned, credited in the magazine for the image. NAME VARIANTS: Blaine Saunders NOTE: Comes with copy of the original magazine and letters from artist's son David to Steven Spilger; An image of this painting appears on page 224 of the Norman Sounders book. PROVENANCE: Illustration for Real Magazine, October 1960th, pages 26-27 (credited in the magazine); Painting was preserved in the private collection of Norman Saunders until his death in 1989 because he was proud of it; Was inherited by artist's son David Saunders; Was sold in 2010 to Steven Spilger to raise money to pay for printing the H.J.Ward book with The Illustrated Press. SIMILAR ARTISTS: Sergio Aragones, Frank Brunner, Robert Maguire, Mort Drucker, Charles Sheldon, Earl Norem, Pearl Frush, William Reusswig, Frederick E Ray Jr, Ken Barr, Hank Ketcham, Harrison Cady, Enoch Bolles, Manuel SanJulian, Henry Hintermeister, Erich Sokol. CATEGORY: antique vintage painting SKU#: 116083 US Shipping $120 + insurance. AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) Norman Blaine Saunders was a prolific 20th-century American commercial artist. He is best known for paintings in pulp magazines, paperbacks, men's adventure magazines, comic books and trading cards. On occasion, Saunders signed his work with his middle name, Blaine. Saunders was born in Minot, North Dakota, but his earliest memories were from the family's homestead near Bemidji in northern Minnesota where he and his parents lived in a one-room cabin. He recalled moving north at age seven, to Roseau County on the CanadaвЂ“US border, where his father was a game warden and a touring Presbyterian minister. "A tribe of the Chippewa Indians were there and by the time I was 12, was practically a blood brother." Saunders' career was launched when his contributions to Captain Billy's Whiz Bang resulted in a job with Fawcett Publications, where he was employed from 1928 to 1934. He left Fawcett to become a freelance pulp artist, moved to New York City and studied under Harvey Dunn at the Grand Central School of Art. He painted for all the major publishers and was known for his fast-action scenes, his beautiful women and his ability to meet a deadline. He worked in almost any genreвЂ”Westerns, weird menace, detective, sports and the saucy pulps (sometimes signed as "Blaine"). He was able to paint very quickly, producing 100 paintings a yearвЂ”two a week from 1935 through 1942вЂ”and thus lived well during the Depression era. During World War II, Saunders served with the Military Police overseeing German prisoners. Transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers, he supervised the construction of a gas pipeline following the Burma Road. During his off hours, he painted watercolors of Burmese temples. In 1958, Saunders obtained his first assignment from the trading cards company Topps, painting over photographs of baseball players who had been traded, so that they would appear to be wearing the jersey of their new team. Topps soon employed Saunders to create artwork for many other cards, including the 1962 Mars Attacks series and the Batman TV series in 1966. Product developer Len Brown, inspired by Wally Wood's cover for EC Comics' Weird Science #16, pitched the idea to art director Woody Gelman. Wood fleshed out his and Gelman's initial sketches, and Bob Powell did the final designs. Saunders painted the 55-card set. The cards were test marketed by Topps through a dummy corporation called Bubbles, Inc. under the name Attack From Space. Sales were sufficient to expand the marketing, and the name was changed to Mars Attacks. The cards sparked parental and community outrage over their graphic violence and implied sexuality. Topps responded initially by repainting 13 of the cards to reduce the gore and sexuality; then, following inquiries from a Connecticut district attorney, Topps agreed to halt production. Saunders also produced a number of less well known trading-card series, including Ugly Stickers, Nutty Initials, Make Your Own Name Stickers and Civil War News. Saunders married Ellene Politis in 1947. Their daughter, Zina Saunders, is also an illustrator for magazines, books and trading cards. Their son, David Saunders, is a painter-sculptor who designed the "Apple Fence" at New York's Laguardia Airport.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Dec. 12, 2021
Norman Saunders (NY,MN,NE,1907-1989) gouache painting
Est: $7,000 - $9,000
ARTIST: Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) NAME: A Rope for the Rogues YEAR: 1960 MEDIUM: gouache on paper CONDITION: Excellent. Framed under glass. SIGHT SIZE: 17 x 24 inches / 43 x 60 cm FRAME SIZE: 29 x 36 inches / 73 x 90 cm SIGNATURE: Unsigned, credited in the magazine for the image. NAME VARIANTS: Blaine Saunders NOTE: Comes with copy of the original magazine and letters from artist's son David to Steven Spilger; An image of this painting appears on page 224 of the Norman Sounders book. PROVENANCE: Illustration for Real Magazine, October 1960th, pages 26-27 (credited in the magazine); Painting was preserved in the private collection of Norman Saunders until his death in 1989 because he was proud of it; Was inherited by artist's son David Saunders; Was sold in 2010 to Steven Spilger to raise money to pay for printing the H.J.Ward book with The Illustrated Press. SIMILAR ARTISTS: Sergio Aragones, Frank Brunner, Robert Maguire, Mort Drucker, Charles Sheldon, Earl Norem, Pearl Frush, William Reusswig, Frederick E Ray Jr, Ken Barr, Hank Ketcham, Harrison Cady, Enoch Bolles, Manuel SanJulian, Henry Hintermeister, Erich Sokol. CATEGORY: antique vintage painting SKU#: 116083 US Shipping $120 + insurance. AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) Norman Blaine Saunders was a prolific 20th-century American commercial artist. He is best known for paintings in pulp magazines, paperbacks, men's adventure magazines, comic books and trading cards. On occasion, Saunders signed his work with his middle name, Blaine. Saunders was born in Minot, North Dakota, but his earliest memories were from the family's homestead near Bemidji in northern Minnesota where he and his parents lived in a one-room cabin. He recalled moving north at age seven, to Roseau County on the CanadaвЂ“US border, where his father was a game warden and a touring Presbyterian minister. "A tribe of the Chippewa Indians were there and by the time I was 12, was practically a blood brother." Saunders' career was launched when his contributions to Captain Billy's Whiz Bang resulted in a job with Fawcett Publications, where he was employed from 1928 to 1934. He left Fawcett to become a freelance pulp artist, moved to New York City and studied under Harvey Dunn at the Grand Central School of Art. He painted for all the major publishers and was known for his fast-action scenes, his beautiful women and his ability to meet a deadline. He worked in almost any genreвЂ”Westerns, weird menace, detective, sports and the saucy pulps (sometimes signed as "Blaine"). He was able to paint very quickly, producing 100 paintings a yearвЂ”two a week from 1935 through 1942вЂ”and thus lived well during the Depression era. During World War II, Saunders served with the Military Police overseeing German prisoners. Transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers, he supervised the construction of a gas pipeline following the Burma Road. During his off hours, he painted watercolors of Burmese temples. In 1958, Saunders obtained his first assignment from the trading cards company Topps, painting over photographs of baseball players who had been traded, so that they would appear to be wearing the jersey of their new team. Topps soon employed Saunders to create artwork for many other cards, including the 1962 Mars Attacks series and the Batman TV series in 1966. Product developer Len Brown, inspired by Wally Wood's cover for EC Comics' Weird Science #16, pitched the idea to art director Woody Gelman. Wood fleshed out his and Gelman's initial sketches, and Bob Powell did the final designs. Saunders painted the 55-card set. The cards were test marketed by Topps through a dummy corporation called Bubbles, Inc. under the name Attack From Space. Sales were sufficient to expand the marketing, and the name was changed to Mars Attacks. The cards sparked parental and community outrage over their graphic violence and implied sexuality. Topps responded initially by repainting 13 of the cards to reduce the gore and sexuality; then, following inquiries from a Connecticut district attorney, Topps agreed to halt production. Saunders also produced a number of less well known trading-card series, including Ugly Stickers, Nutty Initials, Make Your Own Name Stickers and Civil War News. Saunders married Ellene Politis in 1947. Their daughter, Zina Saunders, is also an illustrator for magazines, books and trading cards. Their son, David Saunders, is a painter-sculptor who designed the "Apple Fence" at New York's Laguardia Airport.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Sep. 12, 2021
Norman Saunders (NY,MN,NE,1907-1989) gouache painting
Est: $7,500 - $9,500
ARTIST: Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) NAME: A Rope for the Rogues YEAR: 1960 MEDIUM: gouache on paper CONDITION: Excellent. Framed under glass. SIGHT SIZE: 17 x 24 inches / 43 x 60 cm FRAME SIZE: 29 x 36 inches / 73 x 90 cm SIGNATURE: Unsigned, credited in the magazine for the image. NAME VARIANTS: Blaine Saunders NOTE: Comes with copy of the original magazine and letters from artist's son David to Steven Spilger; An image of this painting appears on page 224 of the Norman Sounders book. PROVENANCE: Illustration for Real Magazine, October 1960th, pages 26-27 (credited in the magazine); Painting was preserved in the private collection of Norman Saunders until his death in 1989 because he was proud of it; Was inherited by artist's son David Saunders; Was sold in 2010 to Steven Spilger to raise money to pay for printing the H.J.Ward book with The Illustrated Press. SIMILAR ARTISTS: Sergio Aragones, Frank Brunner, Robert Maguire, Mort Drucker, Charles Sheldon, Earl Norem, Pearl Frush, William Reusswig, Frederick E Ray Jr, Ken Barr, Hank Ketcham, Harrison Cady, Enoch Bolles, Manuel SanJulian, Henry Hintermeister, Erich Sokol. CATEGORY: antique vintage painting SKU#: 116083 US Shipping $120 + insurance. AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) Norman Blaine Saunders was a prolific 20th-century American commercial artist. He is best known for paintings in pulp magazines, paperbacks, men's adventure magazines, comic books and trading cards. On occasion, Saunders signed his work with his middle name, Blaine. Saunders was born in Minot, North Dakota, but his earliest memories were from the family's homestead near Bemidji in northern Minnesota where he and his parents lived in a one-room cabin. He recalled moving north at age seven, to Roseau County on the CanadaвЂ“US border, where his father was a game warden and a touring Presbyterian minister. "A tribe of the Chippewa Indians were there and by the time I was 12, was practically a blood brother." Saunders' career was launched when his contributions to Captain Billy's Whiz Bang resulted in a job with Fawcett Publications, where he was employed from 1928 to 1934. He left Fawcett to become a freelance pulp artist, moved to New York City and studied under Harvey Dunn at the Grand Central School of Art. He painted for all the major publishers and was known for his fast-action scenes, his beautiful women and his ability to meet a deadline. He worked in almost any genreвЂ”Westerns, weird menace, detective, sports and the saucy pulps (sometimes signed as "Blaine"). He was able to paint very quickly, producing 100 paintings a yearвЂ”two a week from 1935 through 1942вЂ”and thus lived well during the Depression era. During World War II, Saunders served with the Military Police overseeing German prisoners. Transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers, he supervised the construction of a gas pipeline following the Burma Road. During his off hours, he painted watercolors of Burmese temples. In 1958, Saunders obtained his first assignment from the trading cards company Topps, painting over photographs of baseball players who had been traded, so that they would appear to be wearing the jersey of their new team. Topps soon employed Saunders to create artwork for many other cards, including the 1962 Mars Attacks series and the Batman TV series in 1966. Product developer Len Brown, inspired by Wally Wood's cover for EC Comics' Weird Science #16, pitched the idea to art director Woody Gelman. Wood fleshed out his and Gelman's initial sketches, and Bob Powell did the final designs. Saunders painted the 55-card set. The cards were test marketed by Topps through a dummy corporation called Bubbles, Inc. under the name Attack From Space. Sales were sufficient to expand the marketing, and the name was changed to Mars Attacks. The cards sparked parental and community outrage over their graphic violence and implied sexuality. Topps responded initially by repainting 13 of the cards to reduce the gore and sexuality; then, following inquiries from a Connecticut district attorney, Topps agreed to halt production. Saunders also produced a number of less well known trading-card series, including Ugly Stickers, Nutty Initials, Make Your Own Name Stickers and Civil War News. Saunders married Ellene Politis in 1947. Their daughter, Zina Saunders, is also an illustrator for magazines, books and trading cards. Their son, David Saunders, is a painter-sculptor who designed the "Apple Fence" at New York's Laguardia Airport.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Jul. 29, 2021
NORMAN SAUNDERS - MASKED RIDER WESTERN (OUTLAWS OF BLACK GOLD BUTTE)
Est: $7,000 - $10,000
Lot 49 Norman Saunders American (1907-1989) Masked Rider Western (Outlaws of Black Gold Butte) (1937) oil on canvas signed lower center 35 x 24 inches Provenance: Collection of Scott Newman and Gregory Long This is the original artwork for the cover of the pulp magazine, Masked Rider Western, Volume 4, #1, June 1937, Ranger Publications.
Capsule Gallery Auction
Jun. 06, 2021
Norman Saunders (NY,MN,NE,1907-1989) gouache painting
Est: $7,750 - $10,000
ARTIST: Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) NAME: A Rope for the Rogues YEAR: 1960 MEDIUM: gouache on paper CONDITION: Excellent. Framed under glass. SIGHT SIZE: 17 x 24 inches / 43 x 60 cm FRAME SIZE: 29 x 36 inches / 73 x 90 cm SIGNATURE: Unsigned, credited in the magazine for the image. NAME VARIANTS: Blaine Saunders NOTE: Comes with copy of the original magazine and letters from artist's son David to Steven Spilger; An image of this painting appears on page 224 of the Norman Sounders book. PROVENANCE: Illustration for Real Magazine, October 1960th, pages 26-27 (credited in the magazine); Painting was preserved in the private collection of Norman Saunders until his death in 1989 because he was proud of it; Was inherited by artist's son David Saunders; Was sold in 2010 to Steven Spilger to raise money to pay for printing the H.J.Ward book with The Illustrated Press. SIMILAR ARTISTS: Sergio Aragones, Frank Brunner, Robert Maguire, Mort Drucker, Charles Sheldon, Earl Norem, Pearl Frush, William Reusswig, Frederick E Ray Jr, Ken Barr, Hank Ketcham, Harrison Cady, Enoch Bolles, Manuel SanJulian, Henry Hintermeister, Erich Sokol. CATEGORY: antique vintage painting SKU#: 116083 US Shipping $120 + insurance. AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) Norman Blaine Saunders was a prolific 20th-century American commercial artist. He is best known for paintings in pulp magazines, paperbacks, men's adventure magazines, comic books and trading cards. On occasion, Saunders signed his work with his middle name, Blaine. Saunders was born in Minot, North Dakota, but his earliest memories were from the family's homestead near Bemidji in northern Minnesota where he and his parents lived in a one-room cabin. He recalled moving north at age seven, to Roseau County on the CanadaвЂ“US border, where his father was a game warden and a touring Presbyterian minister. "A tribe of the Chippewa Indians were there and by the time I was 12, was practically a blood brother." Saunders' career was launched when his contributions to Captain Billy's Whiz Bang resulted in a job with Fawcett Publications, where he was employed from 1928 to 1934. He left Fawcett to become a freelance pulp artist, moved to New York City and studied under Harvey Dunn at the Grand Central School of Art. He painted for all the major publishers and was known for his fast-action scenes, his beautiful women and his ability to meet a deadline. He worked in almost any genreвЂ”Westerns, weird menace, detective, sports and the saucy pulps (sometimes signed as "Blaine"). He was able to paint very quickly, producing 100 paintings a yearвЂ”two a week from 1935 through 1942вЂ”and thus lived well during the Depression era. During World War II, Saunders served with the Military Police overseeing German prisoners. Transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers, he supervised the construction of a gas pipeline following the Burma Road. During his off hours, he painted watercolors of Burmese temples. In 1958, Saunders obtained his first assignment from the trading cards company Topps, painting over photographs of baseball players who had been traded, so that they would appear to be wearing the jersey of their new team. Topps soon employed Saunders to create artwork for many other cards, including the 1962 Mars Attacks series and the Batman TV series in 1966. Product developer Len Brown, inspired by Wally Wood's cover for EC Comics' Weird Science #16, pitched the idea to art director Woody Gelman. Wood fleshed out his and Gelman's initial sketches, and Bob Powell did the final designs. Saunders painted the 55-card set. The cards were test marketed by Topps through a dummy corporation called Bubbles, Inc. under the name Attack From Space. Sales were sufficient to expand the marketing, and the name was changed to Mars Attacks. The cards sparked parental and community outrage over their graphic violence and implied sexuality. Topps responded initially by repainting 13 of the cards to reduce the gore and sexuality; then, following inquiries from a Connecticut district attorney, Topps agreed to halt production. Saunders also produced a number of less well known trading-card series, including Ugly Stickers, Nutty Initials, Make Your Own Name Stickers and Civil War News. Saunders married Ellene Politis in 1947. Their daughter, Zina Saunders, is also an illustrator for magazines, books and trading cards. Their son, David Saunders, is a painter-sculptor who designed the "Apple Fence" at New York's Laguardia Airport.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Mar. 07, 2021
Norman Saunders (NY,MN,NE,1907-1989) gouache painting
Est: $7,750 - $8,500
ARTIST: Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) NAME: A Rope for the Rogues YEAR: 1960 MEDIUM: gouache on paper CONDITION: Excellent. Framed under glass. SIGHT SIZE: 17 x 24 inches / 43 x 60 cm FRAME SIZE: 29 x 36 inches / 73 x 90 cm SIGNATURE: Unsigned, credited in the magazine for the image. NAME VARIANTS: Blaine Saunders NOTE: Comes with copy of the original magazine and letters from artist's son David to Steven Spilger; An image of this painting appears on page 224 of the Norman Sounders book. PROVENANCE: Illustration for Real Magazine, October 1960th, pages 26-27 (credited in the magazine); Painting was preserved in the private collection of Norman Saunders until his death in 1989 because he was proud of it; Was inherited by artist's son David Saunders; Was sold in 2010 to Steven Spilger to raise money to pay for printing the H.J.Ward book with The Illustrated Press. SIMILAR ARTISTS: Sergio Aragones, Frank Brunner, Robert Maguire, Mort Drucker, Charles Sheldon, Earl Norem, Pearl Frush, William Reusswig, Frederick E Ray Jr, Ken Barr, Hank Ketcham, Harrison Cady, Enoch Bolles, Manuel SanJulian, Henry Hintermeister, Erich Sokol. CATEGORY: antique vintage painting SKU#: 116083 US Shipping $120 + insurance. AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) Norman Blaine Saunders was a prolific 20th-century American commercial artist. He is best known for paintings in pulp magazines, paperbacks, men's adventure magazines, comic books and trading cards. On occasion, Saunders signed his work with his middle name, Blaine. Saunders was born in Minot, North Dakota, but his earliest memories were from the family's homestead near Bemidji in northern Minnesota where he and his parents lived in a one-room cabin. He recalled moving north at age seven, to Roseau County on the CanadaвЂ“US border, where his father was a game warden and a touring Presbyterian minister. "A tribe of the Chippewa Indians were there and by the time I was 12, was practically a blood brother." Saunders' career was launched when his contributions to Captain Billy's Whiz Bang resulted in a job with Fawcett Publications, where he was employed from 1928 to 1934. He left Fawcett to become a freelance pulp artist, moved to New York City and studied under Harvey Dunn at the Grand Central School of Art. He painted for all the major publishers and was known for his fast-action scenes, his beautiful women and his ability to meet a deadline. He worked in almost any genreвЂ”Westerns, weird menace, detective, sports and the saucy pulps (sometimes signed as "Blaine"). He was able to paint very quickly, producing 100 paintings a yearвЂ”two a week from 1935 through 1942вЂ”and thus lived well during the Depression era. During World War II, Saunders served with the Military Police overseeing German prisoners. Transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers, he supervised the construction of a gas pipeline following the Burma Road. During his off hours, he painted watercolors of Burmese temples. In 1958, Saunders obtained his first assignment from the trading cards company Topps, painting over photographs of baseball players who had been traded, so that they would appear to be wearing the jersey of their new team. Topps soon employed Saunders to create artwork for many other cards, including the 1962 Mars Attacks series and the Batman TV series in 1966. Product developer Len Brown, inspired by Wally Wood's cover for EC Comics' Weird Science #16, pitched the idea to art director Woody Gelman. Wood fleshed out his and Gelman's initial sketches, and Bob Powell did the final designs. Saunders painted the 55-card set. The cards were test marketed by Topps through a dummy corporation called Bubbles, Inc. under the name Attack From Space. Sales were sufficient to expand the marketing, and the name was changed to Mars Attacks. The cards sparked parental and community outrage over their graphic violence and implied sexuality. Topps responded initially by repainting 13 of the cards to reduce the gore and sexuality; then, following inquiries from a Connecticut district attorney, Topps agreed to halt production. Saunders also produced a number of less well known trading-card series, including Ugly Stickers, Nutty Initials, Make Your Own Name Stickers and Civil War News. Saunders married Ellene Politis in 1947. Their daughter, Zina Saunders, is also an illustrator for magazines, books and trading cards. Their son, David Saunders, is a painter-sculptor who designed the "Apple Fence" at New York's Laguardia Airport.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Dec. 06, 2020
Norman Saunders (NY,MN,NE,1907-1989) gouache painting
Est: $8,000 - $9,000
ARTIST: Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) NAME: A Rope for the Rogues YEAR: 1960 MEDIUM: gouache on paper CONDITION: Excellent. Framed under glass. SIGHT SIZE: 17 x 24 inches / 43 x 60 cm FRAME SIZE: 29 x 36 inches / 73 x 90 cm SIGNATURE: Unsigned, credited in the magazine for the image. NAME VARIANTS: Blaine Saunders NOTE: Comes with copy of the original magazine and letters from artist's son David to Steven Spilger; An image of this painting appears on page 224 of the Norman Sounders book. PROVENANCE: Illustration for Real Magazine, October 1960th, pages 26-27 (credited in the magazine); Painting was preserved in the private collection of Norman Saunders until his death in 1989 because he was proud of it; Was inherited by artist's son David Saunders; Was sold in 2010 to Steven Spilger to raise money to pay for printing the H.J.Ward book with The Illustrated Press. SIMILAR ARTISTS: Sergio Aragones, Frank Brunner, Robert Maguire, Mort Drucker, Charles Sheldon, Earl Norem, Pearl Frush, William Reusswig, Frederick E Ray Jr, Ken Barr, Hank Ketcham, Harrison Cady, Enoch Bolles, Manuel SanJulian, Henry Hintermeister, Erich Sokol. CATEGORY: antique vintage painting SKU#: 116083 US Shipping $120 + insurance. AD: ART CONSIGNMENTS WANTED. CONTACT US Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) Norman Blaine Saunders was a prolific 20th-century American commercial artist. He is best known for paintings in pulp magazines, paperbacks, men's adventure magazines, comic books and trading cards. On occasion, Saunders signed his work with his middle name, Blaine. Saunders was born in Minot, North Dakota, but his earliest memories were from the family's homestead near Bemidji in northern Minnesota where he and his parents lived in a one-room cabin. He recalled moving north at age seven, to Roseau County on the CanadaвЂ“US border, where his father was a game warden and a touring Presbyterian minister. "A tribe of the Chippewa Indians were there and by the time I was 12, was practically a blood brother." Saunders' career was launched when his contributions to Captain Billy's Whiz Bang resulted in a job with Fawcett Publications, where he was employed from 1928 to 1934. He left Fawcett to become a freelance pulp artist, moved to New York City and studied under Harvey Dunn at the Grand Central School of Art. He painted for all the major publishers and was known for his fast-action scenes, his beautiful women and his ability to meet a deadline. He worked in almost any genreвЂ”Westerns, weird menace, detective, sports and the saucy pulps (sometimes signed as "Blaine"). He was able to paint very quickly, producing 100 paintings a yearвЂ”two a week from 1935 through 1942вЂ”and thus lived well during the Depression era. During World War II, Saunders served with the Military Police overseeing German prisoners. Transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers, he supervised the construction of a gas pipeline following the Burma Road. During his off hours, he painted watercolors of Burmese temples. In 1958, Saunders obtained his first assignment from the trading cards company Topps, painting over photographs of baseball players who had been traded, so that they would appear to be wearing the jersey of their new team. Topps soon employed Saunders to create artwork for many other cards, including the 1962 Mars Attacks series and the Batman TV series in 1966. Product developer Len Brown, inspired by Wally Wood's cover for EC Comics' Weird Science #16, pitched the idea to art director Woody Gelman. Wood fleshed out his and Gelman's initial sketches, and Bob Powell did the final designs. Saunders painted the 55-card set. The cards were test marketed by Topps through a dummy corporation called Bubbles, Inc. under the name Attack From Space. Sales were sufficient to expand the marketing, and the name was changed to Mars Attacks. The cards sparked parental and community outrage over their graphic violence and implied sexuality. Topps responded initially by repainting 13 of the cards to reduce the gore and sexuality; then, following inquiries from a Connecticut district attorney, Topps agreed to halt production. Saunders also produced a number of less well known trading-card series, including Ugly Stickers, Nutty Initials, Make Your Own Name Stickers and Civil War News. Saunders married Ellene Politis in 1947. Their daughter, Zina Saunders, is also an illustrator for magazines, books and trading cards. Their son, David Saunders, is a painter-sculptor who designed the "Apple Fence" at New York's Laguardia Airport.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Nov. 21, 2020
NORMAN SAUNDERS (D.1989) DETECTIVE MAGAZINE COVER
Est: $2,500 - $4,500
Unframed oil painting on illustration board, "All That Blood Money Can Buy," Norman Blaine Saunders (North Dakota, 1907-1989), painted for the cover of "Detective Tales" magazine, April, 1953, story by John D. McDonald (1916-1986, author of the twenty one Travis McGee mystery novels, unsigned, approx 22"h, 15"w Start Price: $1,500.00
Austin Auction Gallery
Sep. 06, 2020
Norman Saunders (NY,MN,NE,1907-1989) gouache painting
Est: $8,500 - $9,500
ARTIST: Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) NAME: A Rope for the Rogues YEAR: 1960 MEDIUM: gouache on paper CONDITION: Excellent. Framed under glass. SIGHT SIZE: 17 x 24 inches / 43 x 60 cm FRAME SIZE: 29 x 36 inches / 73 x 90 cm SIGNATURE: Unsigned, credited in the magazine for the image. NAME VARIANTS: Blaine Saunders NOTE: Comes with copy of the original magazine and letters from artist's son David to Steven Spilger; An image of this painting appears on page 224 of the Norman Sounders book. PROVENANCE: Illustration for Real Magazine, October 1960th, pages 26-27 (credited in the magazine); Painting was preserved in the private collection of Norman Saunders until his death in 1989 because he was proud of it; Was inherited by artist's son David Saunders; Was sold in 2010 to Steven Spilger to raise money to pay for printing the H.J.Ward book with The Illustrated Press. SIMILAR ARTISTS: Sergio Aragones, Frank Brunner, Robert Maguire, Mort Drucker, Charles Sheldon, Earl Norem, Pearl Frush, William Reusswig, Frederick E Ray Jr, Ken Barr, Hank Ketcham, Harrison Cady, Enoch Bolles, Manuel SanJulian, Henry Hintermeister, Erich Sokol. CATEGORY: antique vintage painting SKU#: 116083 WARRANTY: 7 days returns accepted if item doesn't match description US Shipping $120 + insurance. Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) Norman Blaine Saunders was a prolific 20th-century American commercial artist. He is best known for paintings in pulp magazines, paperbacks, men's adventure magazines, comic books and trading cards. On occasion, Saunders signed his work with his middle name, Blaine. Saunders was born in Minot, North Dakota, but his earliest memories were from the family's homestead near Bemidji in northern Minnesota where he and his parents lived in a one-room cabin. He recalled moving north at age seven, to Roseau County on the CanadaвЂ“US border, where his father was a game warden and a touring Presbyterian minister. "A tribe of the Chippewa Indians were there and by the time I was 12, was practically a blood brother." Saunders' career was launched when his contributions to Captain Billy's Whiz Bang resulted in a job with Fawcett Publications, where he was employed from 1928 to 1934. He left Fawcett to become a freelance pulp artist, moved to New York City and studied under Harvey Dunn at the Grand Central School of Art. He painted for all the major publishers and was known for his fast-action scenes, his beautiful women and his ability to meet a deadline. He worked in almost any genreвЂ”Westerns, weird menace, detective, sports and the saucy pulps (sometimes signed as "Blaine"). He was able to paint very quickly, producing 100 paintings a yearвЂ”two a week from 1935 through 1942вЂ”and thus lived well during the Depression era. During World War II, Saunders served with the Military Police overseeing German prisoners. Transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers, he supervised the construction of a gas pipeline following the Burma Road. During his off hours, he painted watercolors of Burmese temples. In 1958, Saunders obtained his first assignment from the trading cards company Topps, painting over photographs of baseball players who had been traded, so that they would appear to be wearing the jersey of their new team. Topps soon employed Saunders to create artwork for many other cards, including the 1962 Mars Attacks series and the Batman TV series in 1966. Product developer Len Brown, inspired by Wally Wood's cover for EC Comics' Weird Science #16, pitched the idea to art director Woody Gelman. Wood fleshed out his and Gelman's initial sketches, and Bob Powell did the final designs. Saunders painted the 55-card set. The cards were test marketed by Topps through a dummy corporation called Bubbles, Inc. under the name Attack From Space. Sales were sufficient to expand the marketing, and the name was changed to Mars Attacks. The cards sparked parental and community outrage over their graphic violence and implied sexuality. Topps responded initially by repainting 13 of the cards to reduce the gore and sexuality; then, following inquiries from a Connecticut district attorney, Topps agreed to halt production. Saunders also produced a number of less well known trading-card series, including Ugly Stickers, Nutty Initials, Make Your Own Name Stickers and Civil War News. Saunders married Ellene Politis in 1947. Their daughter, Zina Saunders, is also an illustrator for magazines, books and trading cards. Their son, David Saunders, is a painter-sculptor who designed the "Apple Fence" at New York's Laguardia Airport.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Jun. 07, 2020
Norman Saunders (NY,MN,NE,1907-1989) gouache painting
Est: $9,000 - $10,000
ARTIST: Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) NAME: A Rope for the Rogues YEAR: 1960 MEDIUM: gouache on paper CONDITION: Excellent. Framed under glass. SIGHT SIZE: 17 x 24 inches / 43 x 60 cm FRAME SIZE: 29 x 36 inches / 73 x 90 cm SIGNATURE: Unsigned, credited in the magazine for the image. NAME VARIANTS: Blaine Saunders NOTE: Comes with copy of the original magazine and letters from artist's son David to Steven Spilger; An image of this painting appears on page 224 of the Norman Sounders book. PROVENANCE: Illustration for Real Magazine, October 1960th, pages 26-27 (credited in the magazine); Painting was preserved in the private collection of Norman Saunders until his death in 1989 because he was proud of it; Was inherited by artist's son David Saunders; Was sold in 2010 to Steven Spilger to raise money to pay for printing the H.J.Ward book with The Illustrated Press. SIMILAR ARTISTS: Sergio Aragones, Frank Brunner, Robert Maguire, Mort Drucker, Charles Sheldon, Earl Norem, Pearl Frush, William Reusswig, Frederick E Ray Jr, Ken Barr, Hank Ketcham, Harrison Cady, Enoch Bolles, Manuel SanJulian, Henry Hintermeister, Erich Sokol. CATEGORY: antique vintage painting SKU#: 116083 WARRANTY: 7 days returns accepted if item doesn't match description US Shipping $120 + insurance. Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) Norman Blaine Saunders was a prolific 20th-century American commercial artist. He is best known for paintings in pulp magazines, paperbacks, men's adventure magazines, comic books and trading cards. On occasion, Saunders signed his work with his middle name, Blaine. Saunders was born in Minot, North Dakota, but his earliest memories were from the family's homestead near Bemidji in northern Minnesota where he and his parents lived in a one-room cabin. He recalled moving north at age seven, to Roseau County on the CanadaвЂ“US border, where his father was a game warden and a touring Presbyterian minister. "A tribe of the Chippewa Indians were there and by the time I was 12, was practically a blood brother." Saunders' career was launched when his contributions to Captain Billy's Whiz Bang resulted in a job with Fawcett Publications, where he was employed from 1928 to 1934. He left Fawcett to become a freelance pulp artist, moved to New York City and studied under Harvey Dunn at the Grand Central School of Art. He painted for all the major publishers and was known for his fast-action scenes, his beautiful women and his ability to meet a deadline. He worked in almost any genreвЂ”Westerns, weird menace, detective, sports and the saucy pulps (sometimes signed as "Blaine"). He was able to paint very quickly, producing 100 paintings a yearвЂ”two a week from 1935 through 1942вЂ”and thus lived well during the Depression era. During World War II, Saunders served with the Military Police overseeing German prisoners. Transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers, he supervised the construction of a gas pipeline following the Burma Road. During his off hours, he painted watercolors of Burmese temples. In 1958, Saunders obtained his first assignment from the trading cards company Topps, painting over photographs of baseball players who had been traded, so that they would appear to be wearing the jersey of their new team. Topps soon employed Saunders to create artwork for many other cards, including the 1962 Mars Attacks series and the Batman TV series in 1966. Product developer Len Brown, inspired by Wally Wood's cover for EC Comics' Weird Science #16, pitched the idea to art director Woody Gelman. Wood fleshed out his and Gelman's initial sketches, and Bob Powell did the final designs. Saunders painted the 55-card set. The cards were test marketed by Topps through a dummy corporation called Bubbles, Inc. under the name Attack From Space. Sales were sufficient to expand the marketing, and the name was changed to Mars Attacks. The cards sparked parental and community outrage over their graphic violence and implied sexuality. Topps responded initially by repainting 13 of the cards to reduce the gore and sexuality; then, following inquiries from a Connecticut district attorney, Topps agreed to halt production. Saunders also produced a number of less well known trading-card series, including Ugly Stickers, Nutty Initials, Make Your Own Name Stickers and Civil War News. Saunders married Ellene Politis in 1947. Their daughter, Zina Saunders, is also an illustrator for magazines, books and trading cards. Their son, David Saunders, is a painter-sculptor who designed the "Apple Fence" at New York's Laguardia Airport.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Apr. 05, 2020
Norman Saunders (NY,MN,NE,1907-1989) gouache painting
Est: $9,000 - $10,000
ARTIST: Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) NAME: A Rope for the Rogues YEAR: 1960 MEDIUM: gouache on paper CONDITION: Excellent. Framed under glass. SIGHT SIZE: 17 x 24 inches / 43 x 60 cm FRAME SIZE: 29 x 36 inches / 73 x 90 cm SIGNATURE: Unsigned, credited in the magazine for the image. NAME VARIANTS: Blaine Saunders NOTE: Comes with copy of the original magazine and letters from artist's son David to Steven Spilger; An image of this painting appears on page 224 of the Norman Sounders book. PROVENANCE: Illustration for Real Magazine, October 1960th, pages 26-27 (credited in the magazine); Painting was preserved in the private collection of Norman Saunders until his death in 1989 because he was proud of it; Was inherited by artist's son David Saunders; Was sold in 2010 to Steven Spilger to raise money to pay for printing the H.J.Ward book with The Illustrated Press. SIMILAR ARTISTS: Sergio Aragones, Frank Brunner, Robert Maguire, Mort Drucker, Charles Sheldon, Earl Norem, Pearl Frush, William Reusswig, Frederick E Ray Jr, Ken Barr, Hank Ketcham, Harrison Cady, Enoch Bolles, Manuel SanJulian, Henry Hintermeister, Erich Sokol. CATEGORY: antique vintage painting SKU#: 116083 WARRANTY: 7 days returns accepted if item doesn't match description US Shipping $120 + insurance. Norman Blaine Saunders (New York, Minnesota, Nebraska, 1907 - 1989) Norman Blaine Saunders was a prolific 20th-century American commercial artist. He is best known for paintings in pulp magazines, paperbacks, men's adventure magazines, comic books and trading cards. On occasion, Saunders signed his work with his middle name, Blaine. Saunders was born in Minot, North Dakota, but his earliest memories were from the family's homestead near Bemidji in northern Minnesota where he and his parents lived in a one-room cabin. He recalled moving north at age seven, to Roseau County on the CanadaвЂ“US border, where his father was a game warden and a touring Presbyterian minister. "A tribe of the Chippewa Indians were there and by the time I was 12, was practically a blood brother." Saunders' career was launched when his contributions to Captain Billy's Whiz Bang resulted in a job with Fawcett Publications, where he was employed from 1928 to 1934. He left Fawcett to become a freelance pulp artist, moved to New York City and studied under Harvey Dunn at the Grand Central School of Art. He painted for all the major publishers and was known for his fast-action scenes, his beautiful women and his ability to meet a deadline. He worked in almost any genreвЂ”Westerns, weird menace, detective, sports and the saucy pulps (sometimes signed as "Blaine"). He was able to paint very quickly, producing 100 paintings a yearвЂ”two a week from 1935 through 1942вЂ”and thus lived well during the Depression era. During World War II, Saunders served with the Military Police overseeing German prisoners. Transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers, he supervised the construction of a gas pipeline following the Burma Road. During his off hours, he painted watercolors of Burmese temples. In 1958, Saunders obtained his first assignment from the trading cards company Topps, painting over photographs of baseball players who had been traded, so that they would appear to be wearing the jersey of their new team. Topps soon employed Saunders to create artwork for many other cards, including the 1962 Mars Attacks series and the Batman TV series in 1966. Product developer Len Brown, inspired by Wally Wood's cover for EC Comics' Weird Science #16, pitched the idea to art director Woody Gelman. Wood fleshed out his and Gelman's initial sketches, and Bob Powell did the final designs. Saunders painted the 55-card set. The cards were test marketed by Topps through a dummy corporation called Bubbles, Inc. under the name Attack From Space. Sales were sufficient to expand the marketing, and the name was changed to Mars Attacks. The cards sparked parental and community outrage over their graphic violence and implied sexuality. Topps responded initially by repainting 13 of the cards to reduce the gore and sexuality; then, following inquiries from a Connecticut district attorney, Topps agreed to halt production. Saunders also produced a number of less well known trading-card series, including Ugly Stickers, Nutty Initials, Make Your Own Name Stickers and Civil War News. Saunders married Ellene Politis in 1947. Their daughter, Zina Saunders, is also an illustrator for magazines, books and trading cards. Their son, David Saunders, is a painter-sculptor who designed the "Apple Fence" at New York's Laguardia Airport.
Broward Auction Gallery LLC
Dec. 16, 2017
Norman Saunders, 'Kangaroo Valley Scene, NSW',
Est: $50 - $100
oil on board, signed, 24 x 49.5cm
Bargain Hunt Auctions
Aug. 20, 2016
Norman Saunders, 'Lansdowne River Scene', oil on board, signed lower left, 35 x 45cm
Est: $50 - $100
Norman Saunders, 'Lansdowne River Scene', oil on board, signed lower left, 35 x 45cm
Bargain Hunt Auctions
Aug. 20, 2016
Norman Saunders, 'Scene from the Comboyne Mountains', oil on board, signed lower right, 34 x 44cm
Est: $50 - $100
Norman Saunders, 'Scene from the Comboyne Mountains', oil on board, signed lower right, 34 x 44cm
Bargain Hunt Auctions
Jul. 31, 2013
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) Dream-Doll of Nig
Est: $9,000 - $12,000
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) Dream-Doll of Nightmare City, All-Story Detective pulp cover, December 1949 Oil on board 22 x 16 in. Not signed
Heritage Auctions
Nov. 13, 2011
Norm Saunders: Night Hawk
Est: $4,000 - $7,000
Painting
Altermann Galleries
May. 04, 2011
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) Throwing the Gun,
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) Throwing the Gun, Western Story magazine, pulp cover, April 8, 1939 Oil on canvas 26.5 x 17.5 in. Signed lower right From the Estate of Charles Martignette.
Heritage Auctions
Feb. 11, 2011
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) Pulp illustration
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) Pulp illustration Ink on board 11 x 7 in. Not signed
Heritage Auctions
Feb. 11, 2011
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) Western Trails pu
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) Western Trails pulp cover, March 1943 Oil on canvas 29 x 20 in. Signed lower right
Heritage Auctions
Feb. 11, 2011
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) Black Book Detect
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) Black Book Detective pulp cover, February 1936 Oil on canvas 34 x 24 in. Signed lower right From the Estate of Charles Martignette.
Heritage Auctions
Feb. 11, 2011
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) Ten Detective Ace
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) Ten Detective Aces, pulp cover, May 1941 Oil on canvas 29 x 20 in. Signed lower left
Heritage Auctions
Aug. 17, 2010
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) The Ones, Marvel
Est: $12,000 - $18,000
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) The Ones, Marvel Science cover, May 1951 Oil on board 18 x 11.5 in. Not signed This piece is framed alongside copies of Marvel Science Stories and Amazing Stories pulps. From the Estate of John McLaughlin.
Heritage Auctions
Aug. 17, 2010
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) Western Short Sto
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) Western Short Stories, pulp cover, February 1953 Oil on board 18.75 x 17 in. Not signed
Heritage Auctions
May. 06, 2010
Norman Saunders - Whip of Death, Black Book Detective cover
Est: $7,000 - $9,000
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) Whip of Death, Black Book Detective cover, January 1936 Oil on canvas 32.5 x 23.5 in. Signed lower left From the Estate of Charles Martignette.
Heritage Auctions
May. 06, 2010
Saunders, Norman - Black Book Detective cover
Est: $7,000 - $9,000
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) Black Book Detective cover, April 1937 Oil on canvas 35 x 24 in. Signed lower right From the Estate of Charles Martignette.
Heritage Auctions
Oct. 27, 2009
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) The Living
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) The Living Statue, pulp cover, c. mid-1930s Oil on canvas 32 x 25 in. Signed lower right From the Estate of Charles Martignette.
Heritage Auctions
Jul. 15, 2009
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) Shootout at
Est: $6,000 - $9,000
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American, 1907-1989) Shootout at the Steam Pipes, pulp cover, c. 1935 Oil on canvas 35 x 24 in. Signed lower right From the Estate of Charles Martignette.
Heritage Auctions
Mar. 13, 2009
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American 1906 - 1988) Men's
Est: $500 - $600
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American 1906 - 1988) Men's magazine story illustrations, group of 2 Acrylic on board 6.75 x 9.5 in. Not signed
Heritage Auctions
Mar. 12, 2009
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American 1906 - 1988) Dime
Est: $15,000 - $20,000
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American 1906 - 1988) Dime Detective Magazine, pulp cover, August 1952 Oil on board 22.25 x 15.5 in. Not signed This dramatic cover illustration spotlights a scene based on the thriller, Trap for a Tigress, in the hallmarked sensational noir style that established Saunders as America's preeminent pulp illustrator. Saunders is celebrated for his fast-action scenes and beautiful women. He was renowned for his ability to meet a publisher's deadline, and in the heyday of pulps and paperbacks, 1935-53, he would often produce an astounding 100 paintings per year.
Heritage Auctions
Mar. 12, 2009
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American 1906 - 1988) Dime
Est: $15,000 - $20,000
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American 1906 - 1988) Dime Detective Magazine cover, November 1950 Oil on board 22 x 15 in. Not signed This cover scene was based on the story, A Bullet For Baby, and it's an electrifying example of Saunders' hard-boiled pulp thrillers. Saunders was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and first studied art through a mail-order course. After working for Minnesota-based Fawcett Publications from 1928-34, he moved to New York where he became a free-lance pulp artist. Saunders continued his art training there, studying with Harvey Dunn at the Grand Central School of Art. After serving in the military in World War II, he returned to pulp and paperback illustration.
Heritage Auctions
Mar. 12, 2009
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American 1906 - 1988)
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American 1906 - 1988) Masquerading Jewel Thief, cover painting, 1950 Oil on board 21 x 16 in. Not signed This scene, strikingly similar to a 1950 Black Mask pulp cover, showcases essentially the same situation. Such dramatic moments, charged with suspense and danger, are the epitome of Saunders' masterful noir cover paintings. In addition to his many pulp and paperback covers, Saunders is also celebrated by the Baby Boomer generation for his infamous Mars Attacks and Wacky Packs trading cards, done for Topps.
Heritage Auctions
Mar. 12, 2009
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American 1906 - 1988)
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American 1906 - 1988) Headhunters, Real men's magazine story illustration Oil on canvas 22 x 35 in. Not signed
Heritage Auctions
Oct. 15, 2008
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American 1906 - 1988) Newscast,
Est: $25,000 - $30,000
NORMAN SAUNDERS (American 1906 - 1988) Newscast, Marvel Science Stories cover, April/May 1939 Oil on canvas 28 x 18.5 in. Signed lower left This cover scene illustrated the lead story by Harl Vincent for Marvel Science Stories, Volume 1, #4, April/May, 1939, a copy of which is included here. Painting was reproduced on page 43 of The Frank Collection: A Showcase of the World's Finest Fantastic Art by Jane and Howard Frank. Exhibited: The inaugural group show at the Science Fiction Museum, Seattle, Washington, 2004. From the Frank Collection.
Heritage Auctions