Harold James Mowat

Biography from the Archives of askART

An illustrator, primarily in black and white, Harold Mowat was born in Montreal, Canada and died in Quebec. He studied at the New York Art School, and his first illustrations were for the American magazine.

It was said that he spent so much money paying models that he barely made any profit on his work. Because he was a slow worker, he was not as well known as many other illustrators who worked quickly and prolifically. He contributed to numerous publications including the The Saturday Evening Post, Ladies' Home Journal, McCalls, and Women's Home Companion.

During World War I, he worked as a illustrator for the Canadian military.

Artist Statement: "My medium is a piece of white paper and a black pencil. Sometimes a bit of dirt from the floor. When at work, I'm at it from early morning until far into the night. I haven't known the meaning of true peace of mind for years, but I infinitely prefer the uncertainties and struggles of the illustrator to any other game on earth"

Source:

Walt and Roger Reed, The Illustrator in America