The Bean & the Scene: Drawings of Boston and Cambridge

by Barbara Westman (Illustrator)

"Barbara Westman's love of life, her exuberance, her personal style and flair are all reflected in her art. Born in Boston, she played in its Public Garden as a child, grew up in its suburbs and currently lives in Cambridge. Her mother was a concert pianist, her father an architect. Her early years were 'full of castles in Spain and rooftops in Rome,' she recalls. From them she learned early to love places and people. Barbara Westman has travelled widely in Europe where she 'learned to see,' absorbed its atmosphere, and became increasingly interested in the graphic arts. She sees Boston with the fresh perspective of a newcomer yet the loving familiarity of a native. This collection of watercolor drawings captures the full range of Boston's diverse past and present: from elegant Beacon Hill to lively Hanover Street, from the Old North Church to Harvard Square. Barbara Westman is an accomplished artist and a skilled craftswoman whose style encompasses the classic elegance of a row of Federal houses, the majestic sweep of the Charles River, or the tense eager faces of the young at play, and the bustle of city streets and market squares. The brief but evocative text is fitting accompaniment to Barbara Westman's lively drawings."
-from the dust-jacket

36 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1969

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting scenes and intro. Great observations and definitely a reference for what life in Boston was like while Westman was creating these. I wish the book itself was larger for there are details lost in the shrinking of these scenes. Also, I think the volume could have had more to it. Still lovely.