Famous Artists School: Draw Your Way To Fame

Vintage commercial from Norman Rockwell Museum's Famous Artists School collection. Here, America's original TV art instructor Jon Gnagy shows the techniques and creativity used by the popular art correspondence course.
"Learning From The Masters: The Famous Artists School" is on view July 8 through November 19, 2017 at Norman Rockwell Museum.
Video: Norman Rockwell Museum Archives / Famous Artists School Collection.

[@tomtate830]

My sister and I grew up watching Jon Gnagy on our B&W television with our Learn to Draw Kits at the ready! What wonderful memories!!

[@cliffdariff74]

he had a perfect VOICE for this.

[@cliffdariff74]

who would give this a thumbs down? this is awesome, these shows are 50 years old!

[@lindam9618]

I'm in my 60's and had a Jon Gnagy drawing kit, including, several drawing books, when I was a kid...it was great.

[@BBAMEG]

I had that, too. One of the reasons I still draw today!

[@TheTruth-cy4le]

Exactly the same with me. I became a professional illustrator, concept artist and animator in the movie industry and I'm still going strong at age 68.

[@lindam9618]

@The Truth Wow! I haven't done much drawing over the years, but moved into the craft area while in college & graduated with a BFA in fiber arts (weaving). I've recently bought new supplies to try my hand at watercolors which I haven't done in 20 years...need to re-learn drawing again. Kudos to you for your success as an artist! 🎨

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

I had my Ron Gnagy drawing kit, too and watched his show (as a kid I thought Gnagy was a funny name!!). My first and lasting love was scifi art and though I didn't go on to a career in illustration I still create using traditional methods and Photoshop! However, I am a published archaeological illustrator (which is quite different from cartooning) and I thank Ron Gnagy for instilling the spark so many decades ago!!!

[@TheStockwell]

Wow - Jon Gnagy! I watched and drew along with him when I was a small child. All these years later, guess what? I'm an accomplished and disciplined Artist living in rural Vermont! 😸

[@richardschneider4582]

Good

[@katpaints]

I watched them when I was in grade school in the 1950s, and was given a kit for Christmas one year. I still have the book and part of one of the pencils. I cannot get rid of them! It took many years to realize that I was supposed to try drawing other things besides what is in the book! I finally took up rosemaling - a Norwegian decorative painting I had grown up with - but I was 28! Plus I was still following something in a book. It took about 20 years to cycle through decorative painting in oils and acrylics and finally arrive at watercolors that I painted from life! Now I'm 76, 48 years after my first rosemaling, I am finally painting with opaque paint freely! It has been quite a journey that started with Jon Gnagy.

[@dogfartmcgee3959]

God bless you, that was beautiful. My aunt had this man's books which I discovered and kept (she didn't want them). I'm a self taught artist but highly critical of myself, shadow/light/perspective amongst other things I'm not good at drawing. I wondered if I should give up trying because I'm not young but *you* have truly inspired me. I've stalled at drawing have become scared but your words truly moved me. Thank you❤

[@sandragdavis1426]

I loved him!!! It's great to see him again.

[@friedmanartistry]

Just turned 68 and loved this show on Saturday Mornings! I also bought the Jon Gnagy Learn to Draw kit! He made it feel so magical back then! Also loved his voice. Could have been a DJ!

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

Same here (and I'm 68🤣) ... couldn't wait for every Saturday morning and his show!! Either my parents or I still have my kit somewhere !

[@waynest1934]

I became involved in Famous Art School 50 years ago, I was living in Tasmania at the time. I am proud to have their "Certificate in Art"I gained more knowledge here compared to university! The school helped me develop a great Corriere and wonderful life as an Artist! Thank You Famous Artists School! Wayne Strickland Art

[@JamesCrandallPainting]

I watched John Gnagy as a kid! What’s interesting is that the Norman Rockwell print in the background...well that painting was drawn by tracing studio photographs.

[@wadepatton2433]

Hey wait, is this who gave us "Draw Tippy" ads in the backs of magazines? I like this better.

[@Newriverartist]

Great! Thanks for the look into the past!

[@dougg1075]

Very cool.

[@cpklapper]

When did this air? i remember the call to send in art work in the very early 1960's, but I was too young for his regular series, born in 1958, but too old for Bob Ross.

[@michaelaceleste4764]

I wish the offer still worked, I can send a sketch lol

[@ninplayer895]

Do y'all think my email of my picture can travel back in time, in a printed letter form and reach him?

[@EyalHoltzman]

Do you think we can still send a sketch?..

[@timowthie]

Where can I send my drawing?

[@edandkathycook785]

There is really no where to send in your drawing. Look for local artist guild that can provide the instruction that you need. Good luck

[@145inA]

You can still send your drawing, along with a stamped undressed elephant, to 5112, Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, California.

[@banjoboy01]

I have a bridge for sale

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

I can do without Bob Ross, give me Ron Gnagy any day!!! I wear shirts like that, too!!!

[@newellbarrett5537]

BUT WHERE IS THE CROSS ON THE CHURCH?

[@katpaints]

There doesn't seem to be one - caught the finished look on the flip through of the lesson - but it did look finished. This was just a part of the lesson.

[@newellbarrett5537]

@@katpaints Thanks Kathleen

[@newellbarrett5537]

Perhaps it is a Freemasonic 🛕 🤔

[@jehugo66]

Wow, gotta be the first Beatnik on his on TV show. And the Hipsters think they invented goofy beards...

[@electrojones]

In later years he went by the name Anton LeVay. That's what I heard anyway.

[@jehugo66]

Anton LeVay was the head of the Church of Satan out in California in the 60s. He wrote “The Satanic Bible.” That weirdo had the same beard but is a different person.

[@piperdraconi1034]

Cool video, but did anyone else feel like signing away their soul to the fella?

[@jehugo66]

😂