C. W. Anderson's
The Simple Story That Became A Classic
The children’s books written and illustrated by C. W. Anderson captured the bond between horse and rider with unusual tenderness. For many young readers, his drawings were their first awakening to the beauty, discipline, and freedom of horsemanship. Even now, in an age of constant media and shortened attention, Billy and Blaze offers children a quiet return to imagination, patience, and the natural world.
For more than 60 years, the C. W. Anderson Estate has helped preserve the legacy of Billy and Blaze. Anderson wrote and illustrated many books on subjects ranging from architecture to Greek sculpture, but the Billy and Blaze series remains his best-known work and continues to find new generations of readers.
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C. W. Anderson: The Horseman and the Artist
C.W. Anderson simply loved horses. In his paintings, his love for horses was so evident that even the casual observer could appreciate the noble animal. The many works he produced have inspired others to become lifelong “horse people”.
During C.W. Anderson’s lifetime, his artwork hung in galleries and museums across the country. However, it was the illustrations in little picture books that took imaginative children into the woods on horseback. Slowly turning the pages, equestrian dreams to last a life time instilled a longing for the pleasures and independence of the brave little horseman of Billy and Blaze.
Clarence William Anderson (1891 – 1971) was born in Wahoo, Nebraska. Known professionally as C.W. Anderson, he was Andy to his family and friends — and he liked that just fine. His casual signature was taken from the back of a photograph he commissioned for his artist’s morgue. Every competent artist has pictures and references to confirm every detail in order to build that elusive believability into works of art or illustration.
Mr. Anderson was no exception.
There are many today who owe their professional acumen to
Mr. Anderson - artist, lithographer, and illustrator. An accomplished equestrian and respected judge of hunters and jumpers through the American Show Association, he was widely revered for his love of all things horses. His deep knowledge of horsemanship provided the opportunity to build his reputation in horse lovers’ bookcases around the world.
Mr. Anderson studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and then moved to New York City to take up the business of being a freelance artist/illustrator. His work for hire is seen here in the October 4, 1924 Saturday Evening Post cover. He became a member of the Society of American Etchers where his love for black and white graphics and drawings flourished. The Billy and Blaze series represents only nine of over forty books he wrote and illustrated about horses.
He and his wife, the poet Madeline Paltenghi, moved to Mason, New Hampshire, where she grew up. The nostalgic atmosphere of his adopted hometown became the perfect haven for children’s stories.
A young C. W. Anderson. This photo was most likely taken in 1895 or 1896 when he was 4 or 5 years old. Notice the collar? And you thought Billy had it bad with his dress up shorts and tie!
‘Andy’ at 16 or 17 years of age. His love for horses and his riding habits were already established.
Here, C. W. Anderson is still producing artwork and illustrations. Nearing the end of his life you can see the dignity of his character — and those hands that understood the benefits of a disciplined and energetic life.
A young C. W. Anderson. This photo was most likely taken in 1895 or 1896 when he was 4 or 5 years old. Notice the collar? And you thought Billy had it bad with his dress up shorts and tie!
