Roger De Muth
Professor of Illustration, Syracuse University. CEO, De Muth Design
Cazenovia, NY, USA
(315) 415-8599
art2go-rtdm.blogspot.com
Artist’s statement:
It has often been said that “if a person loves what choose as a profession, they’ll never have to work a day in their lives.” I knew from an early age that I would be an artist, and have found drawings on the pages of children’s books that my family gave me as a child. I carefully outlined the animals on the pages and somewhat continue this work today 60 plus years later.
I am also fortunate to have been part of the Syracuse University Visual and Performing Arts community for 35 and a half years. It has meant the world to me, and seeing my students become recognized artists, illustrators, designers, art directors, and leaders in the International creative community makes me feel proud of my efforts. If anything, my one regret is that my time on campus flew by too quickly.
I am a committed artist in many disciplines. While I worked as an illustrator for numerous commercial clients, I continued my personal work for my entire life. I cherished my early training as an art student at Rochester Institute of Technology, and continue on that path to this day.
I am an accomplished printmaker, bookbinder, watercolorist, designer, illustrator, woodworker, ceramic artist, photographer, digital artist, and gardener, and work every day continuing to hone my skills started in art school. I am also grateful to my former students that helped to bring my digital skills up to speed. It has opened many doors for me and allowed me to be part traditional artist, but integrated with 21st century technology. It is a dream come true.
Watercolors have been a part of me when one of my teachers at RIT sent us to an old section of Rochester that was being raised for urban development. One of the buildings had gargoyles on the roof and I asked if I could have one. The answer was no, but they ended up in the Memorial Art Gallery for all to see. That drawing and painting exercise cemented my love of architecture which continues to inspire me in my work today.
I work everyday on my art, filling sketch books, painting, thinking of ways to apply my skills to objects, in the gardens, or with watercolors on paper. The stacks of paintings in my home attest to the commitment to my work. While I would love to talk more about my work, I think it best to do a Google Search for me, visit my numerous sites, my online books and work in shows.
One thing is sure about me, “if I am not making something, I am miserable.”
I remain to this day, a student with an “eyes wide open view of the world.”
Work Experience
Syracuse University
Professor of Illustration
Roger retired from Syracuse University in December 2014.
Roger served as head of the Illustration Program, and Co-coordinator of the ISDP Master's MFA Programs.
Roger served as head of the Illustration Program, and Co-coordinator of the ISDP Master's MFA Programs.
September 1979
- December 2014
Syracuse, New York, United States
Education
Rochester Institute Of Technology
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree
While attending RIT, Roger worked with Bob Conge from 1968-1970 on Park Avenue in Rochester.
May 1970
-
Rochester, New York, United States
Resume
Roger De Muth
Artist
Roger De Muth, Professor of Illustration at Syracuse University (September 1979- December 2014 retired) and has been the Creative Director of De Muth Design since 1970. Roger was head of the Syracuse University Illustration Program 1998-2000, Co-coordinator of the ISDP-MFA, Master’s Degree in Illustration 1993-1996 and organized the NYC Lubin House Senior Class Portfolio Open House annually for the past 20+ years. He has co-chaired the Syracuse Poster Project for the past 14 years and has lectured extensively to colleges, universities, and community groups.
For over 45 years, Roger has been honored to work with major corporations throughout the United States and Europe, including the Cartoon Network, Crackerjack, Masterpieces Puzzles, Smokey the Bear, Xerox, Silver Burnett and Ginn, Consolidated Edison, WGBH Boston, Kodak, Xerox, Big Blue Dot, Disney, C.R. Gibson, American Greetings, Schultz & Friends Advertising, Niagara Mohawk , Walter Bernard-Milton Glaser Inc., Warner Brothers, The Advertising Council of America, The Syracuse International Film Festival, and many more.
For more information and images by the artist, please visit these web sites:
Watercolors by Roger De Muth http://www.blurb.com/books/6044219-have-watercolors-will-travel
Watercolors, videos, and traveling boxes, by Roger De Muth http://art2go-rtdm.blogspot.com
Roger De Muth’s design web site: http://demuthdesign.com
Self published Books
“ Have watercolors, will travel” http://www.blurb.com/b/6044219-have-watercolors-will-travel March 2015
Nantucket Sketch Book: http://www.blurb.com/b/1191786-nantucket-sketch-book
Magcloud book of watercolors: http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/273286
“An Artist’s Life.” http://www.blurb.com/b/1579167-roger-de-muth-artist
“Moleskin Sketchbook Drawings.” http://www.blurb.com/books/1202112-moleskin-sketchbook-drawings-and-museum-of-hand-bo
“A Hobby Gone Berserk.” http://www.blurb.com/b/1321267-roger-de-muth-the-gardens
“Panorama Photos of Cazenovia, New York.” http://www.blurb.com/b/1158298-panorama-photos-of-cazenovia-ny
“Andalusia and Catalunya.” Panoramic photos of Barcelona, Sevilla, and Granada. http://www.blurb.com/b/1166466-andalusia-catalunya-spain
“Children’s Books and Products.” http://www.blurb.com/books/1601368-roger-de-muth-children-s-books-products
Children’s Books
“Dinner for Eight” Concept and Illustration by Roger De Muth, Blue Apple Books, Maplewood, New Jersey. http://www.amazon.com/Dinner-Eight-Roger-DeMuth/dp/1934706558
“Please Don’t Eat Me.” Authored and Illustrated by Roger De Muth September 2008. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6072370-please-don-t-eat-me
Messy Bessie’ “Where’s my homework.” Written by Harriet Ziefert, Illustrated by Roger De Muth 2007. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/harriet-ziefert/messy-bessie/
Dino Dudes, Scratch art Book, Peter Pauper Press, Heather Zschock, Art Director, 2005.
Books
Cities in My Eyes, The Art of Urban Sketching, Dopress Books, Chapter on Sketching & watercolor painting by Roger De Muth, Graphics, Interiors & Architecture, Shenyang, China. 2015
American Illustration Annual, Volume #2 “Waiter, there’s a Hare in my soup.” Published by Harry Abrams, March 1986. American Illustration Online Book, Annual of Illustration 2013, 2014
Best Practices, Chapter on Roger De Muth and his work and its integration with computers.
Toni Toland, Author, 2006.
Exhibitions
Conceal / Reveal Exhibiton Syracuse University: November 2014- January 2015
http://www.suart.syr.edu/suart-exhibitions/roger-demuth/#.VNt0g8a3m2Q
“Wanderlust” Gandee Gallery, Group Show, Fabius, New York, February- March 2015
114th Anniversary International Exhibition of Works on Paper, Sponsored by the Philadelphia Water Color Society September- October 2014, Wallingford, Pennsylvania.
Cazenovia Arts/ Winter Festival Art shows, Community show. Yearly since 1987- Present
Cazenovia Arts/ Dark Aisle Show/ Community show. Yearly since 1987- Present
Made in New York Exhibition, Schweinfurth Art Center, Auburn, New York, March 2014
Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, 35th Anniversary International Juried Exhibition 2014, The State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, Pa. November 2014- February 2015
“The Illustrator’s Journey”. 2 man Show, with colleague John Thompson, Palitz Gallery, Lubin House, NYC. Syracuse University, 2013
Society of Illustrator’s NY 2014-2015 Traveling Collection “Allwyn Court Building” was selected for the Exhibition and appeared at the:
John Brown University Visual Arts Gallery, Siloam Springs, Arizona,
Las Vegas- Clark County Library District, Las Vegas, Nevada,
Towson University Holtzman Center for the Arts, Towson, Maryland.
Traveling exhibit from the 2013 Adirondack National Exhibition of American Watercolors,
Miriam Kashiwa, Curator ANEAW.
Sacket’s Harbor Arts Center, October- November 2013.
Cogar Gallery, Herkimer County College, November- January 2014.
National Garden Conservancy The Gardens surrounding the De Muth home in Cazenovia, NY were part of the “Open Day’s Program” July 2008 and Upcoming this September 2015
Rhinebeck Public Library, Rhinebeck Art Show and Auction fundraiser, Jim Stevenson, Coordinator. Rhinebeck, NY 2014
“Visions of Europe”, New Hampshire Institute of Art. An Exhibition of watercolor paintings and works inspired through European study, travel and living. Jim Burke, Curator. November 2013.
Society of Illustrators Annual Juried Exhibitions , New York - included in the following Books & shows
Annual Book of Illustration #57 “Steam whales on 57th Street.”, January 2015
Annual Book of Illustration #56. “Lamar’s Bagel’s, & the Allwyn Court Building” Jan. 2014
Annual Book of Illustration #55. “Mott Street General Store Painting”, NY, NY January 2013
Annual Book of Illustration #52, “Soare’s and Rebelo painting,” New York, NY. January 2009.
Annual Book of Illustration #42 “The age of Dinosaurs.” January 2000.
Annual Book of Illustration #27 “In my basement, dark and dirty.” Painting. January 1993.
Annual Book of Illustration #23, “Painting of Sanford’s Grocery” January 1983
Illustration Invitational, Nazareth College, Rochester, New York. The Illustrator’s best work. Curated by Kathy Calderwood and David Cowles. January 2013 Exhibit Travels to Monroe Community College Gallery, January 2014.
“Pawcasso Exhibition” Fundraiser for the Onondaga County Humane Society 2013.
Articles Gallery, Exhibit of Italian Watercolors. Albany Street, Cazenovia, New York September 2013.
XL Projects Gallery, Syracuse University Visual and Performing Arts College Faculty Exhibition 2011.
“Illustrator’s of our times”. International Illustrator’s Exhibition. Cazenovia College, Department of Art Gallery in Reisman Hall,. October- November2013.
The Philadelphia Sketch Club, “Phillistration Show 2013” The Oldest Art Club in America, Supporting Artists since 1860.
Los Angeles Society of Illustrators, ILW 50 Annual exhibition, Watercolor of “Ponte San Maria di Nova.”
ILW 46 Annual Exhibition, “Twigs Flower Shop, & Sketch book pages.”
ILW 45 Annual Exhibition “Birds-eye view of Ingolstadt”, for the animated movie Frankenstein, Mocalie, Kay Heeyoung Kim, Seoul, Korea.
Billy Shire Fine Art Gallery, Artwork selected for the Exhibition of the Los Angeles Society of Illustrators Exhibition #46.
International Licensing Trade Shows, Jacob Javits Center, NYC. 2001-2006,
Surtex Show Jacob Javits Center, NYC. 2004-2006
“Drawing the Other,” 50th Anniversary of the Syracuse University Florence Program, School of Art, Faculty Exhibition, Florence, Italy. 2009
Restoration of eyes on “Het”, 2000 year old Mummy in the Cazenovia Public Library Museum. On permanent display. January- March 2009
“Sketches, scribbles, sculpture and imaginary things.” One man show. Mohawk Valley Community College. Small works gallery. February-March 2006. Carolyn Pace Gallery Director.
Three Man Show, Gallery R.” Rochester Institute of Technology, Park Avenue, Rochester, NY November 2004 Alumni working in Advertising, Design, and Illustration.
“Roger De Muth and Ludwig Bemelman (Deceased Creator of Madeleine) at the Heinemann Gallery, Broadway, New York NY. 2 man Show. 1996.
“Objects of Design.” Exhibition, New York. American Institute of Graphic Design. May 1995.
“Artist and the Baseball Card.” Painting of Carl Yastremski, at the Stanford Museum, Stanford, Ct. Murray Tinkleman, Curator. May 1991.
“Artist and the Baseball Card.” Exhibition at The International Baseball Hall of Fame. Cooperstown, NY. 1992. Article about the Exhibit appeared in Beckett’s Baseball Magazine. 1992.
Awards & recognition
Juror of Awards, Roger is honored to be chosen as the Juror of Awards at the 2015 - 34th Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors at the View in Old Forge, New York
Gold Medal, Society of Illustrators, New York. Comic and Cartoon Art Annual. “Remember, Squirrels are Not just for breakfast Anymore.” Single Image category June 2015.
W. B. Rommeling Award - “ The Mott Street General Store.”, National Exhibition of American Watercolors at the View, Old Forge, NY 2013
Finer Family Award, “Overlooking the Duoro, Opporto, Portugal, At the top of the Hill.” National Exhibition of American Watercolors at the View Old Forge, NY 2013
Awards of Merit for work inclusion in the New York Society of Illustrator’s International Exhibition of Illustration. New York City. Award of Merit for Exhibitions 23, 27, 42, 52, 55, 56, 57.
Awards of Merit for work included in the Los Angeles Society of Illustrator’s Exhibition #50 . ----------
Best of Show/ and the Fuji Award “Interior of the Alhambra” , Granada, Spain was awarded at the International Association of Panoramic Photographers Exhibition.
Oppenheim Toy Book Award- “Dinner for Eight” children’s book. Blue Apple Books, Maplewood, New Jersey. 2009
The Philadelphia Sketch Club, “Phillistration Show 2013” The Oldest Art Club in America, Supporting Artists since 1860. Honorable Mention in the Self-promotion category.
Messy Bessie, Creativity Award from Create Magazine, 2007, Philadelphia Sketch Club Book Award 2007.
In the news- Articles featuring the artist’s work.
“Cities in my Eyes” Chapter about the artist and his watercolors. Published by DoPress Books, in Shenyang, China to be published in early 2015.
“Venice Watercolors” Roger De Muth’s watercolor of Venice, was featured in the Sketchbook section of the August 2014. DestinAsia Magazine in Jakarta, Indonesia. Anastasia Rivai, Art Director.
Garden Design Magazine (Online) 2014: http://www.gardendesign.com/ideas/new-book-describes-a-garden-gone-berserk
“Artistry in Bloom.” 8 page spread about the artist & the Gardens were featured in Central New York Magazine July/ August 2014 issue,
Cover Story, Stars Magazine. “Quirks of Art”, Syracuse Post Standard Newspaper. Article on Roger De Muth, his work, the gardens, and show at the Chameleon Gallery. May 2007 Laura Ryan Blog, In conjunction with the “Messy Bessie” Exhibit at the Chameleon Gallery, Cazenovia, New York. http://blog.syracuse.com/shelflife/2007/07/more_on_roger_de_muth.html July 2007.
Plank Road Magazine, “Artist’s showcase”, Upstate New York Fall 2014 Issue.
“It’s so quiet” selected for the February 2015 issue of Creative Quarterly Magazine
“My favorite things” Article in the Post Standard Newspaper on the Artist’s favorite things. Syracuse, New York March 2009
Fusion Magazine, Cover Story: “An Illustrated View of the World” June 2009 Utica Observer Dispatch,
by Renee Gamela, http://www.uticaod.com/article/20090611/News/306119903
Central New York Magazine -A tale of 2 Villages. “My favorite place in Cazenovia; Pig City Creek” article written by the artist. September-October 2013.
Creative Quarterly Magazine CQ 37 Issue. Winter Issue 2014-2015 “It’s so Quiet” image.
The International Design Journal, Seoul, Korea. Article featuring Roger De Muth’s Panoramic watercolors. Sung Man Lee, Editor. January 1990.
Teaching / Lectures / Workshops / Jurors / Advisory Committees
Professor of Illustration, Visual and Performing Arts College, Syracuse University. September 1979- December 2014 Illustration Program Co-ordinator 1998-2000. Promotion to Professor 2010.
Independent Study MFA, ISDP Degree Program, Illustration Program Co-Coordinator 1993-1996 Independent Study Degree Program, University College, Syracuse University,
Thesis and Graduate Advisor to 30 ISDP Master’s students, plus 30 MFA Graduate Students Since 1979. Worked with, and advised well over 1000 Undergraduate students since 1979.
Lubin House Portfolio Open House Co-ordinator. Student portfolio review open house co-ordinator Syracuse University Lubin House, New York City. 1995-2014.
“Painting the Urban Landscape”, Weekend Watercolor workshop, May 2015 At the View Art Center, Old Forge, New York.
Syracuse Poster Project Co-coordinator, www.posterproject.org This year, my last as coordinator, I did a watercolor painting designed to Illustrated the Haiku: “Old buildings reborn - No longer dead, forgotten -Downtown comes to life.” Watercolor of the Syracuse Bank Building April 2015. Co-coordinator of the Poster Project since 2001.
Lecture to the Men’s Garden Club, Syracuse, New York April 2015
Gaylord Walkabout Discussion leader; 34th Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors at the View Old Forge, NY 2014 Lectured to a packed audience at the Exhibition.
Lecture to the Cazenovia Watercolor Society on the Artist’s work, traveling boxes, and techniques of working. October 2012.
Lecture on the Artist’s work. State University of New York at Geneseo. November 2009. Department of Art lecture.
Juror, Onondaga Art Guild Annual Exhibition, Watercolor painting exhibit. Hospice House, Syracuse, New York. May 2010.
Onondaga Art Guild Lecture, Lecture on the artist’s work, East Syracuse, New York. April 2009
Lecture to Liverpool High School Art Students. Liverpool High School, Chris Casciano’s Class November 2014
Lecture to University of Connecticut, Cora Deibler’s Illustration Class. Lecture on the Artist’s work. University of Connecticut, March 2013
Juror of Awards, Syracuse Arts and Crafts Festival, July 2013. Syracuse, New York.
Lecture to Whitesboro Central High School, High School Art classes, Marcy, NY. October 2013
Syracuse University Symposium Lecture Series: “It’s Alive.” Roger De Muth talks about his work. April 2013.
Lecture to the Cottey College Women’s Philanthropic Group, About the artist’s work, at the Cazenovia Library, 2009.
Member of the Mayor’s advisory committee on establishing a Historic Ordinance, Cazenovia, NY 2005- 2006. Civic Appreciation Award to all the members of the Committee. Presented by the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation. June 2008. “Then and Now” Images of Cazenovia’s History exhibit organized in conjunction with the public ordinance at the Cazenovia Library. 2008- present.
Board of Directors member, Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, Cazenovia, New York. 1993. Chairman,
Art in the Sky Kite Festival, May 1995.
Board of Directors, Friends of Lorenzo State Historic Site, Cazenovia, New York, 2002-2003.
Lecture to the Illustration Guild Club, at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Bob Dorsey, Illustration Program co-ordinator, January 1999.
Adjunct Instructor, Rochester Institute of Technology Continuing Ed Program, Spring Semester, 1979.
Collections
Roger De Muth’s letterpress, limited edition Print- “The Artist’s Proof” was recently added to the permanent collection at SU/Art Collections. The signed and numbered print was designed to raise funds for the Syracuse University Collections.
Roger De Muth, Artist in Residence 2012, 2013, 2014 at the Century House on Nantucket Island. Roger De Muth’s work is well represented at the Century House. Gerry Connick & Jean E. Heron
“Celebrating 200 years of Historic Architecture.” Lorenzo State Historic Site, Cazenovia, New York Painting of the Historic House Lorenzo, Cazenovia, NY.
Arthur Anderson Corporation, Watercolor Painting of Letchworth Park, Rochester, New York
The Viand Coffee Shop, Paintings on display in my favorite coffee shop in New York, Madison Avenue, New York. George Kontogiannis, owner. 2012-2014.
Syracuse International Film Festival, Landmark Theater Portfolio. Series of photographs of the historic Landmark Theater. Portfolios were given as awards to the directors of 10 award winning movies.
Gallery
Chameleon Gallery, Cazenovia, NY. Naomi and Roger De Muth were owners of the Chameleon Gallery from 1999 - 2011 in Cazenovia, NY. They both had work on display for the entire 12 year run of the Gallery. Roger acted as graphic designer for each of the exhibitions for many artist’s and craftsmen. Roger’s work is included in numerous collections throughout the United States. Naomi’s ceramics and textile work was eagerly sought out by many collectors, and continues to this day.
Roger’s work is well represented in collections in Nantucket, Massachusetts, Binghamton, NY, Cazenovia, NY, Rochester, New York, by collectors in New York, and numerous collections throughout the United States.
Special projects have included:
Mama Gorilla Restaurant Design, Products, signage, ads, artwork and design. Saratoga Springs, New York, 12 prizes for Cracker Jacks, 8 packages for Bigelow Teas, Billboard Illustrations for Stratton Resorts, numerous Telephone Directory covers, 18 record Albums for Mirror Records, Cover Illustration for Terry Pratchett’s -The Hogfather, International movie poster for King Features Syndicate, Packaging and Corporate Identity for Once Again Nut Butters, Inc. Subway posters for Lincoln First Banks, Movie storyboards, 180 drawings for the Cartoon Network, National Advertising campaign for Smokey the Bear’s 50th birthday, Licensed artwork for Marcel Shurman, numerous puzzles for Masterpieces puzzles, 35 concept drawings for “Frankenstein” an animated feature movie produced in Seoul, Korea, and dozens of drawings for “Boneheads”, a proposed animated movie, written by Michael Chase Walker, and a pop-up 3D recruiting card for VPA College at Syracuse University.