Art was actually Lennon’s first love. He began drawing long before he had a guitar, then attended the prestigous Liverpool Art Institute for three years (1957-60) before the Beatles became a full-time occupation. He continued to draw throughout his life.

John’s primary medium was line drawing, either in pen, pencil, or Japanese sumi ink. The limited edition artwork in this exhibition consists of lithographs, serigraphs, and copper etchings hand-reproduced from the original drawings. Each edition is limited to 325 worldwide and comes with a certificate of authenticity from the Lennon Estate guaranteeing that no more will be released.

John originally created a portfolio of drawings in 1969 which he entitled “Bag One”. These drawings depicted John and Yoko’s wedding and honeymoon and he presented them to her as a wedding gift. When the drawings were released as lithographs they were confiscated by police in several countries because the erotic contents of some of the drawings was considered to be obscene. Although the charges fo obscenity never held up in court, many of the lithographs were destroyed by mishandling and John was s discouraged from showing his artwork in public for many years after.

Lennon’s drawings became illustrations for three best-selling books that he wrote in the 1960’s. In addition, a complete suite of the “Bag One” portfolio of lithographs is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Original drawings are also being collected by museums throughout the world.

John Lennon, a loving husband… a dad… a renaissance man…

Self Portrait

Imagine All The People

A Cat Climbing

An Owl Hooting

A Herd Moving

A Monkey Chattering

A Cat Purring

The Camel Dances and Having Danced Moves On

Below are Various drawings John did of himself and Yoko

This just in !

John Lennon the artist back home in his own write

May 21, 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

WHAT is thought to be the largest collection of art by John Lennon ever to be shown in the UK comes to Liverpool this week.

The Complete Collection comes to the atrium of the Daily Post and Echo building on Friday and will be on display until June 2 – the first time it has been seen in its entirety in the city.

The free exhibition in Old Hall Street will feature some art from Lennon’s own private collection never seen before in public.

Jonathan Poole, the exhibition organiser, said: “It is very exciting to have the complete collection of Lennon’s work, and fitting that it should be showcased in his home city.

“I began my career exhibiting works by John Lennon. This exhibition gives people the chance to see a different side of John in terms of his artistry and also his unique personality.”

Art was a huge part of Lennon’s life and he attended the Liverpool School of Art from 1957 to 1960, before becoming part of one of the most famous bands of all time.

The collection features works by Lennon dating from 1968 until his death in 1980, and features 15 original drawings and three exclusive new images.

editdeletereply lauritasita wrote on May 24, ’08 New pieces have surfaced !

deletereply nemo4sun wrote on May 24, ’08 i saw some of his work at the rock and roll hall of fame very whimsical 🙂

editdeletereply lauritasita wrote on May 24, ’08 He’s had the same sense of humor in his art as in his music !

deletereply wickedlyinnocent wrote on May 24, ’08 Lol Laurita, John Lennon might be unexpected, but somehow I knew you would post something about The Beatles. I can’t say I’m a fan of his work, but there’s the sense of humour, I hope. Thanks for participating, that was funny.

deletereply forgetmenot525 wrote on May 24, ’08 I always knew he was an art student and an artist long before he was a musician but I have never actually seen his work before, it has a wonderful innocent quality to it, especially like ‘a herd moving’ thanks for this http://forgetmenot525.multiply.com/journal/item/15/ART_SUNDAY_THE_UNEXPECTED

editdeletereply lauritasita wrote on May 24, ’08 He was a child at heart.

deletereply slohomeles wrote on May 25, ’08 Hi, Found you through Sweet Potato Queen’s site. Glad I took the time to visit. I’ve always loved Lennon’s work – music and otherwise. And you’re right, he was a child at heart. That’s the gift (and legacy) he left the rest of us.

deletereply jayaramanms wrote on May 25, ’08 Yes. New and unexpected pieces have been found. Beautiful drawings and your blog too. Thanks for sharing. Please see my Blog on something unexpected at – http://jayaramanms.multiply.com/journal/item/176 and Also blog Paintings of Godward at – http://jayaramanms.multiply.com/journal/item/177 and album at- http://tinyurl.com/4tewy8

editdeletereply lauritasita wrote on May 25, ’08 stohomeies, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.

deletereply dawn4 wrote on May 25, ’08 I knew he was an artist, but I’ve never actually seen his work, save for the first one. I have to say I rather like them.

editdeletereply lauritasita wrote on May 25, ’08 I guess you have to have a sense of childlike humor to appreciate these.

deletereply millimusings wrote on May 25, ’08 I loved your post and i had not seen too much of John’s art before. He really did perceive the world in such a different way. i loved everything about this unique human being and still wonder what he would have been doing on this Earth today had he not been taken so early. A lovely post and I thank you. Oh! his sense of fun always showed through especially in this art of his. Art Sunday: The Unexpected

editdeletereply lauritasita wrote on May 25, ’08 Thank you for visiting this post, milli. I often wonder what he would have been like had he lived.

deletereply philsgal7759 wrote on May 26, ’08 I love the childlike innocence

editdeletereply lauritasita wrote on May 26, ’08 Yes, I agree, Narice. Although John was not my favorite Beatle, I did admire some of his qualities, He was very outspoken.