Joseph Rutkowski

Joseph Rutkowski, professional musician and educator. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Rutkowski and additionally signed, dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1982 / Joseph Rutkowski, Clarinet / At The Mannes College of Music."

Joseph Rutkowski studied in New York and Germany, receiving degrees in performance from Mannes College The New School For Music and Queens College and in Educational Adminstration from Hunter College.  His lineage includes studies with Lawrence Sobol, Alfred Longo, Joseph Rich, Heinrich Geuser, Eric Simon, David Weber, David Glazer, John Marco, Max Watras, William Kroll, Claus Adam, Carol Glenn, Morey Ritt, Samuel Baron, Karl Leister, Marcel Moyse, Carl Schachter, David Loeb, David Tcimpidis, Edward Aldwell, Charles Cuckson, Charles Burkhart, Frederick Werle, Anthony Maiello, Harry Kobialka, Lois Wann and Dr. Charles Kaufman.  He has worked with composers Leo Kraft, Alan Hovhaness, Joseph Turrin, David Loeb, Jack Gottlieb, Ursula Mamlock, Robert Miller, Michael Flamhaft, Edward Smaldone, Michael Czajkowski, Elliot Finkel, Nelson Kole, Roger Ames, Alan Schwartz and Dr. Karel Husa.  

George 'Georges' Krishizki (March 22, 1924 – December 20, 2001), Russian-Polish-American illustrator who came to the U.S. in 1949. While he earned acclaim for his renderings of the city’s architectural landmarks, it was his on-the-spot drawings of musicians in performance that attracted an especially appreciative audience. In a 1973 article published in conjunction with two simultaneous exhibitions, Georges explained the genesis of his long-running engagement with the concert hall: “I’ve always enjoyed going to concerts, and one day I decided it would be fun to combine my interests in music and art and make sketches of musicians during performances.”  Indeed, the most remarkable feature of Georges’ oeuvre, apart from the astounding range of performers who gladly expressed their approval and appreciation by signing, is the skill with which the drawings are accomplished.

This original pen and ink illustration, measuring approximately 9 x 12, on heavy-weight sketch paper, is in fine condition with some light overall toning. Its verso is blank and clean.