CapeCodToday Arts Calendar

A. Leslie Ross magazine illustrations at Cape Cod Museum of Art

Illustrator best known for work in Boy's Life, sports magazines

A selection of A. Leslie Ross’s magazine illustrations will be on exhibition at the Cape Cod Museum of Art October 24 through January 3.  Ross’s works are very diverse.  He was well known as a magazine illustrator, especially  his action sports covers for Super Sport, All Sports and Popular Sports and his work for Boy's Life Magazine. He also worked oil and watercolor painting.  Ross will be remembered for his use of compelling composition, vivid color and understanding of movement.  In 1971 he was awarded the Two Thousand Men of Achievement honor.

Ross studied art at The New York School of Fine Art [ Parsons ] and Pratt Institute in New York City.  His first studio was on East 63rd Street and from there he started his successful illustration career. During World War II he served as the Art Director of the US Training Aid Division and designed the hand cut silk screen teaching aids for the US Forces. At the close of the war he returned to Poughguag, NY, where he resumed his illustration work combined, in later years with university teaching at Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

Ross spent summers, as a young man, on his Aunt's farm in Amenia, NY, working with horses developing his drawing ability and the knowledge of horses that established his reputation, becoming best known for illustrations involving action and horse movement.  He produced over 300 Western covers in oil, gouache and acrylic between 1947-1956, working for Famous Western, Pocket Books, Popular Library, Street and Smith and Pines Publications to name a few.

Cape Cod Museum of Art, the regional art museum of Cape Cod, the Islands and Southeastern Massachusetts, is located off Route 6A, 60 Hope Lane, on the grounds of Cape Cod Center for the Arts, Dennis. Admission: $8, free for ages 18 and younger and museum members. Gallery hours: Monday - Wednesday, 10 am - 5 pm; Thursday, 10 am – 8 pm; Friday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm; and Sunday, noon – 5 pm. Information: 508-385-4477 or www.ccmoa.org.