UPDATE: I scanned the this image “JEEPERS” by Emmett Watson and cleaned up the lines and scratches as best I could. The final size is 18″x24″, which should make it easy to put in a frame. It was part of a calendar, but I can find no information or the images from the calendar.
Some folks have asked for prints of this illustration, as it is difficult to find. I do not yet have a price on that, but I don’t plan on printing many (15-30 depending on requests), so I suspect the price will be around $25/each to cover my costs and shipping, but I haven’t finalized that.
You can’t see it, but the piece has “TDM CO, U.S.A.” printed in the lower right corner. I believe that refers to the Thomas D. Murphy company, launched by Thomas D. Murphy in the late 1800s. Here’s a bit of history on him:
In 1889, Thomas D. Murphy of Red Oak, Iowa, publisher of the local newspaper, had an idea. Adapt his printing plant and expertise and create calendars with exquisite reproductions of paintings by American masters. Murphy invented the advertising art calendar and one of the first painters Murphy contacted was Thomas Moran. The idea was so successful that Murphy calendars would be purchased and given away by banks, insurance agencies, livery stables, auto dealers, shops, businesses and manufacturers for a century.
After searching, I cannot find anyone who owns the copyright to this image (TDM appears dead). So, I feel comfortable getting some of these printed.
In 2014, a lithograph of JEEPERS, possibly an image from another calendar, sold with a frame at auction for $75.00.
Here’s another illustration that might have been a companion piece, given there are bears, a camp site, and two men, one with a red shirt and one with a blue shirt, and the same red blanket. It’s titled Smokey the Bear and it went up for auction last year.
I’ll take a copy if you print them.
I’d love a copy also if you do print them, Thats a great Pic
Once I receive it, I’ll get it scanned and see how it turns out.
– Dave
What year calendar did this appear on ?
Mike, I didn’t have any info on that. Only the image.
Dave…..If you do decide to run some reprints, I would definitely be a buyer also……great subject matter.
Dave, if you do decide to sell some copies, count me in. Mike
I’m glad I picked this up. I almost passed on it. Hopefully, the paper is smooth and the image is in good shape!
Looking at the signature on the painting and a little internet research, it looks like this is an Emmitt Watson painting called Jeepers. He does alot of nature and several works with bears. I really love that picture. Great score!
I’d like a copy too please
Thanks
Tom
Patrick,
I hadn’t noticed there was a signature. Good detective work! The 2A page noted a frame copy sold at an auction a few years ago: https://www.thecj2apage.com/forums/willys-jeep-artwork_topic31122.html (half way down the thread).
– Dave
I’m in too. Such a great picture.
The new picture is painted by same artist. It’s the same bear family.
Add me to the list. Thanks
I need one of these.
Add me to the list , great picture, love it. Tom in MT.
Count me in for a copy, too.
Greg in WV
Add me to the list for one or two, depending upon availability.
Thanks,
David
I’m in for a copy!!!
Dave, thank you for all you do. I’d like a print of that too, if you are able to print from your purchase.
I should have pricing on this by Tuesday. I count orders for 14 posters, so I’ll probably print 20. I’ll double check with everyone once I get the pricing.
Hi Dave – I would like one copy if you have enough – thanks – did I miss that last poster that you were working on a couple weeks ago or so ? or is that still in the works ? thanks again and for the wonderful site
Hi Dave – I am interested in one copy if you have enough – thanks – did I miss that last poster from Oct. 18 [ give or take ] or is that still in the works ? thanks again and for the wonderful site
I’d like one as well.
I’m interested I a copy. Very classic pic
Count me in for a copy as well.
Sounds good I’ll add all of you.
Dave T: No worries about the double posting. Sometimes users’ browsers don’t always update the post properly after posting a comment, so it looks like you haven’t posted, but you have. I’ve had it happen to me as well. Extra postings are simple for me to delete 🙂
– Dave
I forgot to add that the other poster (1961 Jeep Family) will take some work on my part, so it won’t be available until early next year (most likely).
I would love to have a copy as well.
I would be interested in one also. Nice of you to offer this, thanks!
Just an update. I got word today that the posters will arrive on 11/14. So, they will go out on the 15th or 16th, but I will send everyone an email once I’ve shipped them.
I have a poster of the first one. I’d post a pic of it but dont see a spot here to do that.
Hi Jennifer.
If you mean the top one with the green border, I have that one as well. The top image is one I bought off of ebay. I scanned, repaired it, then printed some posters from it.
It’s the bottom one I don’t have. You can email any images to d@ewillys.com.
Thanks!
– Dave