I first met Howard on a train trip in 1984. From that time until his passing we talked and corresponded about art, mostly his. He showed me some of his secrets, for which I am grateful, and told me a few things to help me along in my career. As I improved Howard as others likened my work to his. We paint similarly as we use the same materials, and even the same pallet (colors), but the work differs as to technique. After his passing in 1996, I was a approached by collectors of Howard's work asking if I could touch up or repair some of the damaged paintings that they had located. I told them I would do my best. From that time I have repaired and or touched up between thirty and forty Fogg paintings both watercolors and oils. Some are shown below.
This painting came from the Clodfelter collection. The painting had been stored in a damp attic unprotected. I was contacted asking if I could fix mold. There was something growing on the painting and no one knew what it was. I said, "I could give it a shot." This would be the first Fogg I would repair.
This is how the finished painting turned out. There are some subtle differences as the sky was almost a total loss after taking off the mold.
This painting was from the same collection and too had some mold problems. Once I got the mold off, I noticed that Howard hadn't finished the painting. This is something that all artists go through. We have the completed painting in our mind which fills in the parts that are missing on the painting. Some of the lettering which I also re lettered.
This is how it now looks. The mold gone, lettering complete and the painting touched up.
This painting wasn't too bad. Some mold and water spots, other than that in good shape. I did notice that Fogg had painted K-36 487 with its 1960's configuration with the compressor exhaust next to the stack. I contacted the owner of the painting and asked if he would like me to change the locomotive to the 481 circa 1947 as Fogg had numbered the locomotive. The owner said to make it right, so, I eliminated the pump exhaust stack.
This is how the finished painting turned out. Good as new with the correct locomotive for the number painted!
This is a painting Howard did for the Brotherhood of Lococmotive Engineers 1978 calendar. Howard was able to choose the subject but instead of using the correct number of the locomotive, the year for which the calendar was to painted was to be used as the locomotive number. The new onwer of the painting wanted the correct road numbers instead of the calendar year. So now we have an Erie S-3 locomotive 3338 instead of locomotive 1978. Both numbers on the numer plate and cab were changed as well as any other touch up needed.
Contact Information: Gil Bennett PO Box 153 Lehi, UT 84043 801-766-0198
E mail me if you have questions about Howard Fogg's paintings or general questions about Howard.