Whether creating artwork of World War I biplanes, roaring locomotives or sneering cowboy actors, Jim Deneen held true to one underlying truth: attention to detail.
Deneen, a Twin Cities illustrator whose work has appeared at the Smithsonian, in catalogs and on the cover of a Minnesota Twins yearbook, died Thursday.
Deneen, of Apple Valley, had a series of strokes several years ago and had been suffering from dementia in recent years. He was 81.
Deneen's career took off with his depictions of World War I and II fighter planes in battle, selling originals and prints in the 1960s and 1970s to buyers around the world through his company, Echelon Publishing.
He later captured locomotives rumbling through the countryside and actors such as Clint Eastwood in depictions used for Hollywood promotion. "High Road to China" allowed him to combine his love of aviation with an illustration of Tom Selleck as a biplane pilot.
Collectibles magazine writer Cheryl Monahan interviewed Deneen in the late 1980s and praised his works as "marvels of authenticity."
Deneen responded that "when I began, I was very concerned that every detail was correct. I would do exhaustive studies for any subject that I attempted; drawings from every angle."
His illustrations, particularly those involving transportation, exuded power and energy. Planes in motion, some going down in flames. Trains trailing smoke and steam.
