It usually starts with a painting. I chance upon an image somewhere and I decide to learn more about the artist.
In this case, the image is this one…

… and the artist is Dean Cornwell (1892-1960), an illustrator for a number of American magazines, including Harper’s Bazaar and Cosmopolitan.
He had started as a cartoonist for the Chicago Herald, and was also a respected muralist.

Here is a small selection of his art.

As usual, click on a thumbnail to see a larger view.