An Unconventional Choice
“Well, I want to paint trains,” Howard Fogg declared to his fellow airmen after World War II. This was not a fleeting wish but a profound ambition rooted deep within him. His friends were surprised. They expected him to choose a more conventional career path. Fogg was determined to transform this dream into reality. His journey led him to become a renowned artist celebrated for his beautiful depictions of trains. His story shows how important it is to follow your passion, even if it is different from what others expect.
Young Artist, Big Future
Howard Fogg’s fascination with trains began in his early childhood. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, on April 7, 1917, and raised in Wilmette, Illinois, where his father worked as vice president of the Litchfield & Madison Railroad. It was through his father that Fogg was introduced to the world of railroads. Together, they would often chase trains igniting a lifelong fascination in young Howard. Fogg drew his first rough sketch of a train when he was just 4 years old. This early drawing showed his growing love for locomotives. It also demonstrated his artistic inclinations from a young age. Fogg’s early love for the railroad world would continue to inspire and shape his future paintings, each capturing the essence of the scenes he fell in love with as a child.
College Years: Trains and Art
Howard Fogg’s passion for trains continued to flourish during his college years. He attended Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, where he studied English Literature. However, his heart was always captivated by the railroads. Fogg found time to chase trains, sketch locomotives, and explore nearby train yards. During this time, he met Margot Dethier, who would later become his wife. Alongside his love for trains, Fogg fostered another passion – his love of art. To enhance his skills, he later attended the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, where he honed his artistic abilities and explored other forms of art, such as creating political cartoons.
Wings and Watercolors: Fogg's War Years
During World War II, Howard was drafted into the Air Force. He served as a fighter pilot with the 359th Fighter Group of the U.S. 8th Air Force and was stationed in East Wretham, England. There, he flew 76 combat missions in P-47 Thunderbolts and P-51 Mustangs. His military service was recognized with the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Despite the demands of his military service, Fogg continued to pursue his passion for painting. The subject of these paintings was often trains, reflecting his enduring love for railroads. He often gifted these works to his military friends, sharing his love for art even in challenging times.
On the Right Track
After World War II, Howard Fogg embarked on a new chapter in his life, both professionally and personally. He began a fruitful partnership with the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in 1946, marking the beginning of his professional career as a railroad artist. This partnership gave Fogg a steady income, which was important for his growing family. This also allowed his artwork to reach a wider audience, establishing his reputation in the railroad industry. His ALCO years were significant in shaping his career, enabling him to combine his love for trains with his artistic talent and ultimately fulfilling his dream of painting trains for a living.
Artistic Alliance: The Power of Parternships
In 1946, at a gala hosted by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO), Fogg met Lucius Beebe, a renowned writer and a prominent figure in the world of railroad literature. Captivated by Fogg’s talent, Beebe quickly formed a professional association and friendship with him. This relationship played a crucial role in elevating Fogg’s reputation within the railroad industry. Beebe and his partner, Charles Clegg, collaborated with Fogg on several books. These books, featuring Fogg’s original artwork, allowed him to showcase his ability to capture the wonder and essence of the railroad world. This long-term professional association and friendship not only enhanced Fogg’s career but also contributed significantly to the rich legacy of railroad art that he left behind.
Gaining Steam
As Fogg’s partnership with the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) continued to evolve, so did his career. His work for ALCO, primarily featuring diesel engines, showcased his versatility and meticulous attention to detail. Despite his personal preference for steam locomotives, Fogg adapted to the demands of his ALCO commissions, demonstrating his ability to work across different themes and styles. Alongside his work for ALCO, Fogg also undertook private commissions. These commissions allowed him more artistic freedom and often featured his beloved steam locomotives. This period also marked the beginning of Fogg’s professional relationship and friendship with John W. Barriger III, whom he met at an ALCO event. Barriger, then President of the Monon Railroad, commissioned Fogg for several paintings, further enhancing Fogg’s reputation in the railroad industry.
New Horizons
In 1955, Fogg and his family relocated to Boulder, Colorado. Two years later, in 1957, he concluded his formal contract with ALCO, but his career continued to thrive. Colorado’s landscapes and rich railroad history provided him with a wealth of inspiration for his artwork. By this time, Fogg’s career was well-established, and he was in high demand. There was often a two to three year-long waiting list for his paintings. One of his notable commissions during this period was for Union Pacific. He created a series of paintings for the centennial of the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1969. These paintings not only celebrated this significant historical event and the history of Union Pacific but also helped Fogg gain wider exposure. They were used as promotional materials and on dining car menu covers, helping to increase the visibility of his artwork.
End of the Line
In 1981, Howard Fogg faced a significant health challenge. He was diagnosed with constructive pericarditis, a condition affecting the heart. He underwent successful surgery in March 1983 and continued to create captivating railroad art during his recovery. Fogg encountered another health issue in the winter of 1993-94. He lost central vision in his left eye due to a blood clot, but his dedication to his craft persisted. As his health declined, his work pace slowed down, but he continued to paint. His resilience and dedication are evident in the artwork he produced during this challenging period of his life. Howard Fogg passed away on October 1, 1996, after losing his battle with cancer.
An Enduring Legacy
Howard Fogg’s legacy in the world of railroad art is profound and enduring. Over his lifetime, he completed more than 1,200 paintings. Fogg was not just an artist but a ‘railroader with a paintbrush.’ He forged strong ties within the railroad industry throughout his career, enhancing his understanding of the industry and enriching his artwork. Fogg's contributions to art and the railroad industry have been acknowledged and celebrated in numerous books and periodicals, highlighting Fogg’s impact and influence. Fogg’s work continues to inspire long after his passing. His paintings serve as a reminder of the power of following one’s passion and the beauty that can result from it. His paintings not only serve as a testament to his talent and passion but also evoke the nostalgia of the golden era of railroading, capturing its essence for future generations to appreciate.