theuniquedrawings1970s

1974

Barks drew this sketch of Scrooge in his bathtub and himself at the drawing board in a letter to fan Jim Lowe.

The text reads:
Write a letter to Jim Lowe in Tallynassy. Thank him for the nice things he says about me, and tell him that you can't take any more orders for paintings. I'll have worked you to death long before you get your present orders finished. Hurry up!

1974

Barks sent this sketch to Kalervo Pulkkinen, a comics fan and architect from Finland.

The text reads:
I, too, like to do things with architecture, Kalervo!

1975

Fan Harry Blackstone consulted Barks on how to write a comic book story. Barks sent him this sketch advising him to present a story in a quickly readable way in order to get the reader's attention.

The text reads:
Follow format of title pages for first page of script. Then rough out other pages in 6, 7, or 8 panel breakdowns. - Huey, Dewey, Louie come here quick! A herd of lions are in our poppy patch! - Snarl - Lions! - Unca Donald has been smoking those poppies again! - Never mind, kids! Just run for your lives!

1970s

Barks sent this sketch to a fan in Finland.

The text reads:
Finland, here we come!

1975

Barks sent this sketch and story idea to Italian duck artist Romano Scarpa.

The text reads:
Money odor.
Brigitte sprays herself with 'money' perfume.
If this siren idea is any good, you're welcome to it. C.B.
Dear Romano (and Brigitte) - Sorry to be so slow at sending this slide. Have been very busy painting. Garé and I enjoyed meeting you and the other fine artists and writers. We wish you much success. Carl Barks.

Barks accidentally misspelled the Italian character's name which is Brigitta.

1977

Carl and Garé Barks sent a congratulation to the Dutch Donald Duck Weekly in the form of a special postcard. It bore a copy from one of Garé's paintings titled 'Song of the South' from 1976.

The text reads:
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DUTCH DONALD DUCK WEEKLY FOR 25 YEARS OF SUCCESSFUL PUBLICATION.
CARL & GARÉ BARKS

1974

Barks sent this family picture to Italian fan Piero Zanotto who had asked for some proof that he actually existed!

1973

A high school requested an original duck drawing which could be used in class for studying. Barks complied by sending this rough sketch.

1976

Sketch sent to Danish artist Freddy Milton.

The text reads:
Plenty of time ... this old hack won't be 75 until March 27th, meanwhile he still feels no older than 74 years, 11 months, and some days. - Why don't you celebrate something worthwhile - like the birth date of beer? - Wheeze - Gasp - Grunt - Chatter - Squeak

1970s

Sketch sent to Markku Kivekäs, the former editor of Finnish magazine Aku Ankka (Donald Duck).

The text reads:
Hi, Markku!