Only Ballantine Ale Brews "Brewer's Gold," ad illustration appeared in the major magazines of the day. A magic moment is caught at a peak point of drama. br It's the instant of friends having fun. br A cold beer from the fridge is offered and it's is acknowledged with a head nod. br The woman in the foreground covers her giggling face reacting to a funny comment. br The decisive moment is preserved. br Sounds like a critique of an art photograph? br No, it's an illustrator. br This ingenious Infiniti "S" composition simultaneously represents the best of photography and painting. br Cartier-Bresson could have captured the precise moment. br While Nicolas Poussin could have rendered the complex figural composition. br Add to it , a painting technique and color scheme with the quick drama of a post-impressionist. br We have a great work of art by an overlooked American illustrator\\u002Fartist\\u002Fpainter, Mike Ludlow. br "Here's a cold one for you Mike!" br Signed lower right