More than any other sketch artist, this one resonated with bob for capturing whimsical animals in much more detail than bob could ever manage, and entered his life in two widely separated moments.
I stumbled on a few of his postcards in the Ahlens basement where the T-Centrallen main subway station of Stockholm opened up to, during one of my numerous visits in the late 1980s to the relativity group at the Physics Dept of Stockholm University courtesy of my friend Kjell Rosquist. Independently I had gotten four of his prints earlier in life in high school or university studies, one of which (Tiger) I had framed on my office wall for decades. I only learned the connection using Google image search in 2025.
I ripped off the right gator for a tearful goodbye sketch for the retirement dinner (early 1990s) for my one year officemate Sister Rita Ehrmann at Villanova University Dept of Mathematical Sciences as it was then called [Obituary 2003, African Footprints 1985].Unless there was another postcard with this exact sketch that I don't have in my possession now. Vaguely I remember it, with its title. But did not locate in my memorables. Nor on the web.
Crocodile
Tears.
Published by 1968, 1971 as postcards by About us - Pictura USA Pictura Graphica, Sweden's largest postcard publisher.
Mmany of his whimsical sketches are here: https://nwcartographic.com/search?type=product%2Cpage&q=kotopoulis
The two alligators complete with text explaining the artist:
https://nwcartographic.com/products/91001?_pos=4&_sid=b442d1541&_ss=r
This is a finely preserved vintage poster from the late 1960s, showcasing the delicate hand of Dino Kotopoulis. A contemporary painter and illustrator, he was a prolific worker, and collaborated extensively with StarKist Tuna for their Charlie the Tuna commercials. Known for his illustrations and caricatures, Kotopoulis also produced sculptures in wood and metal.
Done on thin but sturdy, parchment paper, this fine art print has the appearance of a hand painted work print. The print depicts two alligators embracing, surrounded by green and blue flowers. They are rather stylized and drawn in an expressionist manner.
Looart was founded in 1947 by Orin Loo out of the family garage, whom had early success creating greeting cards. Orin's wife Miriam then started a company called Current that sold “Post-A-Notes” in bulk to local churches advertising them as a fundraising item. In the 1960s Orin and Miriam’s sons, Dusty and Gary merged the two companies to for the Looart Press which would produce remarkable travel posters and prints among other items until the business sold in 1987 for $115 million.
Google search https://www.google.com/search?q=dino+kotopoulis, https://www.google.com/search?q=Looart+Press
Two more sketches not found elsewhere: https://www.mutualart.com/Exhibition/Metropolis-of-Kotopoulis/FE7F75A029BCBC64
And a kangaroo sketch I used to have somewhere: https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vtg-60s-original-dino-kotopoulis-1875713240
Together.
Rhino.
Sheep.
Bull.
Cheer
up.
An
on a Flower.
Horse.
[bob print]
Cat
of Hearts.
If You Must Suffer, Suffer Well.
Tingle Bells.
Lit
Up.
Kangaroo. Title Unknown. [bob print]
I Long For You.
Rooster.
Turtle.
Butterfly.
Tiger. Bob
ordered in late 1960s, early 1970s? Large print hung on his office wall for
decades.
Animal
collection.
Turtle. Bear. Images not found.
Kangaroo embroidery
Bee
embroidery
Caterpillar
What did you think?