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William O'Connor
FIRST LIGHT (1 of 3), Signed Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Painting

2020

About the Item

FIRST LIGHT (1 of 3), Original Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Painting, 2020 40" x 30" x 2" (HxWxD) Oil on Canvas Hand-signed by the artist. The first work comprising William O'Connor's triptych work First Light, this abstract expressionist painting is reminiscent of some of the works by artist Helen Frankenthaler. He uses bright colors, like the prominent orange ochre, in an expressive and bold composition of chunky shapes to convey abstract depictions of the world and sensations around him. Artist Commentary: Being an early riser, the first light of dawn comes over the hills before the sun is up, I experience the change from night to day. All the night creatures and stars start to disappear and our half-wild pet cats show up for their morning meal and a chance to take a long nap in the house. In that brief period of time before the sun actually appears, the new colors of the day unfold and change rapidly. The first light of the day is fleeting. This is where a painter's inspiration comes with one color and shape combination after another. About the Artist: Beginning life in the heartland of America gave William O’Connor a sense of wonderment in the changing landscape and sky. The distinct seasons in Nebraska left indelible images for him to remember as a painter. The inspirations for his work often come from the recall of childhood memories in Lincoln and later on, life in Southern California. After exciting teenage years, there came a hitch in the US Navy serving his country. More images came from days on the open sea and fascinating foreign places. Subjects of his paintings may include: ancient myths; connections with animals and wildlife; historical places; as well as industrial images. The style and technique of his work evolved from the influence of Modernism and Abstract Expressionism as seen by the masters such as Willem de Kooning and Richard Diebenkorn. This type of painting allows William the freedom of expression especially with vibrant color, invented shapes, and fascinating details, to reveal his inner experience. Series are very prevalent in his work as well as triptychs, diptychs, and individual themes. While attending Otis Art Institute, LA Valley College, and Pasadena City College, William gained a fine art background during his studies of figure drawing, print making, sculpture, art history, ceramics, and other fundamental art courses. This experience served to drive him further into a deliberate pathway of eclectic study from several different institutions and by various professional artists. A great many afternoons during “closed to the public” hours, were spent studying and drawing from the Master’s paintings hanging in the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. From this formidable background in fine art came the choice to concentrate solely on the traditional medium of oil paint.
  • Creator:
    William O'Connor
  • Creation Year:
    2020
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 40 in (101.6 cm)Width: 30 in (76.2 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Boston, MA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 710731stDibs: LU1634210880672

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