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William O'Connor
SONGBIRDS, Original Signed Contemporary Red Abstract Expressionist Painting

2020

About the Item

SONGBIRDS, Original Contemporary Red Abstract Expressionist Painting 36" x 48" x 2" (HxWxD) Oil on Canvas Hand-signed by the artist. Though entirely abstract, the rich red that dominates this large-format painting, along with the general layout of its composition, bear a striking allusion to The Red Studio by Henri Matisse. It is as if artist William O'Connor has produced an abstract expressionist take on Matisse's beloved workspace in a more modern and contemporary painting, utilizing spontaneity, energy, and bold design. The bright palette is both striking and refreshing and is sure to be a focal point in any room you hang it in. Unframed. Canvas edges are painted white. Artist Commentary: Three years ago we moved to our home in Glendora. Our efforts growing flowers and maintaining gardens provides a haven for many birds and animals. I hung up a finch bird seed feeder outside my studio. It attracted a flock of around 50 Gold Finches. While I would paint, they would eat, sing, and fly back and forth to the bird bath for water. It was magical. However, our two beautiful outside rescue cats thought the whole flock was for them. Needless to say, I had to stop feeding the Gold Finches. I no longer have the finches, but I do have this painting and Christine McVie's "SONGBIRDS". 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, printmaking, 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: 36 in (91.44 cm)Width: 48 in (121.92 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Gallery Location:
    Boston, MA
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 713301stDibs: LU1634210880332

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