Rodrigo Moynihan Paintings

(Herbert George) Rodrigo Moyniham (1910-1927) is considered to be a pioneer of abstract painting in England, and a prolific artist in his own right. Many of his paintings are owned by the Tate, and he is best known for his figurative study 'Portrait Group 1951' which features the teaching staff of the painting school at London's Royal College of Art. This wonderful abstract landscape depicts a rain swept hill and is completed in atmospheric tones of blue and grey, contrasted brilliantly by Moynihan's use of rich mustard yellow. The muddy colours perfectly capture the post-war climate, where rationing and the memory of WWII were still fresh in the memory. The viewer is able trace Moyniham's moment and thought process through the quick and textural brush strokes, which are visible in the visceral oil paint. His use of layering and expressive mark making gives a depth and perspective to the landscape, as the eye is continually drawn to numerous areas of interest. The abstract nature of this piece fits with Moyniham's evolving style, from his non-representational works between 1934 and 1937 to the social realism movement in the post-war period. He would later return to abstraction after being in demand for official portraits, executing commissions for Princess Elizabeth (1946) and Prime Minister Clement Attlee (1947). Moynihan was elected to the Royal Academy in 1954 and was instrumental in the formation of the Euston Road Group. He has paintings in the collection of several British institutions including the Glasgow Museums, Derby Art Gallery and in the Imperial War Museum. Signed. On board. Image Size: 44 x 61cm (17.3" x 24") Framed Size: 62 x 77cm (24.4" x 30.3") Artist Biography: Born Herbert George Moynihan in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Rodrigo Moynihan...