An outstanding artist of the 20th century, he compiled comics, breathing new life into them, forcing viewers to focus on the main thing, discarding secondary details. It is enough in his paintings and humor, and irony over the classic samples of painting, decorated in a modern style. Colleagues in the creative workshop, photographers and critics were fascinated by the paintings that Roy Lichtenstein painted.
Childhood and youth
The future artist was born in the suburbs of the most beautiful and modern city in the world - New York. His parents were ordinary hard workers from the middle class and, as they could, provided the child with a decent education. At first it was a municipal school, but, noticing the talent of a boy (who, by the way, was very doubtful), they sent him to study at a prestigious art school.
Roy liked new unusual objects, and now he was beginning to wake up a craving for beauty. So much so that after graduation, for some time, on his own initiative, attends classes in the Student League of Arts. Unfortunately, too much money was required at New York universities, and Roy Lichtenstein was sent to an Ohio state-sponsored art education institution.
Training. First steps
Mastering the classical techniques of painting, studying its history, theoretical disciplines and a relatively new design direction, the future creator is trying to find his own direction in art, to develop a style and recognizable style of drawing. But the first paintings are too similar to the works of the famous Picasso and Braque. The young man remains dissatisfied with himself, but not so much that it develops into a real depression. He was distracted from thoughts of beauty by World War II, which America entered in 1943. All who were fit for service were sent to the front, and Roy was no exception.
When the war ended with the victory of the Allies, the artist managed to complete his education, get a master's degree and start teaching at alma mater.
Attempt at writing
Roy Lichtenstein, whose paintings were not particularly original at the very beginning of his career, held his first exhibition in 1948. Then she did not make the expected excitement. We can say that the work went unnoticed, because it did not carry the individuality of the person who created them. These were great examples of cubism, but nothing more.
After some time, another exhibition appears, this time in Manhattan, in New York. To get recognition in this city was to draw out a lucky ticket. Critics notice the work. The work of Roy Lichtenstein already contains not only elements of cubism, but also expressionism, a special style appears, focused on non-standard subjects and the selection of colors.
Unexpected changes
After a short period of time, in the mid-fifties of the last century, the artist decides to change the manner and style of his work. He no longer wants to engage in classical painting, he is attracted to mass art. Roy Lichtenstein pays attention to advertising, comics, cartoons, any catchy images. He takes them as a basis and supplements them with his drawings, turning them into something new.
Such a sharp turn at first caused bewilderment and rejection among the public, which was used to a certain direction in painting and did not want to be flexible. But over time, the artist Roy Lichtenstein receives the first enthusiastic reviews, the new style has fans and even connoisseurs.
On the rise
In the sixties comes the time of world fame. Every art lover knows who Roy Lichtenstein is. All prestigious galleries want his paintings; exhibitions are held in Europe and America. The new style was given the name "pop art". And he not only took root, but also got his fans and followers.
The end of the last century was for the artist the stage of the final formation of his direction in art, filling it with details and ideas. But as soon as his brainchild leaves a cozy workshop and enters the big world, it ceases to be interesting for the creator. Roy Lichtenstein returns to undeservedly forgotten expressionism and abstractionism, which greatly surprises his fans.
For a relatively short period of time, this outstanding artist was able to write himself in history as the author of an authentic, new style. In addition, he became famous as a creator who several times in his life changed the manner of writing. The work of Roy Lichtenstein still serves as an example for aspiring artists, and his paintings are sold at the most prestigious auctions.
Liechtenstein died at the end of the twentieth century, in 1997. He was not forgotten by fans and friends, but the radical changes that occurred with his creative vision of his own paintings somewhat alienated the public. The second wave of popularity came later, when the followers, adherents of the new style, began to extol the name of their teacher and mentor.