Roy Lichtenstein - the creator of the style of "pop art"

An outstanding artist of the XX century, he compiled comics, breathing new life into them, forcing viewers to focus on the main thing, discarding minor details. It is enough in his paintings and humor, and irony over the classical patterns of painting, decorated in a modern style. Colleagues in the creative department, photographers and critics were fascinated by the paintings that Roy Lichtenstein painted.

Childhood and youth

The future artist was born in a suburb 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 the boy (who, by the way, was very doubtful), he was sent to study at a prestigious art school.

New unusual objects like Roy, and now he is beginning to wake up craving for beauty. So much so that after graduation, he for some time on his own initiative attends classes in the Student League of the Arts. Unfortunately, the universities in New York required too much money, and Roy Lichtenstein went to a higher educational institution in Ohio, focused on the study of the arts.

Training. First steps

Mastering the classical techniques of painting, studying its history, theoretical disciplines and a relatively new design direction, the future creator tries to find his direction in art, to develop a style and recognizable style of drawing. But the first paintings are too similar to the work of the famous Picasso and Braque. The young man remains unhappy with himself, but not so much that it has grown into a real depression. From thoughts of the beautiful it is distracted by the Second World War, which America entered in 1943. All those 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, to obtain a master's degree and begin teaching at the alma mater.

Attempt at writing

Roy Lichtenstein, whose paintings were not very original at the very beginning of his career, held his first exhibition in 1948. Then she did not produce the expected excitement. We can say that the work went unnoticed, since they did not carry the individuality of the person who created them. These were excellent examples of Cubism, but only.

After a while there is another exhibition, this time in Manhattan, in New York. Get recognition in this city meant to draw out a lucky ticket. Critics notice works. The work of Roy Lichtenstein already contains the elements of not only Cubism, but also expressionism, a special style is emerging that is focused on non-standard topics and the choice of color.

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 study classical painting, he is attracted to mass art. Roy Lichtenstein pays attention to advertising, comics, cartoons, any memorable images. He takes them as a basis and complements his drawings, turning into something new.

Such a sharp turn at first aroused bewilderment and rejection among the public, who was accustomed to a certain direction in painting and did not want to show flexibility. But over time, the artist Roy Lichtenstein receives the first rave reviews, the new style has fans and even connoisseurs.

On the rise

In the sixties, the time of world fame is coming. Every art lover knows who Roy Lichtenstein is. His paintings want to have all the prestigious galleries, there are exhibitions in Europe and America. The new style was given the name "pop art". And he not only took root, but also received 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 offspring leaves a cozy workshop and goes out into the big world, it ceases to be of interest to the creator. Roy Lichtenstein returns to the undeservedly forgotten expressionism and abstractionism, which greatly surprises his fans.

In a relatively short period of time, this outstanding artist was able to write himself into 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. Creativity Roy Lichtenstein still serves as an example for beginning 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 cardinal changes that occurred with his creative vision of his paintings, somewhat distanced the audience. The second wave of popularity came later, when already followers, adepts of a new style, began to extol the name of their teacher and mentor.