William Whitaker (American 1943-2018), Oil on Panel "Concert Meadow", signed and dated lower left '86, in molded gilt frame, original Connally & Altermann Art Gallery labels on verso

18 in. x 24 in. Framed 24 in. x 30 in.

William Whitaker, a Chicago-born master of classical realism produced a body of work widely recognized for its unmistakable technique and focus.

Whitaker's father was himself an artist, and from him Whitaker inherited the basics of his craft. He learned the importance of figure drawing, the science of mixing paint and the fundamentals of composition. This firm grounding in academic knowledge and skills eventually led to Whitaker's appointment on the faculty of Brigham Young University, where he impressed upon his students the importance of establishing a solid foundation in technique before attempting a personal painting style.

Three things characterize and indeed are hallmarks of Whitaker's mature work. First is his interest in the mystery and sensitivity of female subjects. He finds the difficulty of rendering the softness of the female form in an art piece a source of inexhaustible challenge. The female face, preeminent in his work, especially holds the artist's imagination.

Second, Whitaker acknowledges that he paints ideal forms. Working from models, sketches or photographs, he consciously produces images which summarize a kind of universal beauty rather than producing portraits of individuals. This coupling of idealism with realism accounts for the extremely wide appeal which his work has enjoyed.

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