David Bates (American, b. 1952). Sealy House, Galveston, 1993. Oil on canvas. 24 x 30 inches (61.0 x 76.2 cm). Signed an...

Description

David Bates (American, b. 1952)
Sealy House, Galveston, 1993
Oil on canvas
24 x 30 inches (61.0 x 76.2 cm)
Signed and dated lower right: Bates 93
Signed, dated, and inscribed on the stretcher: David Bates - Ashton Villa 93

PROVENANCE:
Carey Ellis Company, Houston.

David Bates became a noted realistic figure and narrative painter at a time when Abstract Expressionism was all-prevailing. His work is heavily influenced by modernism including the painting of Vincent Van Gogh, German Expressionism and American Expressionist, Marsden Hartley. He later added abstract sculpture to his pursuits, working in painted wood and painted bronze. "A natural storyteller influenced by his Texas upbringing and affection for family and longtime friends, Bates uses dark outlines, simplified forms, and heavy impastos in compositions that appear at once almost naive and highly sophisticated." (Dreisbach 9)

Born in nearby Dallas, he spent his childhood in Garland where his mother encouraged his art talent. His father took him hunting and fishing, and he often incorporated outdoor sporting themes into his subject matter. He earned degrees from Southern Methodist University and did a year of independent study at the Whitney Museum in New York City. There he was most unique because he did figurative work among abstractionists, but he was encouraged by Red Grooms, who made it seem okay to paint figures and realism.

He married a fellow student from SMU in 1980 and taught art at Eastfield College in Dallas. In 1983, he turned to full-time painting and became known as a Neo- Expressionist, who interjected both vision and a sense of humor into his painting. While still based in Texas, Bates has attained national and international acclaim for his paintings of Texas and the Gulf Coast, as well as revitalizing the still-life as a subject of American art-as seen in Cyclamen and Lemon.

Bates is a compulsive painter who works every day and completes about fifteen paintings per year. He makes numerous drawings before beginning his canvases. In Sealy House, Galveston, he utilizes his distinctive style with thick impasto, heavy brushwork, and black outlines to create an almost architectural portrait of this historical landmark.

Sources include:
Docent Files, Phoenix Art Museum
Janet Dreisbach, Foreward to Singular Expressions, exhibition catalogue of Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery

More information about David Bates. See also: Bates, David Artist.



*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.