Lois Wiltse O'Brien was an American artist known for her abstract paintings and her work as a teacher and arts administrator. O'Brien was born in Seattle, Washington, in 1926. She studied art at the University of Washington and the San Francisco Art Institute. In the 1950s, she moved to New York City, where she became involved in the abstract expressionist movement. O'Brien's paintings are characterized by their use of bright colors, geometric shapes, and gestural brushwork. She often incorporated elements of collage into her work. O'Brien taught at the School of Visual Arts in New York City for over 20 years. She was also a founding member of the Women's Caucus for Art.

O'Brien's work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. She has received numerous awards, including the Guggenheim Fellowship and the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship. O'Brien's work is in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. She died in 2009.

Lois Wiltse O'Brien was a pioneer in the field of abstract expressionism. Her work helped to shape the development of the movement and continues to inspire artists today.

lois wiltse o'brien

Lois Wiltse O'Brien was a pioneering abstract expressionist painter, teacher, and arts administrator. Her work is characterized by its use of bright colors, geometric shapes, and gestural brushwork. O'Brien was a founding member of the Women's Caucus for Art, and her work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world.

• Abstract Expressionist
• Pioneer
• Teacher
• Arts Administrator
• Women's Caucus for Art
• Geometric Shapes
• Bright Colors
• Gestural Brushwork

O'Brien's work is significant for its contribution to the development of abstract expressionism. Her use of bright colors and geometric shapes helped to define the movement's aesthetic. O'Brien was also a pioneer in the field of arts administration, and she played a key role in the development of the Women's Caucus for Art. O'Brien's work continues to inspire artists today, and her legacy as a pioneer in the field of abstract expressionism is secure.

Abstract Expressionist

Abstract Expressionism is a style of painting that emerged in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s. It is characterized by its use of bold colors, gestural brushwork, and abstract forms. Abstract Expressionists sought to express their inner emotions and experiences through their art, rather than depicting the external world. Lois Wiltse O'Brien was a leading figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement.

• Use of Color

  Abstract Expressionists used bold, vibrant colors to create a sense of energy and movement in their paintings. O'Brien's work is known for its use of bright, primary colors, which she often applied in thick layers.

• Gestural Brushwork

  Abstract Expressionists used gestural brushwork to create a sense of spontaneity and freedom in their paintings. O'Brien's brushwork is often characterized by its energy and fluidity.

• Abstract Forms

  Abstract Expressionists used abstract forms to create a sense of mystery and ambiguity in their paintings. O'Brien's work often incorporates geometric shapes, such as circles, squares, and triangles.

• Inner Emotions

  Abstract Expressionists sought to express their inner emotions and experiences through their art. O'Brien's work often reflects her personal experiences and struggles.

Lois Wiltse O'Brien was one of the most important figures in the Abstract Expressionist movement. Her work helped to define the movement's aesthetic and continues to inspire artists today.

Pioneer

Lois Wiltse O'Brien was a pioneer in the field of abstract expressionism. She was one of the first women to achieve success in a field that was dominated by men. O'Brien's work helped to break down barriers and pave the way for other women artists.

O'Brien was a pioneer not only in her art, but also in her role as an arts administrator. She was a founding member of the Women's Caucus for Art, an organization that advocates for women artists. O'Brien's work as an arts administrator helped to create opportunities for other women artists and to raise awareness of the challenges that they faced.

O'Brien's pioneering spirit is evident in all of her work. She was not afraid to experiment and to push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable art. O'Brien's work is a testament to her courage and her determination to make a difference in the world.

Teacher

Lois Wiltse O'Brien was a dedicated and influential teacher. She taught at the School of Visual Arts in New York City for over 20 years, where she mentored and inspired generations of students. O'Brien's teaching philosophy was based on the belief that all students have the potential to be great artists.

O'Brien was known for her generosity and her willingness to share her knowledge and expertise with her students. She was always available to offer guidance and support, and she encouraged her students to experiment and to take risks in their work. O'Brien's students have gone on to become successful artists, educators, and arts administrators.

O'Brien's teaching had a profound impact on the art world. She helped to shape the development of abstract expressionism and to promote the careers of women artists. O'Brien's legacy as a teacher continues to inspire artists and educators today.

Arts Administrator

Lois Wiltse O'Brien was a dedicated and influential arts administrator. She played a key role in the development of the art world, particularly in the field of abstract expressionism.

O'Brien was a founding member of the Women's Caucus for Art, an organization that advocates for women artists. She also served on the board of directors of the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts. In these roles, O'Brien worked to promote the careers of women artists and to make the art world more inclusive.

O'Brien's work as an arts administrator was essential to the success of the abstract expressionist movement. She helped to organize exhibitions, secure funding, and promote the work of abstract expressionist artists. O'Brien's efforts helped to raise the profile of abstract expressionism and to make it one of the most important art movements of the 20th century.

Women's Caucus for Art

The Women's Caucus for Art (WCA) is a feminist organization of visual artists, art historians, and critics founded in 1972. WCA is dedicated to promoting the careers of women artists and to fighting against sexism in the art world.

• Advocacy

  WCA advocates for women artists through a variety of means, including public awareness campaigns, lobbying efforts, and educational programs.

• Networking

  WCA provides a network for women artists to connect with each other, share ideas, and support each other's work.

• Exhibitions

  WCA organizes exhibitions of women artists' work, both in the United States and internationally.

• Publications

  WCA publishes a journal, "Woman's Art Journal," which features articles on women artists and art history.

Lois Wiltse O'Brien was a founding member of the Women's Caucus for Art. She was a strong advocate for women artists and played a key role in the development of the organization. O'Brien served on the WCA board of directors for many years and was instrumental in organizing some of the organization's most important early exhibitions.

The Women's Caucus for Art has been a major force in the advancement of women artists. The organization has helped to raise the profile of women artists, to fight against sexism in the art world, and to create opportunities for women artists to succeed.

Geometric Shapes

Geometric shapes are a recurring element in the work of Lois Wiltse O'Brien. She often used circles, squares, and triangles to create a sense of order and structure in her paintings. O'Brien's use of geometric shapes was also influenced by her interest in mathematics and science.

One of the most striking examples of O'Brien's use of geometric shapes is her painting "Composition in Red and Blue" (1959). This painting is composed of a series of interlocking circles and squares. The circles are painted in bright red, while the squares are painted in deep blue. The contrast between the two colors creates a sense of tension and energy. The geometric shapes also create a sense of movement, as the circles seem to float across the canvas.

O'Brien's use of geometric shapes was not limited to her abstract paintings. She also used geometric shapes in her figurative paintings. In her painting "Woman with a Parasol" (1955), O'Brien uses a series of geometric shapes to create the figure of a woman. The woman's head is a circle, her body is a triangle, and her parasol is a square. The use of geometric shapes gives the painting a sense of simplicity and elegance.

O'Brien's use of geometric shapes was an important part of her artistic style. Her use of geometric shapes helped her to create a sense of order and structure in her paintings. O'Brien's use of geometric shapes also reflected her interest in mathematics and science.

Bright Colors

Lois Wiltse O'Brien was known for her use of bright colors in her paintings. She often used primary colors, such as red, yellow, and blue, as well as secondary colors, such as orange, green, and purple. O'Brien's use of bright colors was influenced by her interest in the work of the Fauves and other early 20th-century artists who used color to express emotion and energy.

O'Brien's use of bright colors was essential to her artistic style. Her colors are often vibrant and saturated, and they create a sense of energy and movement in her paintings. O'Brien's use of color also helped her to express her emotions and experiences. For example, her painting "Red and Blue" (1959) is characterized by its use of bright red and blue colors. The red color creates a sense of energy and excitement, while the blue color creates a sense of calm and serenity. The painting is a reflection of O'Brien's own emotional state at the time she painted it.

O'Brien's use of bright colors had a significant impact on the development of abstract expressionism. Her work helped to break down the barriers between figuration and abstraction, and it inspired other artists to experiment with the use of color in their own work. O'Brien's legacy as a colorist continues to inspire artists today.

Gestural Brushwork

Gestural brushwork is a painting technique that involves using the brush in a free and expressive manner. The artist's hand and arm movements are visible in the brushstrokes, which are often bold and energetic. Gestural brushwork is often used to convey emotion and movement in a painting.

Lois Wiltse O'Brien was a master of gestural brushwork. Her paintings are characterized by their bold, sweeping brushstrokes and vibrant colors. O'Brien used gestural brushwork to express her emotions and experiences. Her paintings are often full of energy and movement, and they convey a sense of freedom and spontaneity.

O'Brien's use of gestural brushwork was influenced by her interest in abstract expressionism. Abstract expressionism is a style of painting that emerged in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s. Abstract expressionists sought to express their inner emotions and experiences through their art, rather than depicting the external world. Gestural brushwork was a key component of abstract expressionism, as it allowed artists to convey their emotions and experiences in a direct and powerful way.

O'Brien's use of gestural brushwork had a significant impact on the development of abstract expressionism. Her work helped to break down the barriers between figuration and abstraction, and it inspired other artists to experiment with the use of gestural brushwork in their own work. O'Brien's legacy as a master of gestural brushwork continues to inspire artists today.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lois Wiltse O'Brien

Lois Wiltse O'Brien was a pioneering abstract expressionist painter, teacher, and arts administrator. Her work is characterized by its use of bright colors, geometric shapes, and gestural brushwork. O'Brien was a founding member of the Women's Caucus for Art, and her work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world.

Lois Wiltse O'Brien's artistic style is characterized by its use of bright colors, geometric shapes, and gestural brushwork. Her work is often described as abstract expressionist, as it expresses her inner emotions and experiences rather than depicting the external world.

Some of O'Brien's most famous works include "Composition in Red and Blue" (1959), "Woman with a Parasol" (1955), and "Red and Blue" (1959). These paintings are known for their vibrant colors, bold brushwork, and geometric shapes.

O'Brien was a pioneering figure in the art world. She was a founding member of the Women's Caucus for Art, and she served on the board of directors of the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts. O'Brien's work as an arts administrator helped to promote the careers of women artists and to make the art world more inclusive.

O'Brien's legacy is as a pioneering abstract expressionist painter, teacher, and arts administrator. Her work helped to shape the development of abstract expressionism and to promote the careers of women artists. O'Brien's work continues to inspire artists today.

Summary: Lois Wiltse O'Brien was a significant figure in the art world. Her work as a painter, teacher, and arts administrator helped to shape the development of abstract expressionism and to promote the careers of women artists. O'Brien's legacy continues to inspire artists today.

Transition to the next article section: Lois Wiltse O'Brien's work is a testament to her creativity, passion, and dedication to art. Her work continues to inspire artists and art lovers around the world.

Tips from Lois Wiltse O'Brien

Lois Wiltse O'Brien was a pioneering abstract expressionist painter, teacher, and arts administrator. Her work is characterized by its use of bright colors, geometric shapes, and gestural brushwork. O'Brien was a founding member of the Women's Caucus for Art, and her work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world.

Here are some tips from Lois Wiltse O'Brien:

Tip 1: Use bold colors and geometric shapes.

O'Brien's work is known for its use of bright colors and geometric shapes. She used these elements to create a sense of energy and movement in her paintings. Try experimenting with different colors and shapes to see how they can affect the mood and tone of your work.

Tip 2: Don't be afraid to experiment.

O'Brien was not afraid to experiment with new techniques and materials. She often used unconventional materials in her work, such as sand, dirt, and even food. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try something new. You never know what you might create.

Tip 3: Find your own voice.

O'Brien's work is unique and instantly recognizable. She developed her own unique style by experimenting and finding what worked for her. Don't try to copy other artists. Instead, focus on developing your own unique voice.

Tip 4: Be persistent.

O'Brien faced many challenges in her career, but she never gave up on her dream of becoming an artist. She persevered through rejection and criticism, and eventually achieved success. Don't give up on your dreams. Keep working hard and eventually you will achieve your goals.

Tip 5: Give back to the community.

O'Brien was a strong advocate for women artists. She was a founding member of the Women's Caucus for Art, and she served on the board of directors of the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts. O'Brien believed that it was important to give back to the community and to help other artists succeed. Find ways to give back to your community, whether it's through teaching, volunteering, or mentoring other artists.

Summary: Lois Wiltse O'Brien was a pioneering artist who made a significant contribution to the art world. Her tips can help you to develop your own unique voice as an artist and to achieve your goals.

Transition to the article's conclusion: Lois Wiltse O'Brien's legacy continues to inspire artists today. Her work is a testament to her creativity, passion, and dedication to art.

Conclusion

Lois Wiltse O'Brien was a pioneering abstract expressionist painter, teacher, and arts administrator. Her work is characterized by its use of bright colors, geometric shapes, and gestural brushwork. O'Brien was a founding member of the Women's Caucus for Art, and her work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world.

O'Brien's work is significant for its contribution to the development of abstract expressionism. Her use of bright colors and geometric shapes helped to define the movement's aesthetic. O'Brien was also a pioneer in the field of arts administration, and she played a key role in the development of the Women's Caucus for Art. O'Brien's work continues to inspire artists today, and her legacy as a pioneer in the field of abstract expressionism is secure.

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