Ray Parker
Ray Parker (1922-1990) was an influential American painter known for his innovative contributions to Abstract Expressionism and Color Field painting. Parker’s works are celebrated for their bold use of color, dynamic compositions, and lyrical abstraction. His artistic journey, characterized by a constant exploration of form and color, has left a significant mark on the art world.
Early Life and Education
Raymond Parker was born on August 22, 1922, in Beresford, South Dakota. He grew up in a rural environment, which later influenced his sense of space and light in his artworks. From a young age, Parker showed a keen interest in drawing and painting, which led him to pursue formal art education.
In the early 1940s, Parker attended the University of Iowa, where he studied under the influential artist and educator, Grant Wood. Wood, known for his regionalist style, provided Parker with a solid foundation in painting and a deep appreciation for the American landscape. However, Parker’s artistic vision began to shift towards abstraction, influenced by the works of European modernists like Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró.
Transition to Abstract Expressionism
After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Parker moved to New York City in the late 1940s to immerse himself in the burgeoning art scene. The city was a vibrant hub for Abstract Expressionism, a movement characterized by its emphasis on spontaneous, gestural brushwork and the expressive potential of color.
Parker quickly became associated with leading figures of the movement, such as Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko. These interactions significantly influenced his artistic development. During the early 1950s, Parker’s work transitioned from figurative to abstract, as he experimented with bold brushstrokes, dynamic compositions, and vivid color palettes.
Artistic Philosophy and Style
Ray Parker’s approach to painting was deeply intuitive and spontaneous. He believed in the power of color to convey emotion and sought to create works that engaged the viewer on a visceral level. Parker’s paintings are characterized by their bold, sweeping gestures and a sense of immediacy and movement.
Parker’s style evolved over the years, moving towards a more refined form of abstraction known as Color Field painting. In this style, he focused on large areas of color, often applied in broad, flat planes. This approach allowed Parker to explore the interplay of colors and the spatial relationships within the composition.
Important Artwork: “Lush Life” (1959)
One of Ray Parker’s most significant works is “Lush Life” (1959). This painting exemplifies his mature style and his mastery of color and composition.
“Lush Life” (1959)
“Lush Life” is an oil on canvas that measures approximately 72 inches by 84 inches. The painting is a vibrant exploration of color and form, with large, overlapping shapes of green, yellow, blue, and red creating a dynamic and harmonious composition. The title “Lush Life” suggests a connection to jazz music, which was a significant influence on Parker’s work.
Parker’s use of color in “Lush Life” is particularly notable. The bold, flat areas of color create a sense of depth and movement, while the subtle variations in hue add complexity and richness to the composition. The interplay of colors creates a rhythmic, almost musical quality, reflecting Parker’s interest in the relationship between visual art and music.
The composition of “Lush Life” is both spontaneous and carefully considered. Parker’s brushwork is loose and gestural, yet each shape is precisely placed to create a sense of balance and harmony. The open, airy quality of the painting invites the viewer to explore the interactions of color and form, engaging with the work on an emotional and sensory level.
“Lush Life” is a testament to Parker’s ability to convey emotion and atmosphere through abstraction. The painting’s vibrant colors and dynamic composition invite viewers to immerse themselves in the work, experiencing it as a celebration of color and form.
Teaching and Influence
In addition to his achievements as a painter, Ray Parker was a dedicated and influential teacher. He taught at various institutions, including the University of Minnesota, Hunter College, and the State University of New York at Purchase. Parker’s approach to teaching emphasized the importance of personal expression and the exploration of color and form.
Parker’s impact on his students was profound; many of them went on to become significant artists in their own right. He encouraged his students to experiment with different materials and techniques, fostering an environment of creativity and innovation. Parker’s emphasis on the intuitive and expressive potential of color helped shape the artistic practices of a new generation.
Later Career and Legacy
Ray Parker continued to create and exhibit his work throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. His paintings from this period often featured a more refined approach to color and composition, with an increased emphasis on simplicity and clarity of design. Parker’s later works are characterized by their serene, meditative quality, reflecting his continued exploration of the possibilities of color and form.
Parker received numerous accolades for his contributions to art, including grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation. His work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Parker’s legacy is marked by his innovative approach to color and abstraction and his ability to create works that engage and inspire. His emphasis on the emotional and sensory potential of color has influenced countless artists and continues to resonate in contemporary painting.
Personal Life and Philosophy
Ray Parker’s personal life was characterized by a deep commitment to his art and his family. He married Ruth Cole, a fellow artist, and together they raised two children. Parker’s home and studio in East Hampton, Long Island, provided a space for him to work and experiment with new ideas.
Parker’s artistic philosophy was rooted in the belief that painting was an act of discovery. He viewed his work as a dialogue between the artist and the materials, a process of uncovering hidden possibilities and expressing the inexpressible. This approach is evident in the spontaneity and vitality of his paintings, which continue to resonate with viewers today.
Conclusion
Ray Parker’s artistic journey is a testament to his dedication, creativity, and profound understanding of color and form. Through his innovative approach to abstraction, he created a body of work that continues to inspire and captivate. “Lush Life,” one of his most important works, exemplifies his mastery of color and his ability to evoke emotion and atmosphere through abstraction.
In celebrating Ray Parker’s life and work, we recognize his significant contributions to the development of Abstract Expressionism and Color Field painting and his enduring legacy as both an artist and educator. His paintings remain powerful and evocative, reminding us of the potential of art to transform our perceptions and engage with the world in new and meaningful ways.
