Stephen Pace

Stephen Pace (1918-2010) was an American artist renowned for his dynamic works that transitioned seamlessly between Abstract Expressionism and figurative painting. His career spanned more than six decades, during which he earned acclaim for his vibrant use of color, energetic brushstrokes, and a unique ability to infuse abstraction with a sense of vitality and movement. This biography delves into Pace’s life, artistic evolution, and two of his most significant artworks, highlighting his lasting impact on the art world.

Early Life and Education

Stephen Pace was born on December 12, 1918, in Charleston, Missouri. Growing up in a rural setting, he was exposed to the natural beauty and simple life of the American Midwest, which would later influence his artistic vision. His talent for drawing and painting was evident from a young age, and he pursued his passion with determination.

In 1933, at the age of 15, Pace began formal art training under WPA artist Thomas Hart Benton in Kansas City, Missouri. Benton’s emphasis on strong, rhythmic forms and the depiction of American life left a lasting impression on Pace. In 1937, Pace received a scholarship to study at the Art Students League in New York, where he was exposed to the vibrant art scene and the works of modern European and American artists.

World War II and Post-War Education

Pace’s artistic journey was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. After the war, he returned to New York and resumed his studies at the Art Students League, where he studied under Reginald Marsh and Morris Kantor. These experiences broadened his understanding of modern art and solidified his commitment to pursuing a career as an artist.

In the late 1940s, Pace traveled to Mexico, where he was influenced by the Mexican muralists and their bold use of color and form. He also spent time in Europe, studying at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris. These experiences exposed him to a wide range of artistic styles and techniques, further shaping his evolving vision.

Emergence as an Abstract Expressionist

By the early 1950s, Pace had fully immersed himself in the New York art scene, which was the epicenter of the Abstract Expressionist movement. He became associated with prominent artists such as Willem de Kooning, Franz Kline, and Jackson Pollock, whose works were characterized by gestural brushstrokes, dynamic compositions, and an emphasis on the emotional and expressive potential of abstraction.

Pace’s early abstract works from this period were marked by vigorous brushwork, bold colors, and a sense of movement and energy. He often used large canvases to create compositions that conveyed a sense of spontaneity and immediacy. His paintings were dynamic and gestural, reflecting the influence of the Abstract Expressionists while retaining a unique sense of rhythm and structure.

Important Artworks

“Red and Black” (1955)

“Red and Black” is one of Stephen Pace’s most notable abstract works, created during his peak period in the mid-1950s. The painting exemplifies Pace’s mastery of color and composition, featuring a dynamic interplay of bold red and black forms against a contrasting white background. The composition is characterized by vigorous brushstrokes and a sense of movement that draws the viewer’s eye across the canvas.

The use of red and black in this work creates a striking visual impact, with the contrasting colors evoking a sense of tension and drama. The dynamic brushstrokes and gestural forms convey a sense of spontaneity and energy, capturing the essence of Abstract Expressionism. “Red and Black” reflects Pace’s ability to balance abstraction with a strong sense of structure and rhythm, creating a composition that is both visually compelling and emotionally resonant.

“Red Umbrella” (1980)

In the 1970s and 1980s, Pace’s work underwent a significant transformation as he shifted from pure abstraction to more figurative and representational subjects. This period of his career saw the emergence of vibrant, colorful scenes depicting everyday life, often inspired by his travels and experiences.

“Red Umbrella” is a prime example of Pace’s later work, created in 1980. The painting features a lively outdoor scene with figures gathered under a large red umbrella, set against a backdrop of lush greenery and a clear blue sky. The composition is characterized by bold, expressive brushstrokes and a vibrant color palette, capturing the energy and vitality of the scene.

The use of color in “Red Umbrella” is particularly striking, with the bright red of the umbrella contrasting with the cooler greens and blues of the background. The figures are rendered with loose, gestural brushstrokes, conveying a sense of movement and spontaneity. The painting reflects Pace’s ability to infuse figurative subjects with the same sense of dynamism and energy that characterized his abstract works.

Later Career and Legacy

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Pace continued to explore figurative and representational subjects, often drawing inspiration from his travels and the natural world. He spent significant time in Maine and Indiana, where he found inspiration in the landscapes and rural scenes. His later works are characterized by a vibrant use of color, expressive brushwork, and a sense of joy and vitality.

Pace’s contributions to modern art were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1961 and a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in 1975. His work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries around the world, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Personal Life and Philosophy

Stephen Pace’s personal life was marked by his deep commitment to his art and his close relationships with fellow artists. He was known for his warm, generous personality and his dedication to mentoring younger artists. Pace believed in the importance of continual experimentation and exploration, and his work reflects a lifelong commitment to pushing the boundaries of his artistic practice.

Pace’s philosophy of art emphasized the importance of color, movement, and form. He believed that art should convey a sense of vitality and energy, capturing the essence of the subject through dynamic compositions and expressive brushwork. His work reflects a deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the world around him, as well as a desire to convey that beauty through his art.

Legacy and Recognition

Stephen Pace’s legacy as an artist lies in his ability to create a unique visual language that combines abstraction and representation in innovative ways. His dynamic compositions, vibrant use of color, and expressive brushwork have left a lasting impact on the field of modern art, influencing generations of artists and viewers.

Pace’s works are included in the collections of major museums and galleries around the world, and his influence extends beyond his own paintings. He played a crucial role in advocating for the recognition and inclusion of abstract artists within the art world, and his contributions to the Abstract Expressionist movement have earned him a place among the great artists of the 20th century.

Conclusion

Stephen Pace’s artistic journey is a testament to his creativity, resilience, and profound understanding of color and form. Through his innovative use of abstraction and his dynamic compositions, he created a body of work that continues to inspire and challenge viewers. “Red and Black” and “Red Umbrella” are just two examples of his ability to convey complex ideas and emotions through abstract and figurative forms. Pace’s legacy as a master of both Abstract Expressionism and figurative painting ensures that his work will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.