William Whitaker (1943-2018)

William Whitaker biography:

William Whitaker is an artist who has been at the forefront of painting’s representational revival during recent years.  The Chicago-born master of classical realism has 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 for twelve years he has 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.

Finally, Whitaker’s classical training is nowhere more evident than in his highly effective depiction of drapery.  He executes fabric expertly in paint and uses cloth as a means of unifying his composition.  His focus on drapery rather than on clothing contributes greatly to the classical appearance of his work.  All three of these characteristics lead to what Whitaker describes as a “tension between the real and the illusion, between a formal structural approach and a certain amount of abandon.”

William Whitaker has received gold and silver medals from the National Academy of Western Art and is featured in numerous collections.

Available paintings:

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“Comanche Camp”
William Whitaker
oil   22″ x 16″   
$2,500

See additional information about “Comanche Camp”.