Analytical Cubist Portrait of a Colorful Elegant Woman by Dave Fox

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Dave Fox, a perceptive life observer, effortlessly translated his experiences into art, a journey that began amidst the Austrian countryside, … Read more Dave Fox, a perceptive life observer, effortlessly translated his experiences into art, a journey that began amidst the Austrian countryside, where nature served as his early canvas. Upon transplanting his life to Los Angeles, Fox discovered new artistic playgrounds, balancing his craft between the sprawling landscapes and the diverse tapestry of people.

His artistic repertoire found equilibrium, skillfully dividing attention between the intricacies of landscapes and the nuanced portrayal of human forms. A master of capturing personality and vitality, Fox's prowess in drawing the human figure became a hallmark of his work.
Always armed with his trusty sketchpad, Fox traversed the vibrant scenes of Melrose Avenue, capturing the essence of people immersed in everyday life. From the lively stalls of Farmer’s Market to the chestnut vendor and fish seller, his art mirrored the tapestry of urban experiences.

In this work, dated 1992, the marriage of academic tradition and cubist modernity unfolds seamlessly. It oversteps the conventional cubist portrayal of multiple angles cohabiting within the same volume, offering a free adaptation of an elegant woman's face. Complemented by pastels and vivid colors, the clean, crisp lines add substance and character to the overall aesthetic.

The illusion of depth dissipates, giving way to an elegant assemblage of vertically structured fragments that accentuate the model’s finesse and grace.

The portrait is signed lower left and dated 92. It is presented in a gold frame.

Dave Fox was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1920, where he lived until shortly after the annexation of Austria in late 1938. He came to the United States in December 1939 and settled in Los Angeles. Dave was inducted into and served with the U.S. Army in the Philippines and Japan.

Returning to the US, Dave studied at some of the first art schools in Los Angeles. He studied with artists such as Rico Lebrun, Frances de Erderly, and Emil Bistrim at the Bistrim School of Fine Art. At the Jepson Art Institute, Guy Maccoy, a noted pioneer in serigraphy, introduced Dave to printmaking. After completing his studies, Dave was employed by an electronics firm as an artist and graphic designer. Throughout his long career, he always returned to themes that reflected his Jewish upbringing. His sketchpad, always with him, became his vehicle for capturing the world he saw. Dave’s work included printmaking, painting, illustration, ceramics, and computer graphics.
Finally, when Dave turned his attention to ceramics, he created a series of Jewish ceremonial objects – seder plates, Kiddush cups, and Havdalah sets. Into his nineties, Dave still painted every day and continued to be a keen observer of the world around him. See less