"Charlie Sava," 1974

Joan Brown

1938-1990

"Charlie Sava," 1974

Lithograph on paper
From the edition of unknown size
Signed and dated in pencil lower left: Joan Brown
Image/Sheet: 30.125" H x 22.25" W

Joan Brown (1938-1990) was a prominent American figurative painter associated with the Bay Area Figurative Movement. Known for her vibrant and introspective artworks, Brown played a significant role in the revival of figurative painting in the 1960s and 1970s. Her distinctive style and exploration of personal identity and social issues made her a highly respected and influential artist.

Joan Brown was born on February 13, 1938, in San Francisco, California. Growing up in the vibrant art scene of the Bay Area, she developed an early interest in art. Brown's artistic talent was evident from a young age, and she enrolled in the California School of Fine Arts (now known as the San Francisco Art Institute) in 1955. There, she studied under prominent artists such as Elmer Bischoff, Richard Diebenkorn, and Clyfford Still, who played a significant role in shaping her artistic vision.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Brown began to gain recognition for her works. Her early paintings were influenced by abstract expressionism but gradually transitioned into a more figurative style. She drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including personal experiences, mythology, and art history. Brown's work often featured bold and expressive brushstrokes, with vibrant colors that captured the vitality and energy of her subjects.

During the 1960s, Brown became associated with the Bay Area Figurative Movement—a group of artists that included Richard Diebenkorn, David Park, and Elmer Bischoff. The movement emphasized a return to figuration after the dominance of abstract expressionism. Brown's artworks from this period often depicted herself, her family, and everyday objects. Her introspective and autobiographical approach to art resonated with many viewers, as she explored themes of identity, femininity, and the human experience.

In the 1970s, Brown's artistic style evolved further. She incorporated elements of pop art and experimented with collage and mixed media, and also made significant contributions to the field of printmaking throughout her artistic career. While she is primarily known for her paintings, Brown's exploration of printmaking techniques allowed her to expand her creative practice and experiment with new forms of expression.

in 1972 Brown began training with Hall of Fame swimming coach Charlie Sava, who became a life-long friend and mentor, and a frequent subject of her paintings. Sava, a highly regarded swim coach known for his expertise and dedication to the sport, began working with young swimmers and quickly gained a reputation for his ability to connect with athletes and create a positive training environment. Under Sava's guidance, many of his swimmers have achieved remarkable success, with numerous national and international champions emerging from his coaching programs. His coaching methods have produced athletes who have represented their countries in prestigious swimming competitions, including the Olympic Games and World Championships.

One of the printmaking techniques that Joan Brown frequently utilized was lithography. Brown's lithographs retained the same expressive quality and narrative elements that were characteristic of her paintings. She skillfully translated her bold brushwork, gestural lines, and rich colors onto the lithographic surface, resulting in vibrant and dynamic prints.

Related artists include John Altoon, Robert Arneson, Elmer Bischoff, William Theophilus Brown, Roy Dean De Forest, Richard Diebenkorn, Frank Lobdell, Bruce McGaw, John McLaughlin, Manuel Neri, Nathan Oliveira, David Park, Roland Petersen, John Saccaro, Hassel Smith, Raimonds Staprans, James Weeks, William T Wiley, Emerson Woelffer, and Paul Wonner.

Condition: Overall good condition. Full sheet with deckled edges. Pea-sized or smaller areas of pale staining scattered primarily throughout the main figure's face and in the swimming figures in the background. Pinhead-sized or smaller areas of occasional grime scattered throughout.

Unframed but mounted to a back mat.

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