Clyfford Still: The Buffalo and San Francisco Collections

This catalog documents the Clyfford Still paintings held in the collections of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The volume includes reproductions of Still's abstract expressionist works spanning from 1937 to 1976. Author Susan Landauer analyzes Still's artistic evolution through essays focusing on his time teaching in both Buffalo and San Francisco. The book contains detailed information about Still's working methods, his relationships with the two institutions, and the development of his signature style. Technical details about the artworks are provided alongside archival photographs and correspondence that establish context for Still's career trajectory. The reproductions showcase Still's large-scale canvases and his use of texture and color. The book presents Still as a pivotal figure in American abstract expressionism while examining how his connections to Buffalo and San Francisco shaped both his work and his legacy. Through analysis of these specific collections, broader themes emerge about Still's impact on mid-century modern art.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Susan Landauer's overall work: Art historians and curators value Landauer's detailed documentation of California art movements, particularly her research on the San Francisco School of Abstract Expressionism. What readers liked: - Deep research and archival work that uncovers previously undocumented aspects of West Coast art history - Clear writing style that makes complex art movements accessible - Original interviews with artists providing firsthand accounts - High-quality reproductions of artwork in her books What readers disliked: - Academic tone can be dense for general readers - Some found coverage too focused on established artists rather than lesser-known figures - High price points of her art books limit accessibility Ratings: - "The San Francisco School of Abstract Expressionism" - 4.5/5 on Goodreads (12 ratings) - "Elmer Bischoff: The Ethics of Paint" - 4.7/5 on Amazon (6 ratings) Several academic reviewers note her work fills important gaps in documentation of California art. Art students appreciate her thorough citations and bibliographies for research purposes.

Abstract Expressionist Painting in America by William Seitz A comprehensive examination of the Abstract Expressionist movement reveals the context and connections in which Still and his contemporaries worked.

Mark Rothko: A Biography by James E.B. Breslin The life and work of Rothko, Still's fellow Abstract Expressionist, provides insight into the philosophical and artistic concerns that drove this generation of painters.

Willem de Kooning: An American Master by Mark Stevens, Annalyn Swan This biography explores the Abstract Expressionist movement through de Kooning's perspective, offering parallel narratives to Still's artistic development.

Artists in Their Time: Jackson Pollock by Sean Connolly The evolution of Pollock's work and his relationship with other New York School painters intersects with Still's contributions to Abstract Expressionism.

American Abstract Expressionism of the 1950s: An Illustrated Survey by Marika Herskovic A collection of artworks and documentation presents the visual and historical framework of Still's era and artistic community.

🎨 Clyfford Still was one of the most private artists of the 20th century, refusing to sell most of his works to private collectors and keeping around 95% of his total artistic output in his personal possession. 📚 The book documents two significant collections that represent different periods of Still's career - his teaching years at the California School of Fine Arts (now San Francisco Art Institute) and his earlier period in Buffalo, New York. 🖼️ Still's time in Buffalo (1946-1950) marked a crucial transition in his work from semi-figurative paintings inspired by farm laborers to his signature abstract expressionist style with jagged forms and bold colors. 🏛️ The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) acquired 28 of Still's paintings in 1975 through a unique arrangement where Still personally selected which works would be displayed together. 📖 Author Susan Landauer's research provides rare insights into Still's teaching methods, including his unconventional approach of having students work in complete silence and his belief that art education should focus on individual creativity rather than technical instruction.