12

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

  • Notes:
    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.


    Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipping. As a courtesy to buyers, Moran provides a list of preferred shippers who are in the business of transporting antiques and works of art. Buyers are responsible for arranging their own shipping estimates and deliveries. Moran, in its sole discretion and as a courtesy to buyers, may arrange to have purchased lots packed, insured, and forwarded by a third-party shipper at the request, expense, and risk of the buyer. In circumstances where Moran arranges for such third-party services, Moran may apply an administration charge of 15% of that service fee. Moran assumes no responsibility for acts or omissions in such packing or shipping by other packers or carriers, even if recommended by Moran. Moran also assumes no responsibility for any damage to picture frames or to the glass therein.

June 13, 2023 12:00 PM PDT
Monrovia, CA, US

John Moran Auctioneers

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $25,000
$500,000 + $50,000