**Painter Frank Auerbach Dead At 93**

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Post on Nov 13, 2024

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Painter Frank Auerbach Dead at 93: A Life Dedicated to Capturing the Essence of Humanity

The art world mourns the loss of Frank Auerbach, a renowned British painter known for his intensely expressive portraits and landscapes, who died on October 10, 2023, at the age of 93. Auerbach's distinctive style, characterized by thick impasto and a raw, emotional intensity, earned him a place among the most important British artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

A Life Dedicated to Art

Born in Berlin in 1931, Auerbach fled Nazi Germany with his family in 1939 and settled in London. He studied at the Central School of Art and Design before enrolling at the Royal College of Art in 1952. It was during his time at the Royal College that Auerbach developed his signature style, which would become synonymous with his name.

The Power of Repetition and Impasto

Auerbach's process was characterized by intense focus and repetition. He often painted the same subjects, like his long-time muse, Julia (later Julia Leigh), and the streets of London, repeatedly, over many years. This dedication to repetition allowed him to delve deeper into the essence of his subjects, revealing their vulnerability and humanity through layers of thick paint.

His impasto, the thick application of paint, became a defining feature of his work. The textured surfaces of his paintings are almost tactile, inviting viewers to experience the artist's creative process firsthand. This approach resulted in visually captivating and emotionally resonant paintings, often capturing the fleeting moments of life in a raw and unfiltered way.

Critical Acclaim and Legacy

Auerbach's work garnered critical acclaim throughout his career. He held numerous solo exhibitions at prestigious institutions such as the Tate Gallery and the Royal Academy of Arts in London, as well as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. His paintings are highly sought after by collectors, and he received numerous awards, including the Order of the British Empire in 2007.

Auerbach's legacy extends beyond his prolific artistic output. He was also a renowned teacher, inspiring generations of artists with his dedication to process and his unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of human experience. His loss is deeply felt by the art world, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill.

Beyond the Impasto: An Enduring Influence

Frank Auerbach's artistic journey is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of artistic truth. His unique style, characterized by thick impasto and emotional intensity, will continue to inspire and captivate viewers for generations to come.

His legacy serves as a reminder that art, at its core, is about capturing the essence of human experience, and that the power of expression lies in the ability to translate the complexities of life into tangible form.

Keywords: Frank Auerbach, painter, portraiture, landscape, impasto, British art, London, Royal College of Art, Tate Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Julia Leigh, art legacy, artist, critical acclaim, expressionism, human experience, artistic truth.