Lot 13 - Work on Fishing Boats & Lot 39 - Still Life, Mallow & Apricots
Born in London in 1935, Richard J. Croft PPRUA was a painter and printmaker. He studied at Bromley College of Art from 1951 to 1955 and Brighton College of Art from 1957 to 1958. In 1959, he moved to Belfast to teach pottery in Dunlambert School, later becoming the Head of Art at Annadale Grammer school. He was elected an RUA Academician in 1967, later serving as President of the RUA from 1997 to 2000. Croft was a founding member of Group ’63 and in 1973, with his wife and fellow artist, Helen Kerr, they established the Octagon Gallery.
Croft described his method of painting as 'funambulism or tightrope walking', as he sought balance between abstraction and realism. He began initially as a traditional, realist painter but quickly became influenced by the Geometric Abstraction of the 1960s, which lead to experimental constructions in wood and Perspex. During the 1960s, he produced several kinetic works, but by the 1970s, he returned slowly to painting. Abstract elements continued in Croft’s compositions, often using a cubist style. After settling in Dundrum, his work continued moving towards realism. Croft’s ability to simplify compositions through colour and form effectively translated to his printmaking. Using different methods, like lino cutting and screen printing, required an ability to reduce subjects to minimal lines, shapes and colour.
Lot 13 and Lot 39 in our January art auction demonstrate Croft’s notion of ‘tightrope walking’ as the subjects are foremost realistic representations, yet elements of abstraction persist as forms become simplified into blocks of colour and shape. The compositions become flattened as colour and form are prioritised above shadow and depth. Both paintings share a light and airy palette created by the pastel, purple hue, with brightness and clarity washing over the subject.
Croft’s exhibitions included the Picolo Gallery, CEMA, Arts Council galleries during the 1960s and 1970s. His later exhibitions included the Caldwell Galleries, Cavehill Gallery and Engine Room Gallery. A touring retrospective of his work was held in 2003, beginning at the Naughton Gallery.
Croft described his method of painting as 'funambulism or tightrope walking', as he sought balance between abstraction and realism. He began initially as a traditional, realist painter but quickly became influenced by the Geometric Abstraction of the 1960s, which lead to experimental constructions in wood and Perspex. During the 1960s, he produced several kinetic works, but by the 1970s, he returned slowly to painting. Abstract elements continued in Croft’s compositions, often using a cubist style. After settling in Dundrum, his work continued moving towards realism. Croft’s ability to simplify compositions through colour and form effectively translated to his printmaking. Using different methods, like lino cutting and screen printing, required an ability to reduce subjects to minimal lines, shapes and colour.
Lot 13 and Lot 39 in our January art auction demonstrate Croft’s notion of ‘tightrope walking’ as the subjects are foremost realistic representations, yet elements of abstraction persist as forms become simplified into blocks of colour and shape. The compositions become flattened as colour and form are prioritised above shadow and depth. Both paintings share a light and airy palette created by the pastel, purple hue, with brightness and clarity washing over the subject.
Croft’s exhibitions included the Picolo Gallery, CEMA, Arts Council galleries during the 1960s and 1970s. His later exhibitions included the Caldwell Galleries, Cavehill Gallery and Engine Room Gallery. A touring retrospective of his work was held in 2003, beginning at the Naughton Gallery.
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