Roy Lichtenstein

(1923 - 1997)

Born in New York City on October 27, 1923, artist Roy Lichtenstein grew up in the fabulous Upper West Side of Manhattan in a weathy family.  

 

After serving in World War II, Lichtenstein attended Ohio State University and obtained not only his undergraduate degree in fine arts, but also his master's degree.  Once he was done with his schooling, he began his extensive art career.  

 

He had a few jobs and then he started painting. In the 1960s, Lichtenstein did comic book paintings, in which he famously used Ben day dots. In the 70s, he created modern versions of paintings originally painted by artists in the 20th century, just as Dali and Picasso.  Because of this, his paintings started to become more abstract. In the 80s and 90s he created massive sculptures that combined styles from his comic/ad themed paintings and the influence of abstract art.

 

Lichtenstein was one of the leaders of the new Pop Art movement in the 1960s. He was inspired by comics and advertisements.  He used bright colors in his painting and later his sculptures.  He also used bold lines, unlike his contemperaries like Pollock who created more abstract art.   

Lichtenstein worked until his death on September 29, 1997. He received many honorary degrees and awards. Many of his artworks were auctioned off to large museums, such as the Tate in London and the National Gallery in Washington DC.