Patrick Heron (1920-1999) was a British abstract artist associated with the St. Ives School of artists in Cornwall, England. He was born on January 30, 1920, in Headingley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England.
Heron initially studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in London but interrupted his studies to serve in World War II. After the war, he returned to the Slade School and completed his studies. He was influenced by various art movements, including Cubism and Post-Impressionism, and developed his own style characterized by bold, vibrant colours and geometric shapes.
In the 1950s, Heron moved to Cornwall, where he became an integral part of the artistic community in St. Ives. He was associated with the group of artists known as the St. Ives School, which included notable figures such as Ben Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth. Heron's work during this period was influenced by the landscape and light of Cornwall.
Throughout his career, Heron explored various mediums, including painting, printmaking, and textiles. His paintings often featured flat, abstract compositions with overlapping shapes and intense colours. He had a particular interest in the relationship between colour and form and the interaction of colours within a composition.
Heron's contributions to the field of art extended beyond his own work. He was an influential art critic and writer, and his essays and books, such as "The Changing Forms of Art" and "The Colour of Colour," provided valuable insights into modern art and colour theory.
Patrick Heron's work is represented in numerous public and private collections, including the Tate Gallery in London, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the St. Ives Tate in Cornwall. He received several awards and honours during his lifetime, including being made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1977.
Patrick Heron passed away on March 20, 1999, in Zennor, Cornwall, leaving behind a significant legacy as one of Britain's leading abstract artists of the 20th century. His innovative use of colour and form continues to inspire and influence artists to this day.