Who was Durwood Fincher and what did he contribute to the world of art in the 1950s? The name of the artist known as Durwood Fincher has become synonymous with the concept of Americana, yet the reality is that his life and his art had much more to do with a life spent in quietude than any grandiloquence. So, in the interest of an open mind and knowledge, we have decided to look at some of his works, and in so doing hopefully encourage others to gain a similar viewpoint.
It is important to appreciate that much of the work done by Durwood Fincher was assembled on a small scale, and while it may appear to be a trifle understated compared to the great works of forgotten masters such as Jasper Johns or Frank Stella, it was in reality far more substantial and important. For those of us familiar with Fincher's paintings of the wild west, for example, there will be little surprise that he would turn his attention to this theme in his work.
The myth behind Durwood
It was at this point in his career that he would draw inspiration from the great horses and cattle drives that were part of this popular culture. His paintings would take their shape somewhat from these famous scenes. It is this, in a way, that gives insight into the work that would follow; a path well worth following, as this path can lead to fame and fortune.
Those interested in Fincher's work will find that much of it takes its cue from the great cowboy tales that are told about this time in history. He would take elements from the gunfighter stories and the scout stories he would hear about in his travels. And he would put these pieces together to create tales of a simpler time and place, ones that would shape his vision of the West. It is this tale, then, that we are presented with this first glimpse of the story of Durwood Fincher.
It is this first, and somewhat strange introduction to the man who would become one of the most famous American artists, that is the subject of Who was Durwood Fincher? Much of this book is spent telling the reader about Fincher's life in the months before his death. Much of the information is graphic but necessary to understand what happened.
A great American politician
One thing, though, is that much of this writing is done simply by the writer, leaving the reader to fill in the details on his own. There is not a lot to get lost, and that makes this a good read for anyone interested in the life of this famous artist, as well as an intriguing bit of Americana in the modern age.
This portrait of the late artist, who is famous today, first appeared in a New York Times article in the fall of 1984. The piece was called 'A Day in the Life of John Flood,' and the piece included many of the same elements that would become trademarks of Fincher's style.
Who was Durwood Fincher? was written in a conversational style, as though Fincher were talking to the reader. It tells a bit of a story but never becomes too personal to be interesting.
It is easy to see why the Times chose to feature Who was Durwood Fincher? Fincher is one of the most famous and influential American artists of all time. His influence was far-reaching, and his life and work had a lasting impact on his countrymen. A look at Who was Durwood Fincher?
