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Bruce McGaw, regionally renowned painter of the
San Francisco Bay Area Figurative movement and avid
student of art history and poetry, cites significant
texts and relationships with colleagues amongst the
most influential elements of his art. Through his
reading and study he has developed a repertoire of
thoughts and ideas that he consistently, and with
great purpose, applies to his paintings. Monographs
on Henri Matisse and Paulo Ucello, a book by Laszlo
Moholy-Nagy, Robert Motherwell: The Dadaist Painters
and Poets and volumes of poetry are just a few
components of his impressive collection of publications
on subjects ranging from Giotto, to philosophy, to
political and social concerns. This eclectic array
of interests imbues McGaw’s paintings and philosophy
with refreshing vantage points and characters. His
commitment to all aspects of the artistic profession,
from studying and teaching to painting in a variety
of styles and perspectives, is a testament to his
impressive art.
The young artist came to Oakland's California College
of Arts and Crafts in 1955, and was in the institution's
first class taught by Richard Diebenkorn after the
artist's return from the East. McGaw's paintings
of the mid-1950s reflect his interest in later Abstract
Expressionist styles, in their lush colors and loose,
spirited forms. By 1957, the artist was moving more
deeply into representational work, and into a handling
of the figure that seems to draw from more general
sources among Bay Area figurative artists.
Today, Bruce McGaw is widely acknowledged for his role
in the Bay Area Figurative movement. He was among the
first artists who emerged to take up the cause in the
late '50s. McGaw's influence has also been felt through
an active exhibiting career and through his long association
with the San Francisco Art Institute where he continues
to act as an instructor.
Back to Bay Area Figurative
Movements
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