At 86, Frank Lobdell is as serious about his painting as ever. Considered one of the most influential artists in the rise of the West Coast abstract expressionist movement, Lobdell has spent a lifetime painting and has only recently made the decision to fully commit to exhibiting his work.
For his first show in Sun Valley, Lodbell will open an exhibition at the Anne Reed Gallery in Ketchum on Aug. 3 between 6 and 9 p.m.
"There are quite a few paintings," said Jinx Lobdell, the artist's wife. "1998 is the earliest and some are 2002. There is one from 2004."
Lobdell is a member of the "greatest generation," serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. His understanding of the impact of the war moved him to create a significant body of work.
"He has spent his whole life reading and looking at the ideas in his world," Jinx said. "Many people don't understand that is not just one shot. It is many, many paintings."
Lobdell has received countless awards and achievements such as the Medal for Distinguished Achievement in Painting by the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters in 1988, and the Academy Purchase Award in 1992. He was included in "Annual Exhibition of Contemporary American Painting" at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1972.
In addition Lobdell taught art at Stanford University for 25 years and all the while was a very serious painter.
"He really spends a lot of time with his paintings," Jinx said. "He has always been completely alone in his studio and very dedicated."
Lobdell never wanted to show his work when Jinx met him 28 years ago. In 2000, Lobdell decided the time had come to show his paintings.
"He had always had galleries and left it to them," Jinx said. "Years ago it was very simple. Artists would throw paintings in the truck and take them. Now he is ready. He has people he trusts, and we can work for him. He is glad to have his work shown."
?Pier 70 Spring III,? 2002 by Frank Lobdell. Oil paint on canvas at the Anne Reed Gallery.
