Patrick Procktor is widely regarded as one of the most influential British artists of the 1960s and 70s. Procktor cultivated a following through his theatrical qualities and physical presence coupled with his dynamic and abstract depictions of the male nude before pivoting his style to become a leading watercolourist from the 70s onwards. 
The Dublin-born, London-raised painter began painting in his past time whilst working as a Russian interpreter with the British Council, which inspired the young Patrick to apply to the Slade School of Fine Art. It would be at Slade where professors Keith Vaughn and William Coldstream would influence and later heap support on Procktor. Procktor would later prove the validity of this support with his first solo exhibition at the Redfern in 1963, which sold out before it opened. Starting his career in the year of Beatlemania saw the birth of working-class artists standing up to establishment values and beginning to bask in pop star celebrity and footballers' salaries.
Patrick's work provides a unique insight into both contemporary life and the psychological character through the use of thin washes and airy colours that enabled him to convey the attitude and emotion of his models. Heavily influenced by his time as an art therapist working with paralysed patients, this work prompted Procktor to illustrate deformed figures of whom Procktor commented: "I came to gradually accept their physical deformities...in my paintings, I want to convey the feeling that such distortions, far from being grotesque, are part of life and therefore acceptable".
Procktor took up a temporary teaching residency at Iowa State University in 1966, where he would meet up with legendary English painter David Hockney in Colorado. Upon spending time with Hockney, Procktor became inspired to simplify his subjects. His work from this period was painted in thin acrylic washes, and this naturally led to his adoption of watercolour in 1967, a technique for which he would become famous. His first handful of watercoloured works was especially distinctive for the elegant, elongated depiction of his sitters. Prockter was a keen and highly competent watercolourist and travel painter, at a time when neither was fashionable.
In the early 1970s, Procktor began to travel extensively. He visited Italy, Greece, Morocco, India, Egypt, China and Japan, all of which became a source of inspiration for future works of Patrick. During his travels, Procktor travelled light, carrying only his box of watercolours.
After the death of his second wife, Kirsten Benson, Procktor sadly succumbed to depression and alcoholism, which lead to periods of homelessness and living in temporary accommodation. Patrick would pass on August 29, 2003, in London, United Kingdom. Today, the artist's works are held in the collections of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge and the Royal Academy of Arts in London.
Florence Bell: Patrick Procktor's Art For Sale
Florence Bell is a bespoke art sourcing and consultancy company specialising in the sale of a wide range of artists with their unique and eclectic styles. From new up-and-coming artists to more established names, we have a variety of art for sale to appeal to all tastes.
In our gallery, you will find a wide selection of artworks by Barry Flanagan. We have worked hard to source these pieces from various international locations to provide you with the best possible choice. Patrick Procktor's art collection for sale includes several of his iconic sculptures, such as THE 1981 HARE ON A CRICKET STUMP and THE 1984 HARE.
Whatever your level of experience or knowledge, we are here to help you find the right piece of art for your home, office, or collection. Our team of experts are on hand to provide you with advice and guidance every step of the way.
We are happy to assist you if you are unable to find what you are looking for. We would be more than happy to source a specific piece of art for you or provide you with a list of similar artists.
