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Frank Auerbach: A Life Painted in Thick Emotion

Born in Berlin in 1931, Frank Auerbach’s life was profoundly shaped by the tumultuous events of the early 20th century. His Jewish heritage and the looming threat of Nazi Germany forced his family to flee to England when he was just a boy, an experience that would indelibly inform his artistic vision. Raised in a progressive boarding school in Kent – Bunce Court, a place steeped in intellectual curiosity – Auerbach’s early years were marked by a quiet intensity, a sensitivity honed amidst the upheaval of displacement. This formative period laid the groundwork for a career dedicated to exploring the depths of human emotion through intensely layered and deeply personal paintings.

Auerbach's artistic journey began at St Martin’s School of Art in London, where he found mentorship under David Bomberg, a pivotal figure who encouraged him to develop his own distinct style. He later studied at the Royal College of Art, but it was during these years that he established crucial relationships with fellow artists like Leon Kossoff, forging a bond built on mutual respect and shared artistic concerns. These friendships would prove invaluable throughout his career, offering support and intellectual stimulation.

Auerbach’s work is immediately recognizable for its distinctive technique – thick, impastoed layers of paint applied with a palette knife, creating surfaces that seem to pulsate with energy. He rarely used brushes, preferring instead the direct application of pigment, building up textures and colors in a manner that borders on sculptural. His subjects are primarily drawn from his immediate surroundings: portraits of his wife Julia, Juliet Yardley Mills (J.Y.M.), and Stella West ('E.O.W.'), all models who became central figures in his life and work. These weren’t idealized representations; instead, Auerbach sought to capture the essence of these individuals – their vulnerability, their quiet strength, their inner lives – through a raw and unvarnished approach.

Initially met with criticism for what some perceived as an overly simplistic or even “sculptural” quality to his paintings, Auerbach’s work gradually gained recognition. Critics like David Sylvester championed his unique vision, arguing that despite the apparent accumulation of paint, his images were profoundly ‘painterly,’ conveying a psychological depth rarely found in traditional portraiture. The influence of artists like Turner, whose use of light and atmosphere Auerbach deeply admired, is evident in the way he captures fleeting moments and imbues his canvases with an almost luminous quality.

The School of London and Emotional Intensity

Auerbach’s work belongs to a group often referred to as the “School of London,” a collective of artists working primarily in post-war Britain who developed a distinctive, emotionally charged style. This movement, centered around figures like Kossoff, Francis Bacon, and George Dyer, rejected the formal conventions of academic painting and embraced a more direct and subjective approach to representation. Auerbach’s paintings are particularly notable for their intense emotionality – a sense of vulnerability, loneliness, and quiet contemplation that resonates deeply with viewers.

His early work, influenced by Bomberg's emphasis on tonal values and simplified forms, gradually evolved into the richly textured surfaces and expressive brushwork that would become his signature. He deliberately avoided precise detail, prioritizing instead the conveyance of feeling through color, texture, and gesture. The use of dark, muted tones – browns, greys, and blues – creates a sense of intimacy and melancholy, while flashes of brighter colors suggest moments of hope or revelation.

The recurring presence of his models—Julia, J.Y.M., and Stella—is crucial to understanding Auerbach’s work. These relationships were not merely artistic collaborations; they represented deep personal connections, providing a source of emotional sustenance and mutual support. The paintings are, in essence, intimate portraits – windows into the lives and inner worlds of these individuals.

Technique and Materials: A Process of Accumulation

Auerbach’s technique is arguably as important as his subject matter. He rarely used brushes, preferring instead to apply paint directly to the canvas with a palette knife or other tools. This method allowed him to build up layers of pigment in a way that created a remarkably tactile and three-dimensional surface. The thick impasto – the raised ridges of paint – not only adds visual interest but also creates a sense of immediacy, as if the painting is still in the process of being made.

He worked directly from life, often sketching his subjects on location before returning to the studio to begin the painting. His process was characterized by a deliberate and painstaking accumulation of layers – building up color, texture, and form gradually over time. This slow, methodical approach reflects Auerbach’s deep engagement with his subject matter and his desire to capture its essence with unwavering intensity.

The choice of materials also played a significant role in his work. He favored oil paints for their rich colors and ability to hold thick layers of pigment. He often mixed his own pigments, experimenting with different combinations to achieve the desired effects. The physicality of the paint – its weight, texture, and responsiveness – was an integral part of his artistic process.

Legacy and Recognition

Despite initial skepticism, Frank Auerbach’s work gradually gained widespread recognition throughout the latter half of the 20th century. He enjoyed several solo exhibitions at prestigious galleries like Beaux-Arts and Marlborough, and his paintings were included in major group shows such as the Venice Biennale in 1986. His retrospective at the Hayward Gallery in 1978 cemented his place as one of Britain’s most important post-war painters.

Auerbach's influence extends beyond his own artistic output. He inspired a generation of artists who were drawn to his raw emotionality and unconventional technique. His work continues to be studied and admired for its honesty, vulnerability, and profound sense of human connection. Frank Auerbach died in 1979, leaving behind a body of work that remains both intensely personal and universally resonant.

His paintings are held in major collections worldwide, including the Tate Collection and the British Museum, ensuring that his unique vision will continue to be appreciated for generations to come.