Roy Lichtenstein: Outdoor Painted Sculpture

Julie Wolfe, with contributions by Clare Bell and technical analysis by Alan Phenix and Rachel Rivenc

The first book-length study to examine the materials and techniques used in the fabrication and painting of the American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein’s outdoor sculpture.
 
Vibrant color was essential to the paintings of the American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein (1923–1997), and when he began exploring the creation of outdoor sculpture in the late 1970s, vivid hues remained an important part of his artistic vocabulary. Today, preserving these remarkable works after they have endured decades in outdoor environments around the world is an issue of pressing concern.
 
This abundantly illustrated volume is based on extensive archival research of Lichtenstein’s studio materials, interviews with his assistants, and a thorough technical analysis of the sculpture Three Brushstrokes. The book concludes with a chapter showing various options for the care, conservation, and restoration of his sculptural works, making this an essential resource for conservators, curators, and others interested both in the iconic artist and modern sculpture in general.

Julie Wolfe is conservator of decorative arts and sculpture at the J. Paul Getty Museum.

“The colors and paint for the restoration were ‘meticulously’ researched, using the artist’s standard color reference swatches provided by the estate of Roy Lichtenstein in consultation with Julie Wolfe who wrote the first book-length study, Roy Lichtenstein: Outdoor Painted Sculpture, which examines the materials and techniques used in the fabrication and painting of Lichtenstein’s sculptures, museum officials said.”

—Lisa Finn, Patch 

168 pages
7 1/2 x 10 inches
139 color and 10 b/w illustrations, 13 tables
ISBN 978-1-60606-669-0
paperback

Getty Publications
Imprint: Getty Conservation Institute
Series: The Artist's Materials 

2023