Vance Kirkland experimented with 5 distinct styles during his painting career. This chart will help you to identify the characteristics of each.

1. VANCE KIRKLAND PAINTING PERIODS
Periods Descriptions
1st period: Designed Realism
1927 ‐ 1947
2nd period: Surrealism
1939 ‐ 1954
3rd period: Hard Edge Abstraction /
Abstractions From Nature
1947 ‐ 1957
4th period: Abstract Expressionism A. Watercolor & Denatured Alcohol Paintings (some also 2nd and 3rd periods)
("Floating Abstractions") B. Broken Glass Series (oil) [some could also be seen as 2nd or 3rd Periods]
1950 ‐ 1964 C. Referential Abstractions (oil paint smeared, sponged and blotted)
D. Nebulae Abstractions (oil and water)
E. Roman & Greek Abstractions (oil and water)
F. Asian Abstractions (oil and water)
G. Pure Abstractions (oil and water)
5th period: The Dot Paintings A. Vibrations of Energy in Space (about 1/3 oil and water, 2/3 oil)
1963 ‐ 1981 B. Mysteries of Energy in Space (oil and water)
C. Explosions of Energy in Space (oil and water)
D. Forces of Energy in Space (oil and water)
E. Pure Abstractions (mostly oil and water, some oil)
Mostly landscapes, ruins & ghost towns, some portraits & still lifes
(mostly watercolor, some oil)
Fantasy worlds of deadwood & dwarfed people, also fictitious plants
(mostly watercolor, some oil)
Mostly abstractions from nature including Timberline Abstractions; some pure
abstractions; a few are not entirely hard edge but are abstractions from nature (about
half watercolor, half oil)
R:EducationLessonsKirkland, VanceAll about Kirkland 2012VK Periods 08.10 UPDATE.xls