early portraits
1950 — 1952
After graduating from Pratt Art Institute in 1949, Willard continued his studies at the Art Students League in Manhattan for an additional two years, 1950-1952. During this time, he made a series of portraits, concentrating on more classical techniques of traditional portraiture and illustration, but beginning to show signs of his emerging interest in abstraction.
A reviewer said of his 1952 show at the Little Studio gallery, "He uses a unique medium of painting his figures in stark white against a dark or brilliant background. The result is effective and arresting. His stroke is bold and strong and his portraiture excellent."— The Spokesman Review, New York Letter, Talented Lewiston, Idaho Artist Makes Debut, Exhibits 14 Paintings, Eleanor Shaw, October 12, 1952.
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