A Life in Color and Form
Born in New York City, Sandra Fisher was an American figure painter who eventually established her career in London. Her artistic journey began under the guidance of her mother, an artist who taught her to draw and paint from an early age. After studying at the Chouinard Art Institute, where she earned a BFA in 1968, Fisher moved to London in 1971 to pursue painting full-time. Her work transitioned from the study of minimalist art and sculpture toward an intimate, observational style focused on portraiture, the male and female nude, and depictions of musicians, dancers, actors, and singers.
Fisher's technical approach evolved significantly later in her career. Inspired by the alla prima practice of Avigdor Arikha, she sought to complete her paintings in a single session. Her diverse body of work has been included in various prestigious collections, including the British Museum and the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Artistic Contributions and Legacy
Throughout her career, Fisher engaged with various facets of the London art community. She was a trained musician who played the clarinet and was known for her work on the London Transport Art on the Underground series, which included colorful posters such as Days on the water and Lazy days. Her creative output also extended to collaborations with the poet Thomas Meyer on several books, including Sappho and Sonnets & Tableaux.
In her personal life, Fisher was married to the artist R. B. Kitaj. Her influence on his work was profound, with Kitaj often depicting her in his later paintings as a serene and voluptuous figure. Her artistic legacy is recognized through exhibitions at institutions such as the New York Studio School and the Kunstmuseum Den Haag.
