Micro Biomorphic Abstract Drawing from the collection of Studio MGH

Micro Biomorphic Abstract Drawing, c. 1990

Pastel, pencil and charcoal on illustration board

3 x 3 in

Inv: bs65-1

William Stephens Shields, Jr., 1925 - 2010

He was born at Letterman Hospital in San Francisco's Presidio, to Eilleen Goggan and Lt. Col. William S. Shields, U.S. Army Medical Corps. With the death of his father in 1931, Bill moved to Texas, where he grew up. After two years at Central Catholic High school, Bill transferred to LaSalle Military Academy in New York in 1940 and later joined the Naval Air Corps at the age of 18. He served as an Aviation Cadet in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945. At the end of WWII, Bill returned to Texas.
At 21, Bill re-focused his energy and enrolled in the Chicago Academy of Fine Art as an Illustration major. What followed was a whirlwind of success, great friendships and a sense of belonging he had never before experienced. Art was his calling and the art-world could not have been less prepared for the likes of Bill Shields. He took them by storm, first Houston, then San Francisco, followed by New York in the late 60's. For 35 years, Bill produced some of the country's best illustrations: fresh, playful, loose and innovative. His illustrations were coveted by such clients as Bantam Books, Time Life, MacMillan Publishing Co., and were awarded numerous gold medals by the Societies of Illustrators in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, and the Houston Artists Guild.

Later, following inspirational trips to Mexico and France, Bill shifted his attention to the self-directed world of fine art. After years of sculpting, making assemblages, painting nudes and landscapes, he settled on the exploration of large abstract oil paintings. His paintings have been exhibited in galleries in San Francisco, Connecticut and New York.

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From Studio MGH

John Peters

"UFOs in the City", c. 2005

Paper cut out attached to board

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Mark Kohr

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Glossy color photograph

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Bill Shields

1987 "Countryside" Abstract Landscape Drawing Acclaimed Illustrator Bill Shields, 1987

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Frank J Bette

Bent Wood Chair, 1974

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Frank J Bette

Fallen, c. 1970

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Thelma Corbin Moody

Female Nude Wearing Blue Sarong, 1970

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Myril Adler

1960s "Magic Window" Green, Pink, Yellow Collage Intaglio Etching NY Artist Myril Adler, c. 1960

Intaglio etching collage ink on paper

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Frank J Bette

1960s Charcoal and Ink Female Nude Drawing "Sitting and Leaning", c. 1960

Charcoal and Ink on Paper

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View All Artworks

Provenance

Additional Artworks

"UFOs in the City", c. 2005

Mt. Fuji Girl, 1996

1987 "Countryside" Abstract Landscape Drawing Acclaimed Illustrator Bill Shields, 1987

Bent Wood Chair, 1974

Fallen, c. 1970

Female Nude Wearing Blue Sarong, 1970

1960s "Magic Window" Green, Pink, Yellow Collage Intaglio Etching NY Artist Myril Adler, c. 1960

1960s Charcoal and Ink Female Nude Drawing "Sitting and Leaning", c. 1960