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

Female Nude Charcoal Drawing 15, 2011

Charcoal

24 x 18 in
Bill Shields

1994 "Breakdance" Abstract Mixed Media Painting on Canvas William Shields Acclaimed Illustrator, 1994

mixed media on canvas

48 x 48 in
Bill Shields

1994 "The Fiddler" Abstract Painting on Canvas William Shields Acclaimed Illustrator, 1994

oil on canvas

48 x 48 in
Bill Shields

1988 "Cottage, France" Abstract Landscape Drawing Acclaimed Illustrator Bill Shields, 1988

Oil pastel on paper

14 x 18 in
Bill Shields

1988 "Untitled" Abstract Figurative Drawing Acclaimed Illustrator Bill Shields, 1988

Oil pastel on paper

11.5 x 14 in
Bill Shields

1987 "Medieval I" Abstract Landscape Painting Acclaimed Illustrator Bill Shields, 1987

oil paint and pastel on paper

17 x 18 in
Bill Shields

1980 "Gens d’armes II" Figurative Painting on Canvas William Shields Acclaimed Illustrator, 1980

oil on canvas

23 x 23 in
Unidentifiable Signature

"Lime", c. 1980

Acrylic On Canvas Board

10 x 16.25 in

View All Artworks

Provenance

Additional Artworks

Female Nude Charcoal Drawing 15, 2011

1994 "Breakdance" Abstract Mixed Media Painting on Canvas William Shields Acclaimed Illustrator, 1994

1994 "The Fiddler" Abstract Painting on Canvas William Shields Acclaimed Illustrator, 1994

1988 "Cottage, France" Abstract Landscape Drawing Acclaimed Illustrator Bill Shields, 1988

1988 "Untitled" Abstract Figurative Drawing Acclaimed Illustrator Bill Shields, 1988

1987 "Medieval I" Abstract Landscape Painting Acclaimed Illustrator Bill Shields, 1987

1980 "Gens d’armes II" Figurative Painting on Canvas William Shields Acclaimed Illustrator, 1980

"Lime", c. 1980