"Liquor Bottles", Midcentury Small Pastel by Richard Proctor

This striking abstract composition by Richard M. Proctor reveals his mastery of form, pattern, and balance. Rendered in a bold palette of black, olive green, and vermilion, the work interlocks rectilinear shapes within a tightly structured grid, evoking both architectural precision and organic rhythm. The dynamic interplay between color blocks and black linear divisions produces a sense of movement and harmony, emblematic of Proctor’s sensitivity to design and his background in textile and surface pattern.

Context and Legacy
Richard Proctor’s artistic practice bridges the disciplines of fine art, design, and education. After earning his M.A. in Painting from Michigan State University, he relocated to the Pacific Northwest, where he taught art and textile design at the University of Washington. A painter, printmaker, and ceramicist, Proctor’s work often explores modular abstraction, spatial relationships, and the aesthetic logic of repetition—qualities that also define his influential design texts Principles of Pattern Design and Surface Design for Fabric.

Collector’s Note
This piece exemplifies Proctor’s refined visual language, merging craft precision with painterly intuition. Its compact scale and geometric clarity make it an ideal acquisition for collectors interested in mid-century American abstraction or the dialogue between art and design.

About the Artist
Richard M. Proctor is an American painter, printmaker, ceramicist, and author, best known for his work exploring the intersections of fine art and design. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Proctor earned his M.A. in Painting from Michigan State University before settling in the Pacific Northwest. He became an Associate Professor of Art and Textile Design at the University of Washington, later operating the Childers/Proctor Gallery in Langley, Washington, with his longtime partner, artist Ron Childers.

Since 2001, Proctor has served as a docent at the Palm Springs Art Museum in California. His art, characterized by geometric abstraction and a deep understanding of form and pattern, continues to evolve between his studios in Washington and California.

REFERENCE NUMBER: LU654317121672
PERIOD: Late 20th Century
CONDITION: Good
MEASUREMENTS: Height: 8" Width: 6.25" Depth: 0.75"
COUNT: 1
MATERIAL: Oil Pastel
CREATOR: Richard Proctor