James Hayward, LA Abstract Painter and Cowboy, Dies at 82

James Hayward, an abstract artist celebrated for his monochromatic oil and wax impasto pieces and captivating cowboy image, passed away last week at the age of 82. He was born in 1943 in San Francisco and pursued art education after high school, later teaching at various colleges before moving to Southern California in the mid-1960s. Hayward gained recognition in 1977 through the New York exhibition 'Less is More' at Sidney Janis Gallery. He preferred the label 'monochromatic abstractions' for his thick, textured works and disliked the term 'frosting' paintings. His friendships included notable artists such as Dave Hickey and Chris Burden. Hayward's last exhibition was a group show at William Turner Gallery in Santa Monica, coinciding with his passing. In 2010, he released a book titled 'Indiscretions'. His artwork is held in museums globally.