Richard Estes Interview Reveals Photorealist's Origins, Influences, and Critical Eye

Richard Estes, a photorealist artist hailing from Kewanee, Illinois, embarked on his painting journey at the age of eight when he received an oil painting kit. After studying at the Chicago Art Institute, he spent around a decade in commercial art before shifting to fine art around 1968-1969, collaborating with gallerists Allan Stone and Ivan Karp. Renowned for urban landscapes, his 1968 piece "Telephone Booths" was acquired by Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza. Estes exhibited with Allan Stone until 1990 before moving to Marlborough Gallery. He captures subjects through photography, drawing inspiration from historical artists while critiquing the contemporary art scene for neglecting realism. Estes divides his time between Manhattan and Maine, with recent works showcasing reflections near Lincoln Center. "Telephone Booths" is part of the Thyssen collection in Madrid, temporarily unavailable during renovations in 2002.