1950S

Absorbing the heady atmosphere of NYC, Stephen becomes a vital member of the New York School. While frequenting popular artists’ hangouts like the Cedar Tavern, he befriends influential painters including Franz Kline and Mark Rothko. During the 1950s Stephen is singled out by Hans Hofmann as one of the finest painters to emerge from the second generation of abstract expressionists.

See here for a list of Stephen’s solo and group exhibitions.

Key dates:

1950

Stephen studies at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris and the Instituto del Arte in Florence.

1951-1952

Stephen starts studies with Hans Hofmann in New York City. Using his remaining funds from the GI Bill, he continues studying during the summer at Hofmann’s school in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

1954

Stephen has his first solo exhibition in New York at the nonprofit Artists Gallery. He is befriended by Jackson Pollock and Willem and Elaine de Kooning. Stephen and Palmina spend their first of many summer vacations in Stonington, Maine.

1956

Stephen has his first solo exhibition at the Poindexter Gallery, New York City. He also has a solo exhibition at HCE Gallery, Provincetown, Massachusetts.

1957

Stephen’s work is included in American art exhibitions circulated to Europe, North Africa, and Japan by the United States Information Service and by the Museum of Modern Art.  His second solo exhibition opens at the Poindexter Gallery in New York.

1959

Washington University, St. Louis, presents a solo exhibition of Stephen’s work.