Ronald Davis
Biography
Photograph of the artist in L.A. by Dennis Hopper
Biography
Ronald Davis was born in Santa Monica, California in 1937. He is famed for his geometric-shaped illusionist paintings, which utilize colored polyester resins and fiberglass. During the 1960s and 70s, Davis drew international acclaim for his geometric painting, showing in major galleries, museums, and biennials.
The artist is also known for his innovative work in various other mediums. Davis’ eclectic practice spans sound sculpture, electronic music composition, 3-D rendering, digital painting, giclée computer printing, silkscreening, lithography, etching, and papermaking. He has also collaborated with architects Frank Gehry and Dennis Holloway on the design and construction of numerous architectural projects, his Hondo Mesa studio among them.
Traveling to Taos, New Mexico, in 1990, the artist purchased a 10-acre lot north of Taos on the Hondo Mesa, where his distinctive studio compound now sits.
Schools of Study
San Francisco Art Institute, San Francisco, CA 1960-64
Partial List of Collections
Museum of Modern Art, New York
Tate Gallery, London
Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles
San Francisco Museum of Art, San Francisco, CA
Chicago Art Institute, Chicago, IL
Selected Exhibitions
Tibor de Nagy Gallery, New York 1966
Documenta, 1968
Leo Castelli Gallery, New York (1968, 1970, 1973, 1974)
Kasmin Gallery, London (1971)
Venice Biennale, 1972
Charlotte Jackson Fine Art, New Mexico (2013)
Ronald Davis at 203 Fine Art
Please follow the link below to view the online catalogue for the 2019 exhibition LA to Taos, organized by 203 Fine Art.
LA to Taos | Exhibition Catalogue on ISSUU
Seven Decades | Exhibition Catalogue on ISSUU
Seven Decades | Exhibition Installation video
Works
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Ronald DavisFirst Bent Beam, 1964acrylic on canvas58 ⅞ x 29 inches
149.5 x 73.7 cm -
Ronald DavisNested Diamond, 2001Golden acrylic on expanded PVC14 x 19.75 x 2"
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Ronald DavisGreen-Blue V-Rift, 1965acrylic on canvas47 ¾ x 34 ¼ x 4 inches
121.3 x 87 x 10.2 cm -
Ronald DavisGreen, Blue and Red Hexagon, 2022Golden acrylic on expanded PVC, mounted on textured panel10 ½ x 9 ½ x 2 ½ inches
26.7 x 24.1 x 6.3 cm
Mounted: 16 x 16 inches
Mounted: 40.6 x 40.6 cm -
Ronald DavisBlue and Green Stripes, 1965Acrylic on shaped wood10.25 x 5.75 x 4"
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Ronald DavisBlack Spot Payne's Grey, 2024Golden acrylic on beveled circular canvas, mounted on wood and aluminum backing12" Diameter circle canvas
Mounted: 20 x 20 inches
Mounted: 50.8 x 50.8 cm
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Ronald DavisConvex Checkered Lens, 1988Cel-vinyl acrylic copolymer and nova gel on shaped canvas30 x 30 inches
76.2 x 76.2 cm -
Ronald DavisDouble Diamond, 1967Resin & fiberglass45 x 137 inches
114.3 x 348 cm -
Ronald DavisSky to Earth (Diamond), 2010Golden acrylic on expanded PVC10 ½ x 9 ½ x 2 ½ inches
26.7 x 24.1 x 6.3 cm -
Ronald DavisFour-Fourths Cylinder, 1996Encaustic on birch plywood36 1/2 x 43 1/2 inches
92.7 x 110.5 cm -
Ronald DavisPentagon V-Rift, 196560 x 63", acrylic on canvas, 1965acrylic on canvas60 x 63 inches
152.4 x 160 cm -
Ronald DavisOUTSIDE C's, #178, 1969acrylic with resin and fiberglass66 x 95 inches
167.6 x 241.3 cm -
Ronald DavisPastel Frame, 1996Encaustic wax and pigmnet on birch plywood44 x 58 inches
111.8 x 147.3 cm -
Ronald DavisThree Color Wave, 2009Acrylic on expanded PVC35 ½ x 54 ¼ x 3 inches
90.2 x 137.8 x 7.6 cm -
Ronald DavisThree Corners - Silver, 1969Polyester resin and fiberglass30 x 40 inches
76.2 x 101.6 cm -
Ronald DavisTri-Lift Slabs, 1987Cel-vinyl acrylic and dry pigment on canvas96 x 66 1/8 inches
243.8 x 168 cm -
Ronald DavisBlue-Side Beam, 1965acrylic on canvas13 3/4 x 20 inches
34.9 x 50.8 cm -
Ronald DavisSpool, 1996encaustic wax and pigment on birch plywood42 x 54 inches
106.7 x 137.2 cm -
Ronald DavisBack Up, 1969Polyester Resin
and Fiberglass60 ½ x 136 inches
153.7 x 345.4 cm -
Ronald DavisDr. Zig Wig, 1964acrylic on canvas132 x 84 inches
335.3 x 213.4 cm -
Ronald Davis127 Pound Butterfly, 1986cel-vinyl acrylic and dry pigment on canvas96 x 66"
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Ronald DavisAwning, 1969polyester resin and fiberglass54 x 138 inches
137.2 x 350.5 cm -
Ronald DavisA Sharp B Flat, 1984Cel-vinyl acrylic on canvas137.2 x 111.8 cmSigned & dated verso
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Ronald DavisBell Gate, 1984cel-vinyl acrylic on canvas39 1/2 x 18 5/8 inches
100.3 x 47.3 cm -
Ronald DavisBlond Slab, 1992Dye and spar varnish on pine wood27 1/4 x 11 1/2 x 3 inches
69.2 x 29.2 x 7.6 cm -
Ronald DavisCedar Slab, 1994Cedar and pine wood, varnished18 ½ x 12 x 2 inches
47 x 30.5 x 5.1 cm -
Ronald DavisDG Painting on Paper, 1984Cel-vinyl acrylic on canvas22 x 30 inches
55.9 x 76.2 cmSigned & dated lower right -
Ronald DavisFirst Double Diamond, 1965acrylic on canvas84 x 132 inches
213.4 x 335.3 cm -
Ronald DavisDiamond Lock II, 2010Acrylic on expanded PVC65 1/2 x 38 x 3 inches
166.4 x 96.5 x 7.6 cm -
Ronald DavisDouble Diagonal, 1969(shaped – 2 panels), Polyester Resin and Fiberglass Double Slabs58 x 129 inches
147.3 x 327.7 cm -
Ronald DavisDodecahedron I, ca. 1995Watercolor on 300lb arches paper22 ⅜ x 30 inches
56.8 x 76.2 cm -
Ronald DavisFloor Study, 1975ink on mylar mounted on paper28 x 36 inches
71.1 x 91.4 cm -
Ronald DavisFour Slope, 1967-2023Silver luster archival photo print13 x 19 inches
33 x 48.3 cmSigned and dated lower right -
Ronald DavisFourteen Panels, 1973Cel-Vinyl Acrylic copolymer on linen on board18 x 56 inches
45.7 x 142.2 cm -
Ronald DavisGebo, 1979cel-vinyl acrylic on canvas66 x 84"
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Ronald DavisGlorious Glass Dodecagon, 2019Pixeldust rendering on aluminum23 ¼ x 23 ¼ inches
59.2 x 59.2 cm -
Ronald DavisGray taper, 2009Acrylic on expanded PVC19 3/8 x 20 x 6 inches
49.2 x 50.8 x 15.2 cm -
Ronald DavisGreen Diamond, 1965Acrylic on canvas on wood construction10 1/4 x 5 7/8 x 4 1/4 inches
26 x 14.9 x 10.8 cmSigned verso -
Ronald DavisHexette Wedge II, 2021Acrylic on expanded PVC10 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches
26.7 x 24.1 cm -
Ronald DavisHexagon Block, 1965acrylic on canvas90 x 68 inches
228.6 x 172.7 cm -
Ronald DavisInterior Vent, 1974Cel-Vinyl acrylic and dry pigment on canvas111 x 63 inches
281.9 x 160 cm -
Ronald DavisLamont, 1978Cel-vinyl acrylic on canvas91 x 66 1/2 inches
231.1 x 168.9 cm -
Ronald DavisJericho 2002, 2002Golden Acrylics on expanded PVC91 1/2 x 102 inches
232.4 x 259.1 cm -
Ronald DavisLavender and Ochre Lean, 2009Acrylic on expanded PVC18 x 18 x 3 inches
45.7 x 45.7 x 7.6 cm -
Ronald DavisLavender Diagonal Slabette, 1985Cel-vinyl acrylic and nova gel on shaped canvas28 1/2 x 33 x 2 3/4 inches
72.4 x 83.8 x 7 cm -
Ronald DavisLemon Yellow, 1969Moulded polyester resin & fiberglass50 ½ x 132 inches
128.3 x 335.3 cm -
Ronald DavisMazzochio Too, 2019Pixeldust behind acrylic glass23 1/4 x 23 1/4 inches
59.2 x 59.2 cm -
Ronald DavisMeteors and Tube Near Mars, 1981acrylic on canvas54 x 28 inches
137.2 x 71.1 cm -
Ronald DavisNotched Dodecagon, 1968Cel-Vinyl Acrylic on Copolymer acetate mounted on 100% cotton Somerset Velvet watercolor paper8 ½ x 22 inches
21.6 x 55.9 cm -
Ronald DavisOpen Cube, 1974Cel-vinyl acrylic copolymer and dry pigment on canvas48 x 48 inches
121.9 x 121.9 cm -
Ronald DavisOrange Maroon Oval, 2021Acrylic on canvas20 x 16 inches
50.8 x 40.6 cm -
Ronald DavisOz Floaters, 1981Acrylic on canvas28 x 24 inches
71.1 x 61 cmSigned and dated verso -
Ronald DavisPlane in Vent, 1975Acrylic on canvas64 x 94 inches
162.6 x 238.8 cmSigned, titled, and dated verso -
Ronald DavisRamp Inlet, 1966Rapidograph ink on paper mounted on 100% cotton Somerset Velvet watercolor paper8 ½ x 22 inches
21.6 x 55.9 cm -
Ronald DavisRouted Block, 1967Cel-Vinyl Acrylic on Copolymer mounted on 100% cotton Somerset Velvet watercolor paper8.5 x 22"
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Ronald DavisRose Red Taper, 2009acrylics on expanded PVC plastic47 ⅝ x 31 ¾ x 6 inches
121 x 80.6 x 15.2 cm -
Ronald DavisSea-Green Trapezoid, 1966Liquitex
acrylic on shaped canvas34 x 64 ½ x 3 inches
86.4 x 163.8 x 7.6 cm -
Ronald DavisStaurolite II, 2006Pixel dust on aluminum76.2 x 61.0 cm
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Ronald DavisStereo, 1983Cel-vinyl acrylic on linen130.8 x 81.3 cmSigned & dated verso
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Ronald DavisSynthi, 1984cel-vinyl acrylic on canvas54 x 54"
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Ronald DavisThree Green Taper, 2009acrylics on expanded PVC plastic42 x 35 ¼ x 5 ½ inches
106.7 x 89.5 x 14 cm -
Ronald DavisThree Polygon Pads, 2023Watercolor on paper13 x 19 inches
33 x 48.3 cmSigned and dated lower right -
Ronald DavisThree-Quarters Blue-Gray, 2010Acrylic on expanded PVC20 x 20 x 3 inches
50.8 x 50.8 x 7.6 cm -
Ronald DavisTorque Hinge, 2002Acrylic on expanded PVC70 1/2 x 63 x 2 inches
179.1 x 160 x 5.1 cm -
Ronald DavisTranslucent Cube, 2019Pixeldust behind acrylic glass23 1/4 x 23 1/4 inches
59.2 x 59.2 cm -
Ronald DavisTwo and One-Half Blocks, 1974Cel-vinyl acrylic copolymer and dry pigment on canvas48 x 48 inches
121.9 x 121.9 cm -
Ronald DavisTrill, 1985Cel-vinyl acrylic on canvas54 1/4 x 29 7/8 inches
137.8 x 75.9 cmSigned & dated verso -
Ronald DavisTwo and One-Half Fold, 2009Golden acrylics on shaped PVC10 ½ x 13 ¼ inches
26.7 x 33.7 cm -
Ronald DavisTwo-Fold, 2009Golden acrylics on shaped PVC11 x 10
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Ronald DavisTwo Square Pinch Post, 2001Acrylic on expanded PVC47 1/2 x 17 inches
120.8 x 43.2 cm -
Ronald DavisTwo Cube Row, 1988cel-vinyl acrylic copolymer and Nova gel on canvas30.13 x 36.13"
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Ronald DavisTwo Lens and Serpentine, 1980acrylic and graphite on canvas66 x 60 inches
167.6 x 152.4 cm -
Ronald DavisTwo-Thirds Lock Slabettes, 1984Cel-vinyl acrylic and nova gel on shaped canvas45 5/8 x 88 x 3 1/2 inches
115.9 x 223.5 x 8.9 cmback -
Ronald DavisUntitled D-8 (Center Cone), 1968Rapidograph ink, Cel-vinyl co-polymeron acetate mounted on gray pebble board8 1/8 x 20 inches
20.6 x 50.8 cmSigned and dated lower right -
Ronald DavisVee-Wave Times Two, 1967Zip A Tone on mylar mounted on 100% cotton Somerset Velvet watercolor paper8 ½ x 22 inches
21.6 x 55.9 cm -
Ronald DavisUpright Plus Star, 1977Cel-vinyl acrylic and dry pigment on canvas65 x 77 inches
165.1 x 195.6 cmSigned and dated verso -
Ronald DavisWatercolor Cube, 1974watercolor and ink on paper29 ½ x 18 ¾ inches
74.9 x 47.6 cm -
Ronald DavisWave, 1964acrylic on canvas96 x 72 inches
243.8 x 182.9 cm -
Ronald DavisYellow U-Wedge, 1966Liquitex
acrylic on shaped canvas64 ½ x 108 ¾ x 3 ¾ inches
163.8 x 276.2 x 9.5 cm -
Ronald DavisZig-Zag Times Two, 1966Acrylic on shaped canvas84 3/4 x 61 5/8 inches
215.3 x 156.5 cmback -
Ronald DavisBlue Slabette, 1995Cel-vinyl acrylic on canvas17 x 23 inchesSold
43.2 x 58.4 cm -
Ronald DavisPink and Purple Convex, 1996Encaustic on birch plywood18 1/4 x 16 x 2 1/2 inches
46.4 x 40.6 x 6.4 cmbackSold -
Ronald DavisRed and Green Crab, 1967Cel-vinyl acrylic on acetate8 ½ x 22 x 20 ¼ inchesSold
21.6 x 55.9 x 51.4 cm -
Ronald DavisUn-Square Twist, 2009Acrylic on expanded PVC50.8 x 50.8 x 7.6 cmSold
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Ronald DavisPink and Green Zig-Zag, 2010Golden acrylic on expanded pvc61.0 x 45.7 x 7.6 cmverso signed titled and datedSold
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Ronald DavisOvals and Diamonds, 1963Prismacolor color pencil & graphite on paper25 x 14 ¾ inchesSold
63.5 x 37.5 cm -
Ronald DavisHoled Cube SSS Von metal substrate24 x 24Sold
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Ronald DavisGlass Top Dodecagon, 1968Radiograph ink, Cel-vinyl co-polymeron acetate mounted on cream colored board8.5 x 20Sold
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Ronald DavisCone, Block, and Sphere, 2021Pixeldust rendering on aluminum12 x 21 1/4 inches
30.5 x 54.1 cmbackSold
Exhibitions
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2024 Holiday Exhibition
23 Nov 2024 - 11 Jan 2025Artist on View: Larry Bell Emil Bisttram (1895-1976) Peter Chinni (1928-2019) Ronald Davis Daisuke Kiyomiya TJ Mabrey Beatrice Mandelman (1912-1998) America Martin Ron Lopez Dean Pulver Louis Ribak Shaun Richel...Read more -
Ronald Davis: Paintings from the Music Series
7 Feb - 25 Mar 2023For four years in the 1980s, Ronald Davis, b. 1937, poured and dripped the opaque, cel-vinyl acrylic paint historically used by animators onto canvas and paper. Connecting to his own...Read more -
Ronald Davis, Seven Decades
25 Sep - 12 Nov 2021203 Fine Art is pleased to present Seven Decades, a comprehensive survey of work by Ronald Davis, featuring significant pieces from the 1960s to the present. The exhibition celebrates Davis’s...Read more
