Snapshots from a life's work

American painter R.B. Kitaj, who now works from London, draws on many influences in his work, but has been particularly affected by films, echoes of which are frequently found in his paintings. He is a very private person, but puts a great deal about human life into his paintings. He is very fond of modernism, but it still more influenced by late 19th century and earlier works. He also writes extensive notes on his paintings, expressing another aspect of his nature.