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Leon Kossoff

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description Leon Kossoff Overview

Leon Kossoff was a British expressionist painter and draughtsman celebrated for his thickly impastoed portraits and evocative urban landscapes. Born in London to Ukrainian-Jewish immigrant parents, his work was deeply connected to the city of his birth, frequently depicting the changing face of postwar London. Kossoff was associated with the 'School of London,' a loose group of figurative artists that included Frank Auerbach and Lucian Freud. His paintings are characterized by a highly physical application of paint, often taking years to complete.

help Leon Kossoff FAQ

What painting technique is Leon Kossoff known for?

Kossoff is celebrated for his extraordinarily thick, heavily impastoed paint application, where layers of oil paint build up into almost sculptural surfaces. His brushwork is vigorous and physical, giving his paintings a raw, tactile quality that distinguishes them from smoother figurative traditions.

Was Leon Kossoff part of the School of London?

Yes, Kossoff is considered a key member of the School of London, a loose grouping of London-based figurative painters named by R.B. Kitaj. He was closely associated with Frank Auerbach, with whom he shared a dedication to painting the same urban subjects obsessively over decades.

What subjects did Leon Kossoff paint?

Kossoff repeatedly painted postwar London cityscapes — including Kilburn tube station, Christ Church Spitalfields, and construction sites — as well as intimate portraits of family members and friends. He returned to the same locations and sitters over many years, creating a deeply accumulated record of specific places and people.

Did Leon Kossoff also make drawings and prints?

Yes, Kossoff was a prolific draughtsman and made numerous etchings alongside his paintings. He drew constantly, often from Old Master paintings in the National Gallery, and considered drawing fundamental to his practice.