Don Bachady Biography
Don Bachardy is a renowned American portrait artist. He lives in Santa Monica, California. He used to be partner of Christopher Isherwood for more than 30 years.
Bachardy is significant is that he has made noteworthy contributions to the field of portraiture. He has developed a style that is both realistic and expressive, capturing the essence of his subjects while also adding his own unique artistic touch. His portraits are often praised for their ability to convey the personality and character of the individuals he paints.
Bachardy has also had a significant impact on society through his portraits of famous people. His depictions of well-known personalities have helped to document and celebrate the lives of individuals who have had a significant impact on culture, politics, and society. In addition, his art has also helped to introduce these individuals to new audiences and to create a sense of connection and familiarity with them.
10 Quick Facts About Donald Jess Bachardy
- Name: Donald Jess Bachardy
- Age: 89 Years (2023)
- Birthday: 15th May
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Height: Average
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Portrait Artist
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: Not Available
- Net worth: $1.6 million
Don Bachady Age
Don is 89 years old as of 2023, he was born on 18 May 1934, in Los Angeles, California, United States of America. He celebrates his birthday on 18 May every year, and his birthsign is Taurus.
Don Bachady Height
Don stands at an average height. He appears to be quite tall in stature if his photos, relative to his surroundings, are anything to go by. However, details regarding his actual height and other body measurements are currently not publicly available. We are keeping tabs and will update this information once it is out.
Don Bachady Weight
Bachady has a moderate weight. Nonetheless, details regarding his actual height and other body measurements are currently not publicly available. We are keeping tabs and will update this information once it is out.
Don Bachady Early Life, and Education
Bachady was born on 18 May 1934 in Los Angeles, California. He schooled at the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles and the Slade School of Art in London. His first one-man presentation was carried in October 1961 at the Redfern Gallery in London. He met the author Christopher Isherwood on Valentine’s Day 1953, when he was 18 years and Isherwood was 48.
They stayed together until Isherwood’s demise in 1986. A number of paperback editions of Isherwood’s novels feature Bachardy’s pencil portraits of the author., A film about their relationship which was titled Chris & Don: A Love Story, was unleashed in 2008.
Don Bachady
Bachardy’s breakthrough moment came in the early 1950s, when he met the writer Christopher Isherwood, who would become his lifelong partner. Isherwood was already a well-known writer, and Bachardy began to paint his portrait, as well as those of other famous writers and artists in their circle. These portraits were exhibited in galleries and museums, and quickly gained critical acclaim for their intense, intimate style.
Over the years, Bachardy continued to paint portraits of famous figures, including writers such as Tennessee Williams, Anaïs Nin, and Gore Vidal, as well as Hollywood celebrities like Joan Collins and Jack Nicholson. He also created portraits of notable political figures, such as President Ronald Reagan.
Don Bachady Spouse
Don was married to Christopher Isherwood, a one-time Anglo-American novelist, playwright, screenwriter, autobiographer, and diarist. The couple tied the knot from 1953–1986 and they lived together in Santa Monica for the rest of Isherwood’s life.
Unfortunately, Isherwood was analyzed with prostate cancer in 1981 and passed off the disease on 4 January 1986 at his Santa Monica home, aging 81. His body was bestowed to medical science at UCLA, and his ashes were later spread at sea.
Don Bachady Spouse Christopher Isherwood
Don’s partner Christopher Isherwood was an Anglo-American novelist, playwright, screenwriter, autobiographer, and diarist.
Don Bachady Net Worth
Bachady has an estimated net worth of $1.6 million dollars as of 2023. This includes his assets, money, and income. His primary source of income is his career as a Portrait Artist. Through his various sources of income, Don has accumulated good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Don Bachady Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Don Bachady.
Don Bachady Wiki
- Full Names: Donald Jess Bachardy
- Popular As: Portrait artist
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Portrait Artist
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity:
- Religion: Christian
- Sexual Orientation: Gay
Don Bachady Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 89 Years (2023)
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Date of Birth: May 18, 1934
- Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
- Birthday: 18 May
Don Bachady Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: Not Available
- Height / How Tall?: Average
- Weight: Moderate
- Eye Color: To be updated
- Hair Color: To be updated
- Shoe Size:To be updated
Don Bachady Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad):Not Known
- Mother: Not Known
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Not Known
- Marital Status: Widower
- Husband/Spouse: Married to Christopher Isherwood
- Dating / Boyfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: Not Known
Don Bachady Networth and Salary
- Net Worth: $1.6 million
- Salary: Not Available
- Source of Income: Portrait Artist
Don Bachady House and Cars
- Place of living: To be Updated
- Cars: Car Brand to be Updated
Don Bachardy Early Careeer Experiences
Bachardy’s early career experiences were shaped by his passion for art and his determination to become a professional artist. He began studying art at the Chouinard Art Institute (now the California Institute of the Arts) in Los Angeles in the early 1950s, where he focused on developing his skills in drawing and painting.
Bachardy’s breakthrough moment came when he met the writer Christopher Isherwood, who would become his lifelong partner. Isherwood was already a well-known writer, and Bachardy began to paint his portrait, as well as those of other famous writers and artists in their circle. These portraits were exhibited in galleries and museums, and quickly gained critical acclaim for their intense, intimate style.
Despite this early success, Bachardy faced challenges in his career due to his identity as an openly gay man in a time when homosexuality was widely stigmatized. He was often excluded from mainstream galleries and exhibitions, and had to work hard to build his reputation as an artist.
Don Bachardy Careeer
Bachardy’s artwork is primarily focused on portraiture, and he has painted numerous portraits of famous people, including literary figures such as Christopher Isherwood, Truman Capote, and James Baldwin, as well as Hollywood stars like Jack Nicholson, Anjelica Huston, and Greta Garbo. His work is highly regarded for its ability to capture the unique personality and essence of his subjects.
Bachardy’s career spans over six decades, and he has exhibited his work in many galleries and museums around the world, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the National Portrait Gallery in London. He has also been the subject of many solo exhibitions, including a retrospective at the Huntington Library in San Marino, California, in 2011.
In addition to his painting career, Bachardy has also worked in other creative fields, including theatre, film, and television. He has designed sets and costumes for numerous productions, and he has also worked as an actor and a screenwriter.
Don Bachady Artwork
- Anaïs Nin: The writer and feminist icon was a close friend of Isherwood and Bachardy, and Bachardy painted several portraits of her over the years. One of his most striking portraits of Nin features her in a dramatic pose, with bold, bright colors and energetic brushwork.
- Tennessee Williams: Bachardy painted several portraits of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, including a striking portrait in which Williams is depicted in profile, with bold colors and expressive brushstrokes.
- Joan Collins: The Hollywood actress and television personality was a frequent subject of Bachardy’s portraits. One of his most famous portraits of Collins features her in a confident pose, with bold colors and strong lines.
Don Bachardy Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
- National Endowment for the Arts Grant: Bachardy received a National Endowment for the Arts Grant in 1978.
- Solo Exhibitions: Bachardy has had many solo exhibitions of his work throughout his career, including exhibitions at the Huntington Library in San Marino, California, and the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles.
- Awards and Honors: Bachardy has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Gold Medal for Fine Arts from the City of Los Angeles, the Distinguished Artist Award from the Flintridge Foundation, and the Award of Excellence from the American Portrait Society.
- Collections: Bachardy’s work is included in many prestigious public and private collections, including the National Portrait Gallery in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C.
- Film Credits: Bachardy has worked in the film industry as a writer and actor. He wrote the screenplay for the film “The Secret Life of Algernon” and appeared in the films “The Loved One” and “Frankenstein Unbound.”
- Contributions to LGBTQ Art: As an openly gay artist, Bachardy has made significant contributions to the LGBTQ art movement. He and his partner, the writer Christopher Isherwood, were part of a vibrant artistic community in Los Angeles during the 1960s and 1970s.
Don Bachardy Behind The Scenes Stories
Bachardy involves his portrait painting of the British novelist E.M. Forster. Bachardy was commissioned to paint Forster’s portrait in 1960, but he was nervous about meeting the famous author.
When Bachardy arrived at Forster’s home, he was greeted by the author’s housekeeper, who told him that Forster was napping and asked him to wait in the garden. As Bachardy waited, he saw Forster’s head pop up from behind a bush, and the author asked Bachardy if he would like to see his beloved garden.
Bachardy agreed, and the two spent the next hour touring Forster’s garden and discussing their mutual love of nature. When it was time for Bachardy to begin the portrait, Forster insisted that he paint him in the garden, surrounded by his beloved flowers.
Don Bachardy Personal Beliefs
Bachardy believes in the importance of being true to oneself, both as an artist and as a person. He has said that “the only thing an artist has to offer is their own life, their own experience.”
Human Connection: Bachardy values human connection and believes that art has the power to bring people together. His portraits are known for their ability to capture the unique personalities of his subjects, and he has spoken about the importance of empathy and understanding in his work.
Don Bachardy Quotes
Frequently Asked Questions About Don Bachady
Don Bachardy is an American portrait artist who was born in Los Angeles, California, United States of America. He currently resides in Santa Monica, California. He was Christopher Isherwood’s partner for over 30 years.
Bachady is an American national born on May 18, 1934, in Los Angeles, California, United States of America.
Bachady stands at an average height, she has not shared his height with the public. His height will be listed once we have it from a credible source.
Don was married to Christopher Isherwood. Isherwood was The couple tied their knot from 1953–1986 and they lived together in Santa Monica for the rest of Isherwood’s life.
Don has an approximate net worth of $1.6 million. This amount has been accrued from his leading roles as aportrait artist.
Details about Bachady’s salary are not yet disclosed. However, information about how much he makes will be updated as soon as it is available.
Bachady presently resides in Santa Monica, California.
Don is alive and in good health. There have been no reports of him being sick or having any health-related issues.
Bachady presently resides in Santa Monica, California. He was Christopher Isherwood’s partner for over 30 years.
Don Bachady Contacts
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