As an art student Elmer Bischoff painted in the style of Picasso.

A style he continued in for some time.

But a friendship with several other artists, David Park and Richard Diebenkorn, devolved into introducing figuration in modern painting.

Later that approach became known as the Bay Area Figurative Movement, a recognition of its impact on the art world.

Their break-away style focussed on the California landscape, West Coast jazz scenes and domestic narratives.

The three were faculty members of the California School of Fine Arts, all living and working in Berkeley.

A painting show of theirs – Contemporary Figurative – at the Oakland Museum garnered national attention.

Bischoff, an avid motorcyclist, lived in the Berkeley hills, often rode his motorcycle through the surrounding area seeking inspiration.

His work is represented in major public and private collections all over the world.

His figurative works, were the most powerful, evocative, memorable.

The California landscapes joyous, dramatic, a palette of bold, strong colours.

Bischoff also was an accomplished trumpet player, an aficionado of New Orleans-style Dixieland jazz. His jazz paintings infused with the boisterous vitality of jazz.