The artistic development of Ralph Bakshi encompasses more than 50 years. He is a self-taught artist who was initially inspired by the The Ashcan School, and later by the Abstract Expressionists, who saw painting as a pure expression of emotion. New York City provided the physical and cultural environment that nurtured Bakshi's imagination and that of his contemporaries; Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, Francis Bacon and Chiam Soutine were his strongest influences. Bakshi made his name and living via animated films, but after the release of American Pop in 1981 he became sedulously dedicated to his passionate dream of pursuing a career as a fine artist. While gaining renown for creating and directing cutting-edge and fiercely creative films that delivered a profound social impact, Bakshi developed a work ethic that served him well in his private studio.