American Modern Paintings

A Large, Dynamic Mid-Century Modern Painting of a Horse Race by noted Chicago Artist, Rudolph Pen. Artwork size: 24" x 36"; Framed size: 25" x 37". Signed "Pen" lower right and ti...

Nice American Modernist Oil Painting. with old label verso. not dated but estimating it to the 70s. Not sure which Doris turner this is...

An original modern 1930's oil painting by WPA era American artist Henry Ensol. This work comes in a period frame likely original to the piece.

A Large, Vibrant 1950s Mid-Century Modern Still Life Painting / Interior Scene by Noted Chicago Artist, Rudolph T. Pen. Depicts a delightful interior scene painted in subtle harmoni...

Gunnar Donald Anderson (American, 1927-2022) Untitled, c. 20th Century Oil on board Sight: 11 1/2 x 15 3/4 in. Framed: 20 1/2 x 24 1/2 x 1 1/4 i...

Original Painting Fortune Cover Published 1937 American Modern - Met Museum NEWS: A printed copy of this magazine is included in The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s recent exhibition, “Art for the Millions: American Culture and Politics in the 1930s” Antonio Petruccelli...

"Spring Storm" is a powerful original painting by acclaimed American modernist Doel Reed (1894–1985), celebrated for his dramatic Southwestern landscapes and mastery of tone and text...

Wayne Beam Morrell (American, 1923-2013) Untitled (Coastal Scene, Massachusetts), 20th century Oil on board 15 1/2 x 20 in. Framed: 24 x 27 1/3 in. Signed lower right Wayne Morrell ...

A lovely 1930s watercolor on paper of a summer nocturne moonrise by famed Chicago Modern artist Francis Chapin. A captivating dune landscape completed while Chapin was an instructor...

Vintage Abstract Expressionist Standing Pensive Figurative Nude - Heavy Impasto Abstract expressionist figurative composition of a nude woman by California artist Harald "Harry" Dr...

Signed lower left, 'Davenport' for Jill Davenport (American, 1930-2019) and painted circa 1985; titled, verso, 'Attic Series- Yellow'. Framed dimensions: 28 x 1.5 x 25 inches. Born in Kansas, Jill Davenport moved to California in 1963. A lifelong artist and art enthusiast, she raised a family before focusing, in her early forties, on her vocation as an artist. In 1976, she graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelors in Art, subsequently continuing her studies with the California Post-Impressionist, Maury Lapp...

Hand signed Irises (purple and yellow flowers) 30 X 37 framed. 20.5 X 26.5 sheet without frame. Bernard Chaet (born 1924, Boston, MA - 2012) was an American artist; Chaet is known for his colorful, dynamic modernist paintings and masterful draftsmanship, his association with the Boston Expressionists, and his 40-year career as a Professor of Painting at Yale University. His works also include watercolors and prints. In 1994, he was named a National Academician by the National Academy of Design. Chaet was instrumental in transforming Yale’s traditional art program into one with a more modernist approach that gained national prominence. Chaet melded landscape and abstraction in a traditional established by Vincent Van Gogh, Georges Seurat, Edvard Munch, Piet Mondrian, and Ferdinand Hodler. His own tenure began in 1951 at Yale, where he worked closely with Josef Albers to revamp Yale’s art program. Between 1959 and 1962 he was the chair of what was then called the Yale Department of Art of the School of Fine Arts — prior to becoming one of the independent professional schools at Yale in 1973. Chaet taught painting and drawing and mentored generations of emerging talents. Chaet was the author of the 1970 textbook “The Art of Drawing” and “An Artist’s Notebook 1979,” both of which have since been reissued several times. In the latter book, alongside examples of work by his favorite artists, are student drawings by Yale graduates such as Robert Birmelin, Michael Mazur and Eugene Baguskas. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1924, Chaet studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and then earned a B.A. at Tufts University. Known for his expressionist landscapes and still lifes, Chaet’s work has continuously been shown in galleries in his native Boston, in New York City, and around the country. In 2010, a retrospective of his seascapes was featured at the Cape Ann Historical Society in Gloucester, Massachusetts, where he had a home and a summer studio in nearby Rockport. His has also exhibited at David Findlay Gallery in New York and at Swarthmore College. Many of Chaet’s students went on to notable art careers, including Janet Fish, Chuck Close, and Richard Serra. His work is represented in the collections of the Brooklyn Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C., the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, CT, and the Addison Gallery of American Art in Andover, MA. Chaet is the recipient of many awards including: the National Foundation of the Arts and Humanities, Sabbatical Grant in 1967-68, the National Academy of Fine Arts, Benjamin Altman Award in Painting in 1997, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Jimmy Ernst Prize in 2001. Chaet was born and raised in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, MA. He completed a dual program at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston—studying painting with Karl Zerbe—and Tufts University, graduating with a B.S. in 1949. Chaet is known for his association as a first generation Boston Expressionist. (along with Hyman Bloom and Jack Levine) Chaet was a contributing editor to Arts Magazine. In 1960 he published the book Artists At Work, which features in depths conversations with artists Pat Adams, Anni Albers, Josef Albers, Al Blaustein, Hyman Bloom, James Brooks, Robert Engman...

Jean Xceron (1890 – 1967) is a modernist artist who was born in Isary, Greece with the birth name of Yiannis Xirocostas. In 1927, he went to Paris to further his art career, which in...

Mystery American Artist Untitled (waterfall), c. 20th century Watercolor on paper Sight: 20 1/2 x 14 in. Framed: 21 1/2 x 17 1/2 x 1 in.

Bay Area Expressionist Standing Nude Standing nude woman by Honora Berg (American, 1897-1985). Bold depiction of a nude woman with dark hair. The model is rendered in dark greys, w...

A charming, vibrant 1940s Modern landscape painting of Calais, Vermont by famed Chicago artist, Harold Haydon. A wonderful example of the artist's favo...

A vibrant 1950s Modern watercolor of a standing male bather in red orange tones by notable French artist Andre Delfau. Painted in the south of France along the Cote d' azure (...

A charming, colorful 1930s painting of a young woman knitting by famed Chicago Modern artist, Francis Chapin. A harmonious palette of cheerful yellows, reds and blues, where a young...

A Charming, 1960s Mid-Century Modern Portrait of a Young Man by Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). With wonderful expressionist brushwork and a vibrant palette, the painting most like...

FRANCIS VANDEVEER KUGHLER "New York Skyline C. 1940" - oil on Masonite, 30"x40" Unframed, Signed lower center Born in New York City in 1901, Francis Vandeveer Kughler attended Co...

Color Block Modernist Still Life with Fruit Bowl by Ellis Hopkins (American, b. 1952). This bold still life depicts a yellow bowl of fruit sitting on a table next to a long bottle,...

Tower and Wires, 1987, acrylic on canvas, signed lower right, 24 x 16 inches, exhibited: Alfred P. Maurice Artist in the City Paintings 1979 - 1997, Archer Gallery of Clark College, ...

A mid-century modern oil painting by listed female artist Helen L. Roberts. This painting depicts an interior scene with a vase of beautiful flowers and decorative pitcher. Housed ...

A fantastic WPA-era painting of a Georgia moonshiner by famed Italian-American artist Athos Menaboni (1895-1990). This work depicts an older man sporting a brown hat, brown jacket, ...

A vibrant, MidCentury Modern 1940s summer landscape painting of a Vermont river by notable Chicago artist, Harold Haydon. A picturesque, quiet scene painted near the artist's longti...

Farm in the Valley - Plein Air California Landscape Beautiful mid century landscape of a California farm by Baumgardner (American, 20th Century). The viewer stands on a dirt road, w...

Still Life (Untitled), c. 1935 – 1940, oil on canvas, signed lower left, magazine cover has a 1934 date, 32 x 26 inches, remnant of exhibition label verso In their essay for the gro...

Donald Vogel’s paintings reflect his interest in seeking beauty in life and in sharing pleasure with his viewers. Vogel entreats us to "rejoice and celebrate each new day, knowing it...

A strong modernist oil painting depicted in 1927 by Russian-American painter Ben Benn. With a highly recognizable modern style, fast brush stroke and expressive use of color, shape, ...

This original 1940 Modernist still life oil painting by celebrated American artist John Edward Thompson (1882–1945) showcases a bold and expressive floral arrangement, rendered with ...

"On Guard" Vintage Abstract Expressionist Heavy Impasto Figure Abstract expressionist figurative composition of a man in a button down shirt with a brimmed hat by California artist ...

An Introspective, 1950s Mid-Century Modern Portrait "Head of a Young Girl" by Noted Chicago Artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). Artwork size: 15 x 12 1/2 inches (Framed size: ...

A wonderful 1950s Mid-Century Modern portrait of a young woman seated at a table by famed Chicago artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). Great color palette and expressive, contemp...

A Vibrant, Expressive Mid-Century Floral Still Life Painting by Rudolph Pen. Artwork size: 15” x 10"; Framed size: 19 1/2” x 14 1/2”. Signed Pen, lower right. Provenance: Esta...

Hand signed lower left corner Oil on masonite Dimensions: Frame H 18.25" x W 22.25". Sight H 11.25" x W 15.25 This is a great scene, vintage Americana. Possibly Crown Heights in Brooklyn New York City. Done in a mid century modern style with great vibrant colors and loose, adept, brushwork. Fruit vendor with ladies shopping. George Schwacha, Jr. (1908 - 1986) New Jersey artist. Known for Landscape painting and snow scenes. He studied Arthur W. Woelfle; John Grabach; Edward Dufner and A. Schweider. George Schwacha was president of the American Artists Professional League and a past president of the Audubon Artists and Art Center of New Jersey. He belongs to the American Watercolor Society, The National Society of Painters in Casein, and the Philadelphia Watercolor Club. His paintings have been shown throughout the country at museums such as the Pennsylvania Academy, the Corcoran Gallery in Washington, DC and the Birmingham Art Museum, The Butler Art Institute in Youngstown, Ohio the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts, as well as in leading New Jersey and New York exhibitions, including the American Society of Arts and Letters. He is listed in Who's Who in American Art and International Directory of Arts. His work is represented nationally in over 30 museums and public collections including the Newark Museum, Montclair Museum, Birmingham Art Museum, the Isaac Delgado Museum in New Orleans, and the Butler Art Institute. Worldwide he is also represented in collections in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Israel, Scotland and Switzerland. Seymour Zayon, Bertram Hartman, Hugh Campbell, Frank Herbst, Joseph Newman, Theodore Valenkamph, Robert John McClelland, Nicolai Cikovsky, Ben Benn, George Howell Gay, Robert Brackman, Vernon Wood...

There’s a weathered, driftwood feel to this painting, "Archaeology," by California artist R.W. (Richard) Hacket (1917-1988). Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Hackett was undoubt...

This painting is part of our exhibition American Coast to Coast: Artists of the 1930s Subway Construction, c. 1928, oil on board, 19 x 15 ¾ inches, signed upper left, artist and title verso; exhibited: 1) 12th Annual Exhibition of the Society of Independent Artists, The Waldorf Astoria, New York NY, from March 9 to April 1, 1928, no. 864 (original price $250) (see Death Prevailing Theme of Artists in Weird Exhibits, The Gazette (Montreal, Quebec, Canada), March 8, 1928); 2) Boston Tercentenary Exhibition Fine Arts and Crafts Exhibition, Horticultural Hall, Boston MA, July, 1930, no. 108 (honorable mention - noted verso); 3) 38th Annual Exhibition of American Art, Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati, OH, June, 1931 (see Alexander, Mary, The Week in Art Circles, The Cincinnati Enquirer, June 7, 1931); and 4) National Art Week Exhibition [Group Show], Montross Gallery, New York, New York, December, 1940 (see Devree, Howard, Brief Comment on Some Recently Opened Exhibitions in the Galleries, The New York Times, December 1, 1940) About the Painting Ernest Stock’s Subway Construction depicts the excavation of New York’s 8th Avenue line, which was the first completed section of the city-operated Independent Subway System (IND). The groundbreaking ceremony was in 1925, but the line did not open until 1932, placing Stock’s painting in the middle of the construction effort. The 8th Avenue line was primarily constructed using the “cut and cover” method in which the streets above the line were dug up, infrastructure was built from the surface level down, the resulting holes were filled, and the streets reconstructed. While many artists of the 1920s were fascinated with the upward thrust of New York’s exploding skyline as architects and developers sought to erect ever higher buildings, Stock turned his attention to the engineering marvels which were taking place below ground. In Subway Construction, Stock depicts workers removing the earth beneath the street and building scaffolding and other support structures to allow concrete to be poured. Light and shadow fall across the x-shaped grid pattern formed by the wooden beams and planks. It is no surprise that critics reviewing the painting commented on Stock’s use of an “interesting pattern” to form a painting that is “clever and well designed.” About the Artist Ernest Richard Stock was an award-winning painter, print maker, muralist, and commercial artist. He was born in Bristol, England and was educated at the prestigious Bristol Grammar School. During World War I, Stock joined the British Royal Air Flying Corps in Canada and served in France as a pilot where he was wounded. After the war, he immigrated to the United States and joined the firm of Mack, Jenny, and Tyler, where he further honed his architectural and decorative painting skills. During the 1920s, Stock often traveled back and forth between the US and Europe. He was twice married, including to the American author, Katherine Anne Porter. Starting in the mid-1920s, Stock began to exhibit his artwork professionally, including at London’s Beaux Arts Gallery, the Society of Independent Artists, the Salons of America, the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Whitney Studio and various locations in the Northeast. Critics often praised the strong design sensibility in Stock’s paintings. Stock was a commercial illustrator for a handful of published books and during World War II, he worked in the Stratford Connecticut...

Michael Frary (1918 - 2005) Austin Artist Image Size: 16 x 20 Frame Size: 17.5 x 21.5 Medium: Oil "Still Life Fruit" Biography Michael Frary (1918 - ...

Albert Heckman Cubist Landscape Signed lower right Oil on canvas 21 3/4 x 30 inches Albert Heckman was born in Meadville, Western Pennsylvania, 1893. He went to New York City to tr...

Mid Century Modern Burgundy Calla Lilies in Oil on Masonite Gorgeous still life of burgundy calla lilies by listed artist Helen Enoch Gleiforst (American, 1903-1997). Signed "Gleif...

A charming, vibrant, early Mexican rooftop city street scene by famed Chicago Modern artist Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). Depicting a quiet, picturesque view of the rooftops and c...

SALE ONE WEEK ONLY Yaeger was an American Modernist painter from Detroit, Michigan, who is credited with being one of the first painters in this style. The portrait “Untitled” easil...

A dynamic 1930s, WPA era industrial scene watercolor of a steel mill and factory workers by notable Chicago Modern artist, Harold Haydon. A wonderful example of early Twentieth Cent...

Donald Stacy "Red Sun" c.1950s Gouache and oil pastel on paper 13.75" x 17" unframed Unsigned Came from artist's estate *Custom framing available for additional charge. Please expect framing time between 3-5 weeks. Donald Stacy (1925-2008) New Jersey Studied: Newark School of Fine Art The Art Students League...

Ortez (Modernist Family Portrait) is a vibrant 1947 abstract gouache on paper by American modernist artist Lewis Lee Tilley (1921–2005). This dynamic mid-century composition depicts ...

"Personage" Heavy Impasto Expressionist Portrait of Lady with a Hat Abstract expressionist portrait of a woman wearing a hat by California artist Harald "Harry" Dry Schmidt (America...

Hans Burkhardt The Artist's Wife (1930) Oil on canvas, 20" x 16" 24" x 20 ½" x 1 ½" framed Dated 1930 lower right recto. Annotated "To Elsa HB Louise Burkhardt 1930. HB" verso. ...

A charming vintage 1950s painting of Martha's Vineyard, "Oak Bluffs, Mass." by notable Chicago artist Francis Chapin. A bustling view of the picturesque lighthouse and Soldiers Mem...

A charming 1933 studio scene watercolor of a reclining young woman in a red dress by famed Chicago Modern artist, Malvin Marr Albright (Zsissily), Image size: 12 x 18 inches. Arch...

Nicolai S. Cikovsky, (American, 1894-1984) Floral Still Life Oil on canvas. Hand signed (lower right). Dimensions: canvas 27 x 22 in. frame 35.5 X 30.75 Nicolai S. (Nicola) Cikovs...

Valley House Gallery is honored to present a selection of paintings from the estate of American artist, John Hartell (1902-1995). John Hartell taught two disciplines at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York: freshman architecture and graduate painting. He was a much-loved professor there from 1930 until his retirement in 1967; one of his most illustrious students is the architect Richard Meier. As an artist, Hartell's first solo exhibition was in 1937 at Kleeman Gallery in New York. He exhibited at Kraushaar Galleries in New York for four decades, beginning in 1943. The Hartell Gallery at Cornell University, under the Sibley Dome, is named for him. In describing John Hartell, the artist Michael Boyd...

Chicago Modernist, William Schwartz, painted this intimate painting of a woman reading titled On the Beach. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago shortly after emigrating to th...

Robert Gilberg (1911-1970) "Still Life in White" c.1950s Gouache on newspaper from Sacramento Bee 1957 22.75"x15.25" unframed Unsigned Born in Oakland, CA on April 25, 1911. Gilberg...

"Showers Today" San Francisco's Chinatown on an Overcast Day Original Watercolor A two sided watercolor on Arches paper by San Francisco and Maryland artist Harolod Gretzner (America...

Valley House Gallery is honored to present a selection of paintings from the estate of American artist, John Hartell (1902-1995). John Hartell taught two disciplines at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York: freshman architecture and graduate painting. He was a much-loved professor there from 1930 until his retirement in 1967; one of his most illustrious students is the architect Richard Meier. As an artist, Hartell's first solo exhibition was in 1937 at Kleeman Gallery in New York. He exhibited at Kraushaar Galleries in New York for four decades, beginning in 1943. The Hartell Gallery at Cornell University, under the Sibley Dome, is named for him. In describing John Hartell, the artist Michael Boyd...

Hendrik (Henry) J Glintenkamp (1887 - 1946) Mexican Mountains, 1940 Oil on canvas 32 x 26 inches Signed lower left; signed and dated on the reverse T...

Artist Harold Haydon called his tiny paintings "Thumb Box" paintings. This 1943 oil on paper painting depicts the Racine Ravine (Wisconsin Lakefront Beach). This is the perfect ser...

“St. Michael’s in Brooklyn, c. 1944” by Ernest Fiene (1894-1965) New York City served as an endless source of inspiration for Fiene, who often captured street scenes like this one i...

Martin Mull is a singular artist whose iconography directly translate the American culture.

A stylish, vintage, 1940s fashion study featuring elegant designs for women's clothing, shoes and accessories. Artwork size: 11 x 8 1/2 inches. Archivally matted to 16 x 12 inches...