Skip to main content

Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

German, b. 1940
Joseph Drapell was born into the German- (and later Soviet-) occupied small town of Humpolec (near Prague) in 1940. His parents brought up their three boys not to believe in the official propaganda of the occupying regimes. Like the Czech novelist Milan Kundera, Drapell felt that life was elsewhere. Drapell escaped his birth country at his first opportunity at the age of twenty-five in order to develop his art in the free West. He landed in Halifax in 1966, grateful to Canada for accepting him. Drapell adopted an island (B-109) in Georgian Bay as his new spiritual home. The island has inspired (directly or indirectly) all his mature artistic developments to date. Drapell's aim was to contribute to the art of painting, rather than to merely make a living as an artist. Between 1968 and 1970, he studied under various visiting artists and lecturers at Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan. This is where he first started to develop his compression technique as a response to the paintings of Morris Louis. He settled in Toronto in 1970. Drapell walked the streets of New York with a roll of large paintings, until he was discovered by the Robert Elkon Gallery on Madison Avenue. After three exhibitions there (and several in Toronto where he was discovered by Jared Sable of the Dunkelman Gallery), Drapell achieved his first artistic breakthrough in 1974 with the Great Spirit Paintings. Joseph divides his time between Toronto and Georgian Bay (Lake Huron).
to
6
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
4
2
1
2
1
6
2
2
2
6
6
6
6
6
8
663
630
495
342
2
1
Artist: Joseph Drapell
"In Memory of Clement Greenberg" - colourful, impasto abstract acrylic on canvas
By Joseph Drapell
Located in Bloomfield, ON
An explosion of colour radiates from one side of the canvas in this extraordinary abstract painting dedicated to renowned NY art critic, Clement Greenberg. As a student, Joseph Drapell met and was influenced by Greenberg while studying at an American art school. This piece is rendered in thickly applied waves of shiny orange, purple, plum, white, and turquoise. Holographic materials are also used. The Czech-born artist creates remarkably vibrant paintings using trowels...
Category

1980s Abstract Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Descent of Light - rich, dark, impasto, gestural abstract, acrylic on canvas
By Joseph Drapell
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This deeply dramatic abstract painting is by the masterful Canadian expressionist Joseph Drapell. Thick layers of swirling paint in black with patches of red, green and turquoise are...
Category

1990s Abstract Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Equanimity - contemporary, impasto, gestural abstract, acrylic on canvas
By Joseph Drapell
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This large colourful abstract painting is by Joseph Drapell. Joseph Drapell is considered as one of the most important painters of his generation, an artist who continues to explore new frontiers in painting techniques. In the 1990’s he was a founding member of a group of artists called the New New Painters who exhibited their avant garde work on the international stage. In this intense and provocative painting, a rainbow of bright colours swirls around the canvas. Gradations of orange, purple, pink, lime green, sky blue and white draw the viewer into the center of this abstract piece. The Czech-born artist creates remarkably vibrant compositions using trowels...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Flute - grey, white, green, brown, gestural abstract, acrylic on canvas
By Joseph Drapell
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This grey, white, green, brown, gestural abstract, acrylic on canvas painting is by Canadian artist Joseph Drapell. Fute is considered an important work as it debuted at the artist’s...
Category

1980s Abstract Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Aarons Galaxy - rich, dark, impasto, gestural abstract, acrylic on canvas
By Joseph Drapell
Located in Bloomfield, ON
Acrylic with rhinestones on canvas. A compelling and inventive abstract painter, Joseph Drapell’s stunning work has long been considered masterful by art critics and collectors alike. The Czech-born artist creates remarkably vibrant paintings using trowels...
Category

Early 2000s Abstract Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Danish Middle
By Joseph Drapell
Located in Austin, TX
Waterline Fine Art, Austin, TX is pleased to present the following work: Acrylic on canvas. Signed, titled, and dated on verso. 34.25 x 87.5 in. 36 x 89.5 in. (framed) Custom framed in in a natural cherry floater. Provenance Dunkelman Gallery, Toronto Born Josef Drapell in German-occupied territory near Prague in the present-day Czech Republic, his interest in art was piqued as a young boy growing up in a country that traded one occupier for the next. Czechoslovakia - under communist Soviet control following the war - would never allow Drapell to enjoy true freedom of artistic expression. He eventually fled his homeland, first stopping in Vienna, before ultimately settling in Canada in 1966. After a brief spell at the venerable Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, MI, Drapell returned to Canada in 1970, settling in Toronto - though he frequently traveled between the two countries in pursuit of exhibition opportunities in both Toronto and New York. Those opportunities arrived almost immediately, as he enjoyed solo exhibitions with both Robert Elkon Gallery in New York, and Dunkelman Gallery back home in Toronto. Drapell splits time between his homes in Toronto and Georgian Bay on Lake Huron...
Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Related Items
ABSTRACT Painting White Gold Contemporary Spanish Artist Pau Escat 2024
By Pau Escat
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection comes with a Certificate of Au...
Category

2010s Abstract Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Spray Paint, Acrylic, Ceramic

For What It Is – Contemporary Abstract Nordic Painting in Neutral Palette
Located in Lahti, FI
“For What It Is” is a warm and light-filled abstract piece, blending soft Nordic tones with playful textures and thoughtful layers. The work evokes a quiet strength—a balance between...
Category

2010s Abstract Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Vinyl, Pencil, Color

Gradient of Silence
By Tatiana Hellum
Located in Oslo, NO
Tatiana Hellum said following about this artwork. "This work was inspired by Norwegian landscapes and the particular state of nature I experience during the winter season. I am draw...
Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Gradient of Silence
Gradient of Silence
$1,708
H 27.56 in W 35.44 in D 0.79 in
Abstract Expressionist Acrylic Canvas Painting American
Located in Buffalo, NY
One of a kind acrylic canvas painting by Linda Coppola.
Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Girl Reading Outside /// Contemporary Street Pop Abstract Art Painting Colorful
By Jack Graves III
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Jack Graves III (American, 1988-) Title: "Girl Reading Outside" Series: Abstract *Signed by Graves lower right. It is also signed, titled, and dated on verso Year: 2024 Med...
Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint, Acrylic

Iron Man, Large Abstract Expressionist Painting by William Hewes
By William Hewes
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large, dramatic abstract oil painting by Contemporary artist Bill Hewes. William (Bill) Hewes is an American self-taught artist. Hewes was born in Easthampton, Massachusetts in 19...
Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Enamel

Painting Animal Dog Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Bold Classic Joy
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: BLUE - Insightful Intent Painting Animal Dog Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Bold Classic Joy Original One-of-a-kind This painting forms part of an artwork series c...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Gold

Happy Ghosts /// Jack Graves Abstract Expressionist Colorful Painting Canvas Art
By Jack Graves III
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Jack Graves III (American, 1988-) Title: "Happy Ghosts" Series: Abstract *Signed by Graves lower left. It is also signed, dated, and titled on verso Year: 2025 Medium: Origin...
Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint, Acrylic

Harvest Moon (Propaganda) /// Jack Graves Contemporary Abstract Gottlieb Style
By Jack Graves III
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Jack Graves III (American, 1988-) Title: "Harvest Moon (Propaganda)" Series: Abstract *Signed by Graves lower left. It is is also signed, titled, and dated on verso Year: 20...
Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint, Acrylic

Contemporary abstract expressive figurative painting woman on canvas "No limits"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
This contemporary, expressive figurative oil painting titled "No Limits" was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot and marks a significant shift in her artistic journey. Part of ...
Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Oil Pastel, Acrylic

Pink, Blue Yellow Abstract Expressionist Art by Contemporary British Artist
By Angela Wakefield
Located in Preston, GB
Pink, Blue & Yellow Abstract Expressionist Painting by Contemporary British Artist, Angela Wakefield. Bold, dynamic abstract art, rich in colour and energy. Art measures 24 x 18 inc...
Category

2010s Abstract Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic

"Still Life For Marianne" John Blee, Intense Yellow and Blue, Abstract Painting
By John Blee
Located in New York, NY
John Blee Still Life For Marianne, 1996 Signed, titled, dated on verso Acrylic on canvas 18 x 18 inches Provenance Marianne Elrich Manley John Blee has ex...
Category

1990s Abstract Expressionist Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Previously Available Items
Pearl Harbour - rich, colourful, impasto, gestural abstract acrylic on canvas
By Joseph Drapell
Located in Bloomfield, ON
In this dynamic work by the contemporary painter Joseph Drapell, swirls of shiny bright colours—pinks , purples, and plum dance around the canvas. The Czech-born artist creates uniquely beautiful paintings using innovative techniques--trowels, wide serrated blades, and his fingers to apply thick layers of paint or impasto. These grand highly textured pieces have remarkable depth. “In terms of real...
Category

1980s Abstract Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Lithe Movements - bright, colourful pastels, gestural abstract acrylic on canvas
By Joseph Drapell
Located in Bloomfield, ON
Pastel colours of luminous mauve and yellow acrylic are drawn, fan like swaths that fill the picture plane. This area is anchored at a lower centre point by passages of coral, mauve,...
Category

1980s Abstract Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Life Fulfilled - Psychedelic abstract with bright pinks, purples and blues
By Joseph Drapell
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This fantastically psychedelic abstract painting by Joseph Drapell is created with acrylic paint and holographic additives. Wave-like textures ripple through the pink, purple, and bl...
Category

1980s Contemporary Joseph Drapell Abstract Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Joseph Drapell abstract paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Joseph Drapell abstract paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of abstract paintings to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of blue, orange, pink and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Joseph Drapell in acrylic paint, canvas, fabric and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Joseph Drapell abstract paintings, so small editions measuring 30 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Adolphe Lechtenberg, Edith Konrad, and Julia Marc. Joseph Drapell abstract paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $18,000 and tops out at $25,000, while the average work can sell for $18,000.