Items Similar to Emil Bisttram “Waterfall” Pastel – Abstract Expressionist Taos Modernist Art
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 16
Emil BisttramEmil Bisttram “Waterfall” Pastel – Abstract Expressionist Taos Modernist Art
$7,500
£5,719.91
€6,590.82
CA$10,713.56
A$11,778.34
CHF 6,088.41
MX$140,935.32
NOK 76,864.74
SEK 72,062.85
DKK 49,223.93
About the Item
Waterfall is a striking original pastel by acclaimed Taos artist Emil James Bisttram (1895–1976), a leading figure in American modernism and the Transcendental Painting Group. This serene abstract composition features soft earth tones of black, brown, mustard, and beige, evoking the gentle movement of flowing water and the meditative calm of the natural world. Bisttram’s masterful pastel technique adds luminous texture and depth, creating a harmonious balance of form and emotion.
Signed by the artist in the lower right corner, Waterfall is executed on high-quality paper and professionally framed with archival materials, ready to enhance any fine art collection.
Born in Hungary and later based in Taos, New Mexico, Emil Bisttram was a pioneer of spiritual abstraction, influenced by Wassily Kandinsky and his mentor Diego Rivera. A Guggenheim Fellow and co-founder of the Transcendental Painting Group, Bisttram’s work bridges mysticism, geometry, and modern American art. His paintings have been exhibited at the Whitney Museum of American Art, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the Philadelphia Watercolor Club.
Waterfall exemplifies Bisttram’s visionary approach—an elegant fusion of spirituality and abstraction that captures the timeless rhythm of nature in motion.
- Creator:Emil Bisttram (1895 - 1976, American, Hungarian)
- Dimensions:Height: 19 in (48.26 cm)Width: 22.75 in (57.79 cm)Depth: 0.75 in (1.91 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Framing:Frame IncludedFraming Options Available
- Condition:very good vintage condition, detailed condition report available upon request.
- Gallery Location:Denver, CO
- Reference Number:Seller: 270531stDibs: LU27315528482
Emil James Bisttram Born Hungary, 1895
Died New Mexico, 1976 Emil Bisttram was born in Hungary in 1895 and emigrated with his parents when he was eleven to America. Bisttram choose a more economically promising career in commercial art design due to his economic conditions. Bisttram opened his own art agency at the young age of twenty and during this time took classes with Leon Kroll at the Art Student League and with Jay Hambidge, an advocate of Dynamic Symmetry, at the New York School of Fine and Applied Art (renamed the Parsons School of Design). Dynamic Symmetry is a system of spacial balances and had a lifelong impact on Bisttram. Bisttram taught at Parsons from 1920 to 1925 and at the New York Master Institute of United Arts at the Roerich Museum from 1925-1930. The Institute was a spiritual inspiration to Bisttram because it advocated linking the fine arts together. His style of painting however was more influenced by Kandinsky and he began to experiment in non-objective art. Bisttram received many awards including a Guggenheim fellowship in 1931 to study mural painting. However, he decided to go to Mexico study with the great Mexican Muralist Diego Rivera. After returning from Mexico, Bisttram participated in an exhibition at the Whitney Museum for Guggenheim fellows in 1933 and received a commission to create a mural for the Taos, New Mexico courthouse. The Taos School of Art (renamed Bisttram School of Fine Art) which explored spiritualism and meditation was opened by Bisttram in 1932 where he taught some famous painters including Florence Miller Pierce. Together with Raymond Jonson and Lauren Harris, the Transcendental Painting Group was formed in Santa Fe, New Mexico from 1938-1942. This group was considered very radical for the time and the community reacted with much disdain. Bisttram continued to teach and paint and it is thought that Bisttram’s art truly represents transcendental ideas.
About the Seller
5.0
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 1979
1stDibs seller since 2013
298 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 5 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Denver, CO
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllModernist 1945 Abstract Waterfall Watercolor Landscape Painting by Eve Drewelowe
By Eve Drewelowe
Located in Denver, CO
This striking 1945 abstract landscape watercolor by pioneering modernist artist Eve (Van Ek) Drewelowe, titled "The Champagne Cascades, Crescendos, Crashes," is a bold interpretation...
Category
1940s American Modern Landscape Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
$13,500 Sale Price
22% Off
Taos II – Earth-Toned Abstract 20th Century Monotype by Wilma Fiori, Framed
Located in Denver, CO
Experience the quiet power of the American Southwest through “Taos II,” a stunning original abstract monotype print by celebrated artist Wilma Fiori (1929–2019). Rendered in an evoca...
Category
Late 20th Century Abstract Abstract Prints
Materials
Monotype
Charles Ragland Bunnell Abstract Expressionist Watercolor, Mid-Century Modern
By Charles Ragland Bunnell
Located in Denver, CO
This original abstract expressionist watercolor by Charles Ragland Bunnell (1897–1968) is a striking example of mid-20th-century American abstraction. The composition features bold b...
Category
1950s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Watercolor
1980s Abstract Watercolor – New Mexico Artist, Vibrant Orange, Blue & Yellow
By William Lumpkins
Located in Denver, CO
This dynamic abstract watercolor by acclaimed New Mexico artist William Lumpkins (1909–2000) exemplifies his signature fusion of vibrant color, spir...
Category
1980s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Watercolor
Ann Sink 1960s Abstract “Desert Landscape” Southwestern Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Denver, CO
“Desert Landscape” is a captivating 1960s abstract painting by acclaimed New Mexico and Colorado artist Ann Sink, celebrated for her evocative interpretations of the Southwestern env...
Category
1960s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Walpi #4 - Original Semi-Abstract Southwestern Landscape Watercolor Mixed Media
Located in Denver, CO
"Walpi #4" is an original semi-abstract Southwestern landscape by renowned 20th-century artist Bert Van Bork (1928-2014). This captivating watercolor and mixed media painting portrays the dramatic beauty of a Native American Pueblo village nestled on the mesa of First Mesa, Arizona. Van Bork skillfully uses vibrant hues of deep blue, yellow, orange, and pink to convey the cultural richness and natural splendor of the Hopi people. The piece features adobe structures set against the expansive desert sky, merging the artist’s unique style with his deep reverence for Native American heritage.
Presented in a custom white frame with archival materials and UV-protectant glass, the framed artwork measures 8 ½ x 10 ½ x ½ inches, with the image size being 4 ¾ x 7 inches.
Provenance: Estate of Bert Van Bork, Evanston, Illinois
About the Artist:
Bert Van Bork (1928-2014) was a German-born artist, filmmaker, photographer, and writer. Trained under Karl Schmidt-Rottluff in Berlin, he played a significant role in the post-war German art scene before immigrating to the U.S. in 1954. Known for his work as a printmaker and photographer, Van Bork's powerful documentary films earned global recognition, including an Academy Award nomination for EYEWITNESS, the Legacy of Death Camp Art...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Landscape Paintings
Materials
Charcoal, Ink, Watercolor
You May Also Like
Antique American School Cubist Abstract Signed Framed Pastel Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist abstract pastel and watercolor painting. Signed illegibly. Framed. Image size, 14L x 18H.
Category
1930s Abstract Landscape Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$796 Sale Price
20% Off
Abstract Piece - Mid 20th Century Mixed Media Watercolor by John Bolam
By John Bolam
Located in Watford, Hertfordshire
John Bolam was born in 1922 in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. He originally studied painting at Hornsey School of Art and furniture design at High Wycombe School of Art. He subsequently became a member of the Great Bardfield group of artists (named after the village in Essex where many of the members settled). Close friends and colleagues from that time included Michael Rotherstein, Edward Bawden, John Aldridge and Edward Middleditch...
Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Mixed Media, Watercolor
Earthy tone Abstract Watercolor by Keith Finch
By Keith Finch
Located in Pasadena, CA
This acrylic painting is a richly textured abstract study in hushed ochres, grays, and parchment tones. The work layers delicate washes of pale beige and slate gray, punctuated with ...
Category
Late 20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
Johanna Haas Signed Modern Abstract Mixed-Media Watercolor On Paper 1971 Framed
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A modern mixed-media watercolor painting on painting by German artist Johanna Hass. Signed and dated 1971 on the bottom right. An abstract composition in bright and bold colors. Ther...
Category
Vintage 1970s German Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Paint
1980s "Rust and Black" Soft Pastel Abstract Drawing
Located in Arp, TX
D. Tongen
"Rust and Black"
1980s
18.5"x 13"
Soft pastel and pencil on paper
Initialed in pencil lower right
Category
1980s Abstract Geometric Abstract Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Paper, Pastel, Pencil
Ed Dukkers (1923-1996) - Framed 1977 Pastel, Abstract I
Located in Corsham, GB
An abstract composition by the artist Ed Dukkers using oil pastel and watercolour. Dated to the lower right. Unsigned. Float mounted in a slim silver frame. On paper.
Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Drawings and Watercolors
Materials
Pastel
