Art by Medium: Masonite

Very well executed oil on masonite painting of a sunset in Topeka, Kansas by the American artist, Pauline Haynes Shirer. Signed lower right. Circa 1950. Condition is excellent. Recently professionally cleaned. Newly framed in a custom gallery frame. Overall framed measurements are 17.5 by 20.5 inches. Provenance: A Long Island, New York collector. Pauline Haynes Shirer (1894 - 1975), American Born in Topeka in 1894, Pauline is said to have been at least partially raised by her aunt, Hannah Haynes Headlee (Pauline’s mother died when she was 8 years old). By 16, she was living as a ward in the Topeka home of Elizabeth Cunningham, a dressmaker. After graduating from Topeka High School, she attended the New York School of Fine and Applied Art (later Parsons School of Design), completing a two-year course in one year (1913-1914). At the same time, she took weekend classes at the Art Students League. Returning to Topeka, she studied and taught at Washburn College (now University) from 1914 to 1915 and instructed summer sessions at Kansas State Teachers College, Pittsburgh, during the same period. Afterward, she returned to the New York School of Fine and Applied Art, where she taught and took classes (1915-1918). She spent the summer of 1916 as an instructor at the Skidmore School of Art, Saratoga Springs, New York. In 1917, Pauline married Hampton F. Shirer, an architect from MIT, who was also an artist and came from a prominent Topeka family. The couple later settled in Wellesley, Massachusetts in 1921, living in a house which they built and decorated themselves. During the next 16 years, they raised two children and Pauline also found time to illustrate promotional brochures and primary school texts. During the early years of her career, Pauline focused on the applied arts – such as watercolor designs for curtains, silk fabrics, wallpaper as well as poster designs, theater backdrops and book covers. Later she would transition into creating her own representational works of art. Shirer returned to Topeka in 1937. During her career as a painter in oils and watercolors, she sketched in Europe four times and did paintings of New England subjects. However, most of her paintings were of the West. She executed Kansas views first, and they continued to hold her interest throughout her life. Typical were her studies of rustic buildings on the plains, glimpses of the prairie country, and the historic buildings of Topeka. She also painted New Mexico landscapes and Colorado mountain scenes. Among her exhibitions, mostly solo but occasionally with her husband, were those held at the Harlow and Harland’s Gallery, Boston (1922); The Scattery, Wellesley, MA (1925); Vose Galleries, Boston (1931); Topeka Art Guild (1952); Copley Society...

Acrylic on masonite. This is a pivotal work in deep and radiant cobalt blue from 1950. It dipicts calligraphic and hieroglyph structures over a grid and pyramidal base by the first generation abstract expressionist. Provenance: Skinner: November 13, 1992 [Lot 00219}, The entry in the Skinner catalog indicates that the painting came directly from the artist to the family of the consignor to Skinner. Kaminsky Auctions. There is an unbroken paper trail that traces the ownership of the painting from the current owner, through two auction houses to the artist. Perfect unbroken provenance. Pousette-Dart was among the most inventive of the Abstract Expressionist generation, His uncanny talent was to expand the nature of abstraction and still make each mark each element very much his own; a reflection of what he called   "the concealed power of the spirit," he said, “not of the brute physical form."   His was not aiming for a singular, realized aesthetic formula but to expand the possibilities of painting; the transcendental in painting. Typical of such invention and exploration is this  painting  Untitled 1950 when the artist was only 34 years old and represented by one of the champions of the new American painting, Betty Parsons.  
A banner year for Pousette-Dart, the Museum of Modern Art acquired their first painting by the Minnesota born artist.  He worked on easel size works such as this painting an oil on masonite. At the same time Pousette-Dart was also working on larger scale works such as Path of the Hero, running over ten feet in length now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Both contain fields of color articulated by a highly sophisticated white hieroglyphic vocabulary. Rather than demonstrate an expressionist sensibility, Pousette-Dart harnesses his more cerebral ideas transforming thick areas of paint into a more refined composition of geometric forms akin to the pattern and forms of say a stained glass window. In a way he is looking back at Fugue, 1940 a black and white composition which makes use of a similar format of painting albeit smaller. Color and form are minimal, but what Pousette-Dart has maximized is the rhythmic and syncopated character of painting casting his ideas into purely symbolic terms that one might link to the pictograms of Adolph Gottlieb. Nonetheless, nature is always at the core of Pousette-Dart’s thinking and dreaming. Here he has transformed the local Ramapo Mountains—where he will eventually move with his family to live and work— into a complex series of articulated fragments linked by style, scale and color.  The painting’s imagery built on two large triangles and reduced to just two colors, cobalt blue and white all outlined in black.  Pousette-Dart symbols stacked in horizontal and vertical rows:  blue is ground, white is language, symbolic of light, consciousness and awareness . The painting maintains a mystical character images compounded that formulate a secret code and linked to the series of white paintings Pousette-Dart authored in the first half of the 1950s. Get up close to the picture and you discover images within images a kind of picture puzzle...

Modern Mixed Media Textured Kimono in Neutral Blush, Collagraph Master Plate #2 This one-of-a-kind, highly textured, modern mixed media piece of a kimono in blush, warm neutrals is ...

Beautiful mid century impressionist landscape of Colorado River and hills by Wilfred A. Readio (American, 1895-1961), c.1940. Unsigned; purchased as part of collection of artist's wo...

No background setting is needed in this painting by Fichtl to reference solitude's impact on the young woman. Loneliness is etched into her features. The choice of a dark coat—is it ...

Colorful abstract oil painting on canvas by Les (Leslie Luverne) Anderson (American, 1928-2009). From the estate of Les Anderson in Monterey, California. Unframed. Titled "An Archbis...

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: ...

Signed lower left, 'Baba' and dated 1977. A large and colorful Pop Art derived perspective on the aquatic circle of life.

Mid Century Modern, American Abstract Expressionist Painting on masonite This lively abstract painting reads like an interior and still life with lemons on a tabletop in vivid shade...

A magnificent 1931 Art Deco painting by master artist John Storrs. Artwork size: 18" x 12". Framed Size: 21 1/4" x 21 3/4". In a handsome, dark fram...

Signed lower right, 'C. S. Sanchez' for Clyde Sanchez (American, 20th century), and painted circa 1975; additionally signed, verso, with artist location, 'Aptos, CA'. A substantial,...

Signed lower right 'F. Sands Brunner' for Frederick Sands Brunner (American, 1886 - 1954) and painted circa 1930. A painting showing the artist's two daughters, Sibyl and Janet, fa...

New York City scene of two women walking down a sidewalk with a park in the background, in the foreground a man is walking a small dog. American life is captured in this Clyde Sing...

Like a Comet - Nocturnal Sky in Oil on Masonite Surrealistic oil painting landscape of comet by listed San Francisco, California artist Eleanor Perry (American, 1928-2014). Signed ...

"Yellow Meadow with Sheep" Farmhouse Landscape in Acrylic on Masonite Idyllic pastoral landscape by Richard M. Bacon (American, 20th Century). A cow and two sheep are grazing in a p...

Signed, verso, 'Di Gesu' for Victor Di Gesu (American, 1914-1988) and stamped with the artist's estate seal. Winner of the Prix Othon Friesz, Victor di Gesu first attended the Los A...

Mid Century Modern Portrait of a Man in a Suit in Oil on Masonite Mid Century Modern portrait of an older man by Honora Berg (American, 1897-1985). This portrait is made of layers o...

Highly textured landscape, with thick impasto illustrating a glorious scene of figures swimming in calm waters near large rocks and swaying trees, by Tyler Micoleau (American, 1911-2001). Signed and dated "Tyler Micoleau 1968" in the lower left corner. Presented in a gold colored wood frame. Image size: 12"H x 16"W Tyler Micoleau (American, 1911-2001) was born in Rhode Island but spent most of his life in Nevada County, California. He was a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and an instructor at Brown University. Micoleau moved to Nevada City...

Autumn Gift - Seasonal Harvest Still Life with Flowers by Albin Kern. This still life by Austrian-American painter Albin Kern (b. 1884, d. 1975) depicts a seasonal spread of gourds...

Mid Century Mendocino Mountain Horse Pasture Landscape This plein air painting depicts a tranquil Northern California landscape, where rolling green hills, oak trees, and a soft coa...

A Colorful, Picturesque 1930s American Scene Country Mountain Landscape Painting of a Summer Pasture in Vermont by Famed Chicago Modern Artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). A vib...

Vineyard Estate Winery Landscape with Grape Vines in Oil on Canvas-Wrapped Board Beautiful landscape of a vineyard estate in California wine country with grape vines in the foregrou...

A Vibrant, Mid-Century Modern 1960s Studio Interior Scene of a Standing Female Nude by Notable Chicago Woman Artist, Vivian Kinsley Chapin (Am. 1909-1984). Very "Mod" in style and a...

Expressive portrait of an artist working at a desk by an unknown artist (20th Century). An artist with brown hair and a moustache is working at a desk, with various supplies around h...

Artist: William Harnden, American (1920 - 1983) Title: Conductor with Singer Medium: Oil on Masonite, signed Image Size: 11.5 x 23.5 inches Frame Size: 17.5 x 30 inches

Mid Century Floral Still Life in Oil on Masonite Bold still life with flowers and foliage by unknown artist "Rishard" (Richard) (20th Century). Yellow, red, teal, and purple flowers are arranged in a large grey pot...

Still Life with Daises and Wisteria in Acrylic on Masonite Still life by a window by Richard M. Bacon (American, 20th Century). A still life with a bouquet, a glass of wine, and a b...

'Venice, Santa Maria della Salute from the Cannaregio Canal' by Peter Götz Pallmann. Large Venetian Oil ----- Signed lower right, 'P. G. Pallmann'...

Still life "Wine with Orange" by Claude (Charles Claude) Buck (1890-1974). Signed lower left. Artist's notes and color scheme on verso. Displayed in rustic giltwood frame. Image, 14"...

Mid Century Modern, American Abstract Expressionist Painting on artist board. This lively action painting has wonderful interjections of color within the predominantly black and whi...

Gorgeous and vibrant mid century spring garden still life of a vase of pink peonies with a pair of garden gloves in the foreground by listed artist Helen Gleiforst (American, 1903-19...

"Touring Monument Valley" - Desert Plein Aire Landscape in Acrylic on Masonite Dramatic desert landscape by California Plein Aire artist Nick White (American, 1943-2009). The viewer...

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...

Mid-Century Modernist Multi-Color Bouquet Still Life Vivid and fun mid century modern still-life of vase of flowers by California artist Virginia Sevier Rogers (American, 1917-2015). A CAL Berkeley...

Beautiful Impressionist landscape of a country scene by Paul Friederich Weindorf (German/American, 1887-1965). Signed "Paul Weindorf" lower right. Artist's bio on verso. Unframed. Im...

A strong modernist oil painting depicted in the Mid Century by Russian painter Michael Baxte. Mostly known for his abstracted figures on canvas or street scenes, this piece is a wonderful representation of his portraits in village landscapes with expressive use of color, shape, and form. Later in his career, Baxte explores Expressionism, infusing both European and North American stylistic trends. Art measures 25.5 x 21.25 inches Michael Posner Baxte was born in 1890 in the small town of Staroselje Belarus, Russia. For the first half of the 19th century, it was a center of the Chabad movement of Hasidic Jews, but this group was gone by the middle of the 19th century. By the time the Baxte family immigrated to the United States at the beginning of the 20th century, the Jewish population numbered only on the hundreds. The native language of the Baxte family was Yiddish. It is likely that the death of Michael Baxte’s father triggered the family’s immigration. Three older brothers arrived in New York between 1903 and 1905. Michael and his mother, Rebecca, arrived in 1907. By 1910 Michael, his mother, and brother, Joseph, were living in New Orleans and may have spent some time on a Louisiana plantation. Around 1912, Michael Baxte returned to Europe to study the violin. In 1914 he, his mother, and Joseph moved to New York City. Meanwhile, in Algeria, a talented young woman painter, Violette Mege, was making history. For the first time, a woman won the prestigious Beaux Art competition in Algeria. At first, the awards committee denied her the prize but, with French government intervention, Mege eventually prevailed. She won again 3 years later and, in 1916, used the scholarship to visit the United States of America. When Violette came to New York, she met Baxte, who was, by then, an accomplished violinist, teacher, and composer. Baxte’s compositions were performed at the Tokyo Imperial Theater, and in 1922 he was listed in the American Jewish Yearbook as one of the prominent members of the American Jewish community. As a music teacher, he encouraged individual expression. Baxte stated, “No pupil should ever be forced into the imitation of the teacher. Art is a personal experience, and the teacher’s truest aim must be to awaken this light of personality through the patient's light of science.” By 1920 Michael Baxte and Violette Mege were living together in Manhattan. Although they claimed to be living as husband and wife, it seems that their marriage did not become official until 1928. On their “unofficial” honeymoon around 1917, in Algiers, Baxte confided to her his ambition to paint. There and later in New Mexico where the wonderful steeped sunlight approximates the coloring of Algiers, she taught him his heart’s desire. He never had any other teacher. She never had any other pupil. For ten years she devoted all her time, energy, and ambition to teaching, encouraging, inspiring him. Then in 1928, their mutual strivings were rewarded, as his works were being chosen as one of the two winners in the Dudensing National Competition for American Painters. Out of 150 artists from across the country participated in the Dudensing, and Michael Posner Baxte and, Robert Fawcett...

This 20" x 23" oil on masonite painting by Georgian artist Erekle Chinchilakashvili depicts two blue trees near a brown pathway leading to the...

Gorgeous still life of Idaho and sweet potatoes in a basket by Barbara Arnold Bailey. Signed "Barbara Bailey" in bottom left corner, signed "Barbara Bai...

Still life with Calla Lily is an oil painting on masonite realized by Ugo Celada da Virgilio. Hand-signed on the lower left. Provenance: Galerie Sigfrid O...

Kansas City Cityscape, Mid Century Modern Primary Colors Urban Landscape Mid-century modern urban landscape by California artist Eleanor Perry (American, 20th century). This 1969 mo...

A great early date for this artist where he was coming out of the origins of expressionist and fauve works of art. A unique composition depicting a woman setting out a table laden w...

Mid Century Modern, American Abstract Expressionist Painting on Masonite. This wonderful work in exciting colors is housed in a contemporary white wood frame presentation.. The art...

Cliffs and Cypresses at Pt. Lobos, California - Seascape Charles F. Cummins 1929 (American, 1850-1941). One of the beautiful coves from the cliffs near the ocean at Point Lobos State Park, the viewer looks out past several cypress trees towards a rocky point...

A strong modernist oil painting depicted in 1963 by Russian painter Michael Baxte. Mostly known for his abstracted figures on canvas or street scenes, this piece is a wonderful repre...

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...

Kierstin Young's (US based) "Tierra" is an acrylic and oil painting depicting a Comet Moth and it's yellow and red designs Artist Statement/Bio: (b. The Year of the Rabbit) Kierstin's life began by almost never beginning at all. A car accident occurred while Kierstin’s mother was pregnant with her. The doctors advised against continuing the pregnancy for fear that Kierstin would be born without limbs or even blind. Her parents decided against it, and Kierstin was born a healthy child. This story was relayed to her as a child as a reminder of how serendipitous her life was. Kierstin was always filled with an overflowing energy and creativity. This led her on many diverse paths in life. Her many areas of focus included psychology, poetry, photography, mountaineering, religious studies, music, playing ice hockey, spelunking and pretending to be an astronaut. She grew up between two places; the first was a house built on Native American burial grounds in rural New Jersey. The second was a summer home in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains of New York. For the first sixteen years of her life, she was home taught by an assortment of sane and insane people. Her junior year she began the strange new adventure of going to school. She was most likely the only 16 year old in the world to be that ecstatic about riding a school bus, because it was for the first time in her life. It was there in public school, that her art teachers really encouraged her to pursue her love of art. Hopes were high for going to art school, but Kierstin found herself forbidden from even applying by her parents. She applied anyway. Upon getting rejected from prestigious art schools such as RISD and Parsons, Kierstin decided to attend duCret school of Art. Being rejected turned out to be a serendipitous turn of events for Kierstin once again. It was there at duCret that she met Timothy Jahn and began studying in his Academy duCret and subsequently Jahn Studios. This lead her to continue her education at the Ani Art Academy under the direction of Anthony Waichulis.

"California Summer" Mid Century Plein Aire Landscape in Oil on Masonite Serene landscape by Andrew Bennett (British, 20th Century). A herd of cows are gathered under oak trees in th...

This 40" x 40" oil on masonite panel by artist Marc Barker was painted in charcoal and sepia tones, and was created in an 'old world' grisaille style. "This monochromatic abstract harkens back to my collegiate studies, and as a graduate student teaching zoology with the hours spent staring into a microscope mystified by the primordial world just out of site, a bacterial/protozoan cloud chamber...

Original oil on masonite painting of a Belgian Quay by the artist Flory Roland. Signed lower right by the artist. Circa 1955. Condition is very good. The painting is housed in a p...

Dining Room Interior Scene in Oil on Masonite Inviting and warm interior dining room scene by S. Spencer (American, 20th Century). Lovingly painted scene of a dining table with orna...

Not glamorous but highly significant collection of everyday household cleaning tools in this still life by listed Canadian artist Dorothy Violet Bywater-Schust (1918-2010). Signed "S...

Beautiful still life of orange and white flowers next to a bowl of fruit by Los Angeles and Carmel artist Helen Enoch Gleiforst (American, 1903-1997). Signed "Gleiforst" lower right....

Ocean Wave, Mid Century Modern Abstracted Seascape Beautiful abstracted seascape, a mid century modern oil painting of ocean waves breaking on ro...

"California Round Hills" Mid Century Plein Aire Landscape in Oil on Masonite Serene landscape by J. Andrew Bennett (British, 19th/20th Century ). The viewer stands at the end of a v...

Athenian Woman Carrying a Water Jar In a White Dress Beautiful painting by a Central California artist circa 1890s (American 19th c). Oil painting of a Athenian woman holding a blue water vase on her shoulder with a red and orange shawl draped over her white dress. Painted on late 19th century Academy...

Dramatic seascape by Vasil (Victor) Papkov (20th Century). A highly saturated purple, blue and yellow sky hangs above the composition. In the distance, rain can be seen above the coastline, which has a few dots of light from buildings. In the foreground, turbulent waves crash toward the viewer. Signed in the lower right corner. No frame. Board size: 12"H x 16"W Vasil Papkov...

Small but mighty. A moment caught, an explosion of energy, of color. And such a departure for California artist Heinie Hartwig (b. 1937), who is known primarily for his Western subje...

Gorgeous California seascape in uncommonly bright colors, depth and textures. Unsigned. Displayed in rustic wood frame. Image, 20"H x 24"L,. Framed size: 23"H x 28"W.

"Coyote Park" - Plein Aire Landscape in Acrylic on Board Vibrant lake landscape by California Plein Aire artist Nick White (American, 1943-2009). The viewer looks out across the lak...

Double sided figurative abstract by San Jose, California area artist Daniel David Fuentes (American, 20c-2017). San Francisco bay area abstract expressionist and landscape artist dur...