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Mary Chenoweth
Large 1960s Modernist Bicycle Oil Painting by Mary Chenoweth – Postmodern Art

circa 1965

About the Item

This striking large-format oil painting on canvas by renowned 20th-century Colorado artist Mary Chenoweth dates to the 1960s and exemplifies the bold spirit of midcentury modernism. A vibrant and whimsical composition, the work features a bright blue bicycle with exaggerated gray handlebars and orange slice-like wheels, floating above a scalloped blue edge that hints at a playful, uneven path. Above the bicycle, abstract circles in shades of gray, yellow, orange, and white add rhythmic, non-representational elements to the scene. Set against a warm tan-brown background, the minimalist and semi-abstract composition speaks to Chenoweth’s postmodernist style—rejecting strict realism while maintaining recognizable imagery with a twist of humor and originality. The bicycle, a central figure in the work, echoes the energy of 1960s art movements while showcasing Chenoweth’s unique voice. This original piece is presented in a custom white float frame. Framed dimensions are 52 ½" H x 69" W x 2" D, with the canvas itself measuring 51 ¼" H x 67 ½" W. About the Artist: Mary Chenoweth (1918–1999) was a celebrated figure in the Colorado modernist art scene and a member of the influential "15 Colorado Artists" group. She worked across multiple media—oil painting, printmaking, collage, sculpture, and drawing—and was known for her vibrant use of color and abstract, stylized forms. Educated at the Art Institute of Chicago, Pratt Institute in NYC, and the University of Denver (BFA), she later earned an MFA in printmaking from the University of Illinois. She studied under Vance Kirkland and became a foundational figure in Colorado’s art community, teaching for decades at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and Colorado College. Her legacy continues to inspire regional artists such as Dale Chisman and Emilio Lobato.
  • Creator:
    Mary Chenoweth (1918 - 1999, American)
  • Creation Year:
    circa 1965
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 52.5 in (133.35 cm)Width: 69 in (175.26 cm)Depth: 2.25 in (5.72 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Movement & Style:
  • Period:
  • Framing:
    Frame Included
    Framing Options Available
  • Condition:
    Painting is clean and in very good vintage condition - please contact us for a detailed condition report. Custom white float frame has been recently added. Dimensions listed include the frame.
  • Gallery Location:
    Denver, CO
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 262921stDibs: LU27310220752

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