Skip to main content

Calvin Lai Art

American
Calvin Lai would be the first to admit that the evolution of his art has taken many machinations. His painting process has matured into a mixture of seeing, distorting, and reinterpreting with the threads of realism weaving the backdrop of where his artistic style is today. As a child, drawing was something Calvin loved, and to make a picture appear lifelike became his goal. Through constantly working, Calvin’s art began to breath, and his fascination with value and perspective blossomed. Eventually, he moved from where he grew up in Los Angeles to San Francisco. There he studied drawing and printmaking at San Francisco State University. In 2008, he enrolled in the Academy of Art for illustration, but began painting instead. He found that he preferred the fine arts over commercial illustration, and now works as a full time oil painter. Since then he has continued to develop and refine his oil painting skills. Lai’s work has been shown nationally in galleries, group exhibitions, and juried shows. He has executed a large number of commissioned portraits over the past several years, and his paintings have appeared in national and international publications. His recent work has returned to a serious study of the figure, which has always been the anchor for his creative drive. His goal has gone beyond mere technical interpretations to a deeper sense of what the energy of the figure feels like. This goal has also carried over into his recent still lifes. In his ongoing series, “In the Land of Giants,” Calvin seeks to make a viewer feel as if they are immersed within the still life witnessing a world that is both fantastical and humorous. But the borders for what he chooses to paint has expanded to a variety of subjects, including cityscapes, and ultimately he is driven to capture everything around him through his paints, brushes, and determination.
(Biography provided by Signet Contemporary Art)
to
16
4
20
15
Within Without - original figurative abstract - female form - contemporary art
By Calvin Lai
Located in London, Chelsea
"Within Without" by Calvin Lai, a contemporary figurative painter, presents a captivating exploration of human resilience and inner strength amidst the challenges of life. In this ev...
Category

2010s Abstract Impressionist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Freedom to Roam- original figurative abstract - female form - contemporary art
By Calvin Lai
Located in London, Chelsea
"Freedom to Roam" by Calvin Lai, a contemporary figurative painter, invites viewers into a captivating exploration of solitude and curiosity amidst the lush embrace of nature. In thi...
Category

2010s Abstract Impressionist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

"Approaching Equilibruim" Oil Painting Featuring Nude Female Figure
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "Approaching Equilibrium" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a nude female figure, standing, with her face in profile and dappled in light. ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"Little Honey Bear" Oil Painting Honey Jar
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "Little Honey Bear" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a still life of bear shaped honey container with a patte...
Category

2010s American Impressionist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"Little Aliens" Oil Painting Colorful Toys
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "Aliens" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a still life of a pair of blue and purple toys of aliens. Artist Biography: Calvin Lai's art is...
Category

2010s American Impressionist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"A Precarious Balance" Oil Painting Featuring Nude Female Figure
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "A Precarious Balance" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a nude female figure in a posture turned away from the viewer and balancing on one f...
Category

2010s Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Copper - Bath nude portraiture artwork realism oil painting modern human form
By Calvin Lai
Located in London, Chelsea
Contemporary figurative artist Calvin Lai paints a provocative and sensual portrait of the female form in this original oil painting. The artist applies a symphony of gestural brushs...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Nabi - Modern portraiture artwork realism oil painting modern human form
By Calvin Lai
Located in London, Chelsea
This contemporary figurative study by Calvin Lai depicts an intimate portrait of a nude embellished with abstract gestures. Meaning ‘butterfly’ in Korean, Nabi presents a delicate po...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Realist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Upon Waking" Oil Painting
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "Upon Waking" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a nude female figure in a Contrapposto posture leaning back against a lavender hued wall whil...
Category

2010s Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"Outside the Box" Oil Painting
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "Outside the Box" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a woman in profile holding up her dark brown hair and revealing her heavily tattooed arms...
Category

2010s American Impressionist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Donkey Tales 2
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Donkey Tales 2, 2021
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Panel, Oil

Donkey Tales 3
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Donkey Tales 3, 2021
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Panel, Oil

Donkey Tales 1
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Donkey Tales 1, 2021
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Panel, Oil

"Release" Oil Painting
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "Release" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a nude female figure, on her knees, arching her back as if turning into the colorful blue and red...
Category

2010s Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"Remover of Obstacles" Oil Painting
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "Remover of Obstacles" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a still life of a black elephant statue and a metal Lord Ganesha statue...
Category

2010s American Impressionist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"A Dream" Oil Painting
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "A Dream" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a nude female figure in a Contrapposto posture turned away from the viewer and clutching her arms...
Category

2010s Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"Expose" Oil Painting
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "Expose" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a nude female figure kneeling in a little black dress, clutching her arms to her body, as grey and...
Category

2010s Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Panel

"Predator and Prey" Oil Painting
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "Predator and Prey" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a still life of bear shaped honey containers advancing t...
Category

2010s American Impressionist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"Ninja!" Oil Painting
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "Ninja!" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a still life of a miniature wooden mannequin, a ninja toy, and a blond haired girl figurine in sit...
Category

2010s American Impressionist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"Let's Play Ball" Oil Painting
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "Let's Play Ball" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a still life of a plastic toy bear in situ with an apple and a wooden mannequin, all cast...
Category

2010s Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Related Items
When I live my Dream - 21st Ct Contemporary Painting of Boy with Bare Chest
By David van der Linden
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
David van der Linden 'When I live my dream'' 60 x 70 cm (Framed 70x80 cm, frame is included in price) Oil on wood panel David van der Linden is a...
Category

2010s Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Wood Panel, Oil

"The Patient One" Figurative Still-Life
By August Lenox
Located in Soquel, CA
Vivid oil painting of a seated figure holding a terracotta vase, surrounded by hanging pottery, by August Lenox (American, 1908-1986). Signed "Lenox" ...
Category

1970s American Impressionist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Mid-Century Art Deco Figurine w. Dogs & Lilies Still Life by Nell Walker Warner
By Nell Walker Warner
Located in Soquel, CA
Romantic still-life of a beautiful porcelain lady and her two dogs - perhaps Borzoi - set among a display of fresh cut lilies by listed artist Nell Walker Warner (American, 1891-1970). Signed "Nell Walker Warner" lower left. Displayed in a giltwood frame with linen liner. Image, 30"H x 36"L. Nell Walker Warner was born in Richardson County, Nebraska on April 1, 1891. She was educated in Colorado Springs, Colorado and graduated from the Lexington College in Missouri in 1910. She moved to California in 1916 where she studied and graduated from the Los Angeles School of Art and Design. After her marriage to Dr. Bion Smith Warner in 1920, the couple settled in La Canada. During the 1920's, Nell was the curator of the Tuesday Afternoon Club in Los Angeles and further studied with Nicolai Fechin, Paul Lauritz and Fritz Werner. Her floral paintings are radiant; an article in the Christian Science Monitor stated, ''California flowers...
Category

1940s American Impressionist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Linen, Oil

Nude Portrait by Arthur Smith WPA Artist
By Arthur Smith
Located in Larchmont, NY
Arthur Smith (American, 1897-1972) Untitled, 20th century Oil on wood panel 23 3/4 x 19 1/2 in. Framed: 29 x 25 x 1 1/4 in. Signed lower left: A Smith Arthur Smith is a listed Ameri...
Category

20th Century Modern Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

1920's Still Life with Japanese Shisa
By Wilfred A. Readio
Located in Soquel, CA
Wonderful early 20th century still life of a Japanese Shisa (lion/dog), a floral design vase and a brass coffee pot by Wilfred A. Readio (American, 1895-1961), 1920. Signed "Wilfred ...
Category

1910s American Impressionist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Board, Oil

Vintage Portrait of Red Headed Woman with Yellow Roses
By Patricia Emrich Gillfillan
Located in Soquel, CA
A lovely vintage portrait of a woman in a floral dress by Patricia Emrich Gillfillan (American, 1924-2016). From a collection of her works. Unsigned. Unframed. Image, 16"H x 20"W. P...
Category

1980s American Impressionist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Thee girl in the old House - 21st Century Contemporary Oil Painting of a girl
By Marten Huitsing
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Marten Huitsing The girl in the old house 70 x 45 cm ( frame is include, with frame the size is 80 x 55 cm) Oil on wood panel The paintings of this artist have been part of the collection of Galerie Bonnard since his graduation (2010) at the Classical Academy of Groningen. Huitsing has quickly become successful, his style, craftsmanship and choice of subject appeals to many people. Yet Marten, he says, does not want to repeat himself. He is always looking for the way of painting that suits him at that moment. The sympathetic artist got national fame because he beautifully portrayed a famous Dutch TV presentator Mart Smeets in the 'Paint the stars' program. Honest, very recognizable and with a narrative painting. Mart Smeets was overwhelmed, praising his comments. Rightly so! From that moment. Marten Huitsing's work has gained increasing popularity, he is an annually returning artist at the renowned PAN and he can hardly cope with the demand for new work. The work that the artist has made for our gallery that there is always a balanced composition. In the collection there is one painting that is directly an ode to an older master, both often with Marten Huitsing. He did that before. In this case an ode to the French painter William Bougeureau...
Category

2010s Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Bowing figure no. 1. 2020
By John Goodman
Located in Burlingame, CA
'Bowing Figure No. 1, 2020' is professionally framed in simple maple hardwood. The artwork is 30 x 18 inches with the outer frame dimension being 31 x 19 inches. Artist signed, dated...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Wood Panel, Oil

The Pirates of Penzance - Roses and Books Still Life by Willie Kay Fall - Texas
Located in Soquel, CA
Detailed still life of roses, books, a statue from The Pirates of Penzance, and an ash tray by Texas artist Willa (Willie) Kay Fall (1891-1976). Signed in the lower right corner. Presented in the original period giltwood frame. Image 36" H x 28"W. Unframed. Frame, 42"H x 33.5"W x 1.5"Signed lower right "W. Kay Fall" Willie (Willa) Kay Fall was 1976 Born in Kaufman, Texas to William K. Irvin an advertising man and Roxanne M. Cole. She Married Cecil G. Fall in 1912 in Kemp, Texas She painted in Texas 1920-19600, New York 1950-60, England 1947 and 1951 Sailed on the RMS Queen Elizabeth...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Linen

Study for Guidance, Oil Painting
By Onelio Marrero
Located in San Francisco, CA

Artist Comments
Artist Onelio Marrero paints a tender mother and daughter moment in a river. Created as a figurative study for a larger painting of the same setting. The subjec...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Impressionist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil

Lying down- 21 st Century Contemporary Painting of a nude woman lying down
By Egbert Modderman
Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant
Dutch painter Egbert Modderman made this painting in the beginning of 2021. 2020 was a very successful year for the young Dutch painter, he did win ...
Category

2010s Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"Young Woman Seated" Green & Pink Contemporary Figurative Nude by Shana Wilson
By Shana Wilson
Located in Carmel, CA
In "Nude Woman Seated," a 40" x 30" oil on wood panel by Shana Wilson, there is an intimate portrayal of vulnerability and quiet strength. The artist employs a soft, earth-toned palette, with shades of warm beige, muted greens, and accents of coral, to craft the figure’s delicate form. Wilson's loose, confident brushstrokes lend a raw, textured quality, while the interplay of light and shadow captures the natural curves of the human body. The solitary figure, caught in a moment of repose, exudes a contemplative air, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities of the human form and the subtle narratives contained within stillness. About the Artist: Over seven billion souls exist on this planet, each with a unique face and story. Shana transfers her visceral love for the human landscape to canvas, tenderly cradling its peaks and valleys, darkness and light, colors and neutrals, empty and full, hard edges and soft curves. Each brush stroke creates a controlled cacophony as it assembles the intricate jigsaw of the human face. An entire life’s journey is written on this human landscape; a journey that begs to be documented and treasured. Shana’s legacy project is to paint inspirational women from all walks of life, inclusive of all cultures and orientations. The subjects all have one thing in common; the ability to inspire and create social change. She pays tribute to them on canvas, painting a long overdue celebration of trail-blazing women. Visit any major gallery or museum in the world and it is teeming with paintings of nude women...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Wood Panel, Oil

Previously Available Items
"Communication" Oil Painting Featuring Acrobats
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "Communication" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts acrobats with the female gracefully balanced in the upraised arms of the male acrobat. Ar...
Category

2010s Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Wood Panel, Oil

Frolicking Study
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's "Frolicking Study" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a nude female model with her knees tucked to her chest as she reached out to a tree for support.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Frolicking Study
Frolicking Study
H 8 in W 8 in D 0.87 in
Stretch Study
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's "Stretch Study" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a nude female model sitting on the ground and grasping her toes in a forward bend stretch.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Stretch Study
Stretch Study
H 8 in W 10 in D 0.87 in
In Tune Study
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's "In Tune Study" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts an impressionistic portrait of a nude female model in movement as she walks along a dark natural lands...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

In Tune Study
In Tune Study
H 10 in W 8 in D 0.87 in
"To Be Vulnerable" Oil Painting
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "To Be Vulnerable" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a nude figure kneeling with their palms on the ground while dark shadows conceal their f...
Category

2010s Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"Repose" Oil Painting
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "Repose" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a nude woman reclining on a surface of red with a dark black background. Artist Biography: Calv...
Category

2010s American Impressionist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"Pool Party" Oil Painting
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "Pool Party" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a still life of a yellow rubber duck, a white cow statue, liquor bot...
Category

2010s American Impressionist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"Lockdown" Oil Painting
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "Lockdown" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a bearded man in a white button up shirt sitting on a wooden chair in the living room with a bro...
Category

2010s American Impressionist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"Kinetic Stillness" Oil Painting
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "Kinetic Stillness" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a nude woman sitting on the ground facing away from the viewer and leaning back into he...
Category

2010s Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"Check, but Not Mate" Oil Painting
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "Check, but Not Mate" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a still life of a chess board in play where the Bishop, Knight, Pawn, Rook, and Queen...
Category

2010s American Impressionist Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

"End of the Day" Oil Painting
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "End of the Day" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a city avenue crosswalk with building lights and taillights seeping in through darkness of...
Category

2010s Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Panel, Oil

"Forward Motion" Oil Painting
By Calvin Lai
Located in Denver, CO
Calvin Lai's (US based) "Forward Motion" is an original, handmade oil painting that depicts a nude female figure standing with her back to the viewer in a Contrapposto posture as blu...
Category

2010s Contemporary Calvin Lai Art

Materials

Oil, Board

Calvin Lai art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Calvin Lai art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Calvin Lai in oil paint, paint, panel and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Calvin Lai art, so small editions measuring 8 inches across are available. Calvin Lai art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $375 and tops out at $7,135, while the average work can sell for $1,360.

Recently Viewed

View All