At first glance, the work of American artist Catherine Howe resembles 17th-century still lifes. It’s true that the New York native draws on paintings by Dutch and Flemish Old Masters, but a range of influences such as postwar Abstract Expressionism, Rococo and Baroque art are at play, and what initially appears as the typical still-life subjects — flowers or food — melts away upon closer inspection. Howe's abstract paintings are a study of the process of painting — the rush of shimmering colors, energetic brushstrokes, and mediums, which are often acrylics, beeswax and copper leaf, are the stars of the show.
Howe was born in Buffalo in 1959. She earned her MFA in painting from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Her first exhibit took place in 1987 at White Columns in New York City, a nonprofit space for up-and-coming artists to showcase their work. At this time, Howe was still living in Buffalo and serving as a curator at the Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center. In 1989, she moved to New York City and took on a role as associate director of White Columns, which she held until 1995. During her time at White Columns, Howe started garnering attention for her novel style and use of material.
Howe has since then exhibited throughout the United States, as well as at international exhibitions in London, Paris, Amsterdam and Munich. Her paintings have been featured in publications like Art in America, the New York Times and Artforum. She is a New York Academy of Art professor and served as Chair of the Department of Critical Studies until 2021.
Howe currently splits her time between her home in Manhattan and the Hudson Valley. She continues to exhibit around the United States.
On 1stDibs, find original Catherine Howe paintings, prints, mixed media works and other art.
Gestural, Metal Leaf painting 'Luminous Painting (hot pinks)'
By Catherine Howe
Located in White Plains, NY
Available at Madelyn Jordon Fine Art. 'Luminous Painting (hot pinks)' 2022 by Catherine Howe. Pigments, acrylic, white and copper leaf, and glass micro-beads on canvas, 48 x 60 in. T...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Gestural, Mixed Media painting 'Iridescent Pearl Painting (Ariel)'
By Catherine Howe
Located in White Plains, NY
Available at Madelyn Jordon Fine Art. 'Iridescent Pearl Painting (Ariel)' 2023 by Catherine Howe. Acrylic mediums, interference and mineral pigments ...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Still life, Mica Pigment Painting, Catherine Howe, Zig Zag
By Catherine Howe
Located in White Plains, NY
“Zig Zag” by Catherine Howe, 2016. Acrylic and interference mica pigment and resin on canvas, 60 x 48 inches. Howe's abstracted still life florals are painted with a matte white gess...
Mica
Still life, Mica Pigment Painting, Catherine Howe, Tulip
By Catherine Howe
Located in White Plains, NY
'Tulip' by Catherine Howe, 2015. Acrylic and interference mica pigment and resin on canvas, 40 x 30 inches. In gold, silver and white. Howe's abstracted still life florals are painte...
Canvas, Resin, Acrylic, Mica
$370
H 12 in W 10 in
Tomato Wedge - Abstract Color Drenched Floral Still Life Mixed Media Artwork
By Kellie Newsome
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dynamic and abstracted still-life artworks are the specialty of Georgia-based artist Kellie Newsome. Her work is characterized by a loose and expressive style emphasizing line struct...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Color Pencil
$475
H 14 in W 14 in
Local Blooms - Framed Abstract Colorful Still Life Mixed Media Artwork on Canvas
By Kellie Newsome
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dynamic and abstracted still-life artworks are the specialty of Georgia-based artist Kellie Newsome. Her work is characterized by a loose and expressive style emphasizing line struct...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Color Pencil
$13,000
H 70 in W 48 in D 5 in
En Face, Mica and Steel Woven Wall Hanging and Installation, Agneta Hobin
By Agneta Hobin
Located in Wilton, CT
En Face, Agneta Hobin, mica and steel, 70" x 48", 2007. This 7-piece mica and steel hanging installation and sculpture is by Finnish artist, Agneta Hobin...
Steel
$370
H 12 in W 10 in
Abundance of Summer - Abstract Colorful Floral Still Life Mixed Media Artwork
By Kellie Newsome
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dynamic and abstracted still-life artworks are the specialty of Georgia-based artist Kellie Newsome. Her work is characterized by a loose and expressive style emphasizing line struct...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Color Pencil
"Aubrieta, " Abstract Painting
By Roger Mudre
Located in Westport, CT
This large abstract contemporary statement painting by Roger Mudre features many light circle shapes, layered over one another in a concentric fashion and a cool blue and silver pale...
Acrylic, Wood Panel, Mica
Unavailable|$4,200
H 36 in W 36 in
"My Limoge" flower vase on the kitchen table contrasts against house patterns
By Anne Harney
Located in Edgartown, MA
“Never taking anything for granted, I am so grateful to be able to paint every day.” Anne Harney is a representational painter beginning her work from observation and concluding wit...
Mixed Media, Oil, Canvas, Acrylic
$370
H 12 in W 10 in
That One Vintage Table Cloth - Abstract Floral Still Life Mixed Media Artwork
By Kellie Newsome
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dynamic and abstracted still-life artworks are the specialty of Georgia-based artist Kellie Newsome. Her work is characterized by a loose and expressive style emphasizing line struct...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Color Pencil
$475
H 14 in W 14 in
Pink and Blue, His and Hers - Framed Abstract Colorful Floral Still Life Artwork
By Kellie Newsome
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dynamic and abstracted still-life artworks are the specialty of Georgia-based artist Kellie Newsome. Her work is characterized by a loose and expressive style emphasizing line struct...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Color Pencil
Floral Drama - Colorful Mixed Media Still Life Artwork
By Lee Herring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lee Herring is a contemporary painter specializing in vibrant, textured, and abstract landscapes that convey fleeting moments. Herring's energetic artworks are inspired by everyday m...
Canvas, Varnish, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$610
H 18 in W 14 in
Air of Romance - Framed Colorful Floral Still Life Mixed Media Artwork on Canvas
By Kellie Newsome
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dynamic and abstracted still-life artworks are the specialty of Georgia-based artist Kellie Newsome. Her work is characterized by a loose and expressive style emphasizing line struct...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Color Pencil
$400
H 3.5 in W 3.5 in D 1.5 in
"Donut (Chocolate)", Found Object Sculpture, Egg Motif
By Katie VanVliet
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This piece titled "Donut (Chocolate)" is an original piece by Kate VanVliet and is made from eggshells, mica, and PVA. This piece measures 3.5”h x 3.5”w x 1.5”d and ships with the pi...
Glue, Found Objects, Mica, Organic Material, Acrylic
$2,200
H 36 in W 12 in D 2.5 in
Ikebana, acrylic on canvas mounted on wood, raised texture, green, tan, black
By Ben Darby
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a whimsical interpretation of an ikebana arrangement. The texture is raised along the branches, with a green gradient that falls to tan and black at the bottom, complemented ...
Canvas, Wood, Acrylic
Tulip
By Catherine Howe
Located in White Plains, NY
“Tulip” by Catherine Howe, 2014. Acrylic and interference mica pigment and resin on canvas, 40 x 30 inches. In gold, silver and white. Howe's abstracted still life florals are paint...
Acrylic, Mica
Slinky
By Catherine Howe
Located in White Plains, NY
“Slinky” by Catherine Howe, 2017. Acrylic and interference mica pigment and resin on canvas, 60 x 48 inches. Working with unique and contemporary materials to create her alchemical m...
Mica