Skip to main content

Charles Arnoldi Paintings

American, b. 1946

Charles Arnoldi was born in 1946 in Dayton, Ohio. He has become a popular California artist best known for his brightly colored abstract paintings and prints that incorporate the use of wood as an expressive medium, often using tree branches and twigs. Arnoldi lives in Malibu and has had considerable financial success and celebrity attention.

Arnoldi arrived in Southern California in 1965 and spent two years at Ventura Junior College before receiving a full scholarship to the Art Center School in Los Angeles. He only lasted two weeks at his new school before becoming frustrated with limitations imposed upon him as an illustrator. Arnoldi soon enrolled at the Chouinard Art Institute and gained immediate recognition for his skill when he received a Los Angeles County Museum of Art talent award.

Arnoldi experimented with various painting techniques and struggled to find a solid interpretation of his artistic vision. He began to use branches and twigs to make up the lines within his paintings — "building" a painting with them. His earliest works were almost classic in their simplicity and shape, resembling woven stick baskets delicately balanced. Arnoldi concentrated on his twig painting for eight years, constructing many different forms, freestanding structures, sticks and string, twigs taped together densely or openly.

In 1977, Arnoldi had one of his small stick structures created in bronze. It was his first metal sculpture, and he found that the metal gave permanence to his wooden structures. In the 1980s color started to become more important to Arnoldi, and he used bright pigments to give even more definition to his three-dimensional pieces. He also started to paint on canvas, always reflecting the elements of his wood paintings.

In 1980, Arnoldi painted his interpretation of the logjam that occurred as a result of the Mount St. Helens volcano eruption. He juxtaposed his earth-toned canvas against a similar painting created entirely of sticks, mimicking the image on the painted canvas. He was constantly redefining his artistic approaches, and in the late 1980s started working with large plywood sheets. He glued the layered sheets together, deconstructed the piece using a chainsaw to cut jagged scars into the wood, and then painted it. He was now involved in a new process of building up and tearing down. His ever-evolving style took yet another direction when he started using heavy blocks of wood brightly painted and mounted on the wall. He made a point of preserving the integrity of wood by not sanding away any exposed grain.

In the 1990s Arnoldi departed from the rigidity of his wood creations by painting on canvas. His paintings from this period are predominantly black and white and display free-flowing organic shapes like twists and loops with a sense of motion not seen before in his work.

Arnoldi's work has been exhibited throughout his career in many solo and group shows. His first one-man show was at the Riko Mizuno Gallery in Los Angeles in 1971 and subsequent solo exhibitions followed at the James Corcoran Gallery in Los Angeles, (1980–85), and the Arts Club of Chicago, Illinois (1986). His group exhibitions include the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (1983), the Brooklyn Museum (1986) and the Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles (1992).

Find original Charles Arnoldi art on 1stDibs.

(Biography provided by Joseph Grossman Fine Art)

to
3
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
1
2
1
2
2
1
3
3
3
3
3
12
754
754
746
672
1
3
Artist: Charles Arnoldi
Clune
Clune

Clune

By Charles Arnoldi

Located in Los Angeles, CA

“Clune” abstract acrylic on canvas signed on verso by American artist, Charles Arnoldi (b. 1946) and dated 1978.  Arnoldi’s work is permanently displayed at the Art Institute of Chic...

Category

1970s Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

First Rights

First Rights

By Charles Arnoldi

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Charles Arnoldi, is an American painter, sculptor and printmaker. He was born April 10, 1946 in Dayton, Ohio. Charles Arnoldi has been described as an artist who “draws in space” to...

Category

2010s Abstract Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Charcoal, Acrylic

Tumble

Tumble

By Charles Arnoldi

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Charles Arnoldi, is an American painter, sculptor and printmaker. He was born April 10, 1946 in Dayton, Ohio. Charles Arnoldi has been described as an artist who “draws in space” to...

Category

Early 2000s Abstract Geometric Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Related Items
Acrylic Painting on Canvas: A Product of Consequences, 72x36 Inches
Acrylic Painting on Canvas: A Product of Consequences, 72x36 Inches

Acrylic Painting on Canvas: A Product of Consequences, 72x36 Inches

By Troy Smith Studio

Located in Toronto, CA

Title -A Product Of Consequences Acrylic Painting by Artist Troy Smith on canvas The painting comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Brass

GEM #23, Gallery Wall "GEMS" Collection, Black, White, Box, Mini, Tiny, Original
GEM #23, Gallery Wall "GEMS" Collection, Black, White, Box, Mini, Tiny, Original

GEM #23, Gallery Wall "GEMS" Collection, Black, White, Box, Mini, Tiny, Original

By Michelle Thomas Artist

Located in Woodstock, GA

This Gallery Wall “GEM” is a one-of-a-kind original artwork created to bring a bold pop of personality into your space. With its striking black-and-white contrast and sculptural swee...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Cotton Canvas, Acrylic

Down home, Contemporary abstract, teal, green, brown, white
Down home, Contemporary abstract, teal, green, brown, white

Down home, Contemporary abstract, teal, green, brown, white

By Juanita Bellavance

Located in Cumming, GA

This contemporary abstract painting has a structure that is reminiscent of fencing, trees, barns and blue skies. It creates a remarkable sense of home and comfort.

Category

2010s Abstract Impressionist Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Golden Moments - Large Original Abstract Expressionism Painting on Canvas
Golden Moments - Large Original Abstract Expressionism Painting on Canvas

Golden Moments - Large Original Abstract Expressionism Painting on Canvas

By Bruce Rubenstein

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His original art merges the creative attitudes of the two distinct art hot spots of New York and...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic

Mountain High - Large Original Abstract Expressionism Playful Landscape Painting
Mountain High - Large Original Abstract Expressionism Playful Landscape Painting

Mountain High - Large Original Abstract Expressionism Playful Landscape Painting

By Bruce Rubenstein

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His expressive abstract landscape artwork 'Flourishing Fields' features whimsical details and vi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic

It was a misty day, Contemporary landscape, seafoam, ethereal abstract,
It was a misty day, Contemporary landscape, seafoam, ethereal abstract,

It was a misty day, Contemporary landscape, seafoam, ethereal abstract,

By Juanita Bellavance

Located in Cumming, GA

This painting has emerged over several years. Each iteration is wonderful and better than the last. it is in my favorite stage so far. I love how it has so much history behind it....

Category

2010s Abstract Impressionist Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Aura VI /// Contemporary Abstract Geometric Colorfield Circles Painting Art
Aura VI /// Contemporary Abstract Geometric Colorfield Circles Painting Art

Aura VI /// Contemporary Abstract Geometric Colorfield Circles Painting Art

By Jack Graves III

Located in Saint Augustine, FL

Artist: Jack Graves III (American, 1988-) Title: "Aura VI" Series: Aura *Signed by Graves lower right. It is also signed, dated, and titled on verso Year: 2024 Medium: Original Acryl...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint, Acrylic

New in Town, Intersections Series, Abstract Geometric Painting
New in Town, Intersections Series, Abstract Geometric Painting

New in Town, Intersections Series, Abstract Geometric Painting

By Robert Petrick

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Painting description: This is a new example of my ongoing series, "Intersections". My attempt to capture urban abstraction. Shapes and colors intersect and overlap. With the use of...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Geometric Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Jit Madness - Abstract Contemporary Organic Shape Mixed Media Artwork on Canvas
Jit Madness - Abstract Contemporary Organic Shape Mixed Media Artwork on Canvas

Jit Madness - Abstract Contemporary Organic Shape Mixed Media Artwork on Canvas

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rue Bootay, a New York-born artist now rooted in the vibrant artistic landscape of Los Angeles, navigates the avant-garde realm of nonrepresentational surrealism with a style uniquel...

Category

2010s Abstract Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic

"It Trails You" (contemporary, original painting, pattern, abstract, bold)
"It Trails You" (contemporary, original painting, pattern, abstract, bold)

"It Trails You" (contemporary, original painting, pattern, abstract, bold)

By Nicholas Evans

Located in Paris, IDF

IT TRAILS YOU 2025 Paris, France This bold abstract oil painting on natural linen canvas uses a single deep dark green-blue color applied in thick, fluid layers. The paint creates l...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Star Trek  - Large Original Abstract Painting Ready to Hang
Star Trek  - Large Original Abstract Painting Ready to Hang

Star Trek - Large Original Abstract Painting Ready to Hang

By Bruce Rubenstein

Located in Los Angeles, CA

The paintings of Bruce Rubenstein seamlessly marry sophistication with affordability. His original art merges the creative attitudes of the two distinct art hot spots of New York and Los Angeles. Rubenstein's work has a rigid edge and strong composition but maintains organic shapes and soft colors as well. His works have a character that brightens a space. His paintings pull from abstract expressionism and cubism but maintain a contemporary edge that strikes the viewer. His work seems collectively new and timeless at once. This large affordable one-of-a-kind 42 inch high by 66 inch wide and 1.5 inch deep artwork is a mixed media composition on canvas. It is stretched, wired, and ready to hang. This large abstract painting is signed by the artist on the front and back of the artwork. The sides are painted and it does not require framing. Free local Los Angeles area delivery. Affordable Continental U.S. and worldwide shipping available. Provenance: Artplex Gallery. A certificate of authenticity issued by the art gallery is included. While the artist has chosen to keep the price upon request, this captivating piece embodies both sophistication and exceptional value. Bruce Rubenstein specializes in large-scale artworks, using huge canvases to tell his stories. Born and raised in New York, he moved to Los Angeles in 1985. His mixed media artworks defy categorization, blending abstract forms and organic shapes with subtle hints of figures and symbols. Adrien Brody and Mickey Rourke are among Rubenstein’s collectors. Bruce Rubenstein’s artistic influences include artists from Joan Miró and Jean Arp to Gerhard Richter and Pablo Picasso. “He is an artist, and that means someone who cannot restrain the flow of ideas,” says author David Rodgers. “He is someone who they just burst out of, who cannot help but communicate, and who sees no reason to stop. He’s a man not limited by media to communicate the stories that he needs to (and must) tell, through any medium he feels necessary.” His works are represented by Artplex Gallery Los Angeles and have been exhibited and collected worldwide, including exhibitions in Austria and Israel. REPRESENTATION Artplex Gallery, Los Angeles, USA EXHIBITIONS 2023 Artplex Gallery, Los Angeles, CA Beijing Contemporary Art Expo Crossing Art Collective Beijing, China 2022 Shenzhen Art Fair, Shenzhen, China Westbund Art Fair, Shanghai, China MAC Fine Art, Power Painters, Delray, FL Westbund Art & Design, Shanghai, China (solo) Context Art Miami, Miami, FL (solo) Crossing Art Gallery, NYC, NY (solo) 2021 “Space Time Fragments,” Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA MAC Fine Art, Fort Lauderdale, FL MAC Fine Art, Jupiter, FL MAC Fine Art, Miami, FL (solo) 2020 MAC Fine Art, Fort Lauderdale, FL Wynwood Art Festival, Miami, FL Artspace Gallery, Los Angeles, CA MAC Fine Art, Fort Lauderdale, FL (solo) Gottling Gallery, Palm Springs, CA (solo) Castelli Art Space, Culver City, CA (solo) 2019 MAC Fine Art, Jupiter, FL Artspace Gallery, Los Angeles, CA Palm Springs Art Fair, Palm Springs, CA Glenn Dallas Gallery...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Charcoal, Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic

Post Metro, Ziggurat Series, Abstract Geometric Painting
Post Metro, Ziggurat Series, Abstract Geometric Painting

Post Metro, Ziggurat Series, Abstract Geometric Painting

By Robert Petrick

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Robert Petrick's "Post Metro" is a fusion of meticulous geometry and bold abstract expression. From the artist's Ziggurat series, this piece is both timeless and contemporary, offeri...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Geometric Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Board

Previously Available Items
Radar
Radar

Charles ArnoldiRadar, 1987

Sold

H 40 in W 36.125 in

Radar

By Charles Arnoldi

Located in Palm Desert, CA

A painting by Charles Arnoldi. "Radar" is an abstract acrylic on plywood painting executed in a colorful palette by contemporary artist by Charles Arnoldi. Signed verso, "1987 Arnoldi" Provenance: SCAPE (Southern California Art Project and Exhibitions), Corona del Mar...

Category

1980s Contemporary Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Plywood, Acrylic

Ram
Ram

Charles ArnoldiRam, 2005

Sold

H 56.75 in W 56.75 in D 1.75 in

Ram

By Charles Arnoldi

Located in Phoenix, AZ

acrylic on canvas b. 1946, Dayton, Ohio Since his breakthrough structures made out of branches in the late ‘70s, Charles Arnoldi has worked in numerous styles and media, from charc...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Soriano
Soriano

Charles ArnoldiSoriano, 2012

Sold

H 50.5 in W 45.5 in D 1.75 in

Soriano

By Charles Arnoldi

Located in Phoenix, AZ

acrylic on canvas b. 1946, Dayton, Ohio Since his breakthrough structures made out of branches in the late ‘70s, Charles Arnoldi has worked in numerous styles and media, from charc...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Untitled
Untitled

Charles ArnoldiUntitled, 1987

Sold

H 28 in W 24 in D 3 in

Untitled

By Charles Arnoldi

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Claiming, “I’m just trying to make art with some sense of dignity, and honesty, and integrity,” Charles Arnoldi has been blurring the boundaries between painting and sculpture, abstr...

Category

1980s Minimalist Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Plywood, Acrylic

Tourniquet

Charles ArnoldiTourniquet

Sold

H 79 in W 73 in

Tourniquet

By Charles Arnoldi

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Claiming, “I’m just trying to make art with some sense of dignity, and honesty, and integrity,” Charles Arnoldi has been blurring the boundaries between painting and sculpture, abstr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Charles Arnoldi Paintings

Materials

Copper

Charles Arnoldi paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Charles Arnoldi paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Charles Arnoldi in acrylic paint, canvas, fabric 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 abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Charles Arnoldi paintings, so small editions measuring 78 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Alex Couwenberg, Lloyd Martin, and Larry Zox. Charles Arnoldi paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $105,000 and tops out at $112,000, while the average work can sell for $108,500.