Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
American, 1904-2000
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of national artistic success that was nearly unprecedented among Cleveland School artists of his day, with representation by major New York dealers, scores of awards and solo exhibits, and streams of praise flowing from pens of the top art critics. Over the course of his 60+ year career Carter evolved from an exceptionally fine American Scene painter capable of evoking deep reservoirs of mood, into an abstractionist with a strongly surrealist bent.
While his two bodies of work seem at first to be worlds apart, owing to their different formal vocabularies, they, in fact, explore virtually the same subject: the nexus between life and death and the transition from earth to spirit. The early work finds its expressive power through specific people, events, and landscapes—most of which are drawn from his experiences growing up in the river town of Portsmouth, Ohio—while the later work from the 1960s on evokes potent states of being through pure flat shape, color and form that read as universals. As his primary form he adopted the ovoid or egg shape, endowing it with varying degrees of transparency. Alone or in multiples, the egg moves through Carter’s landscapes and architectural settings like a sentient spirit on a restless quest.
Born and raised in southern Ohio along the banks of the mercurial Ohio River and its treacherous floods, Carter developed a love of drawing as a child, and was encouraged by both his parents. He was self-directed, found inspiration all around him, and was strongly encouraged by the fact that his teenage work consistently captured art prizes in county and state fairs. Carter studied at the Cleveland School of Art from 1923-27, where he trained under painters Henry Keller, Frank Wilcox and Paul Travis.
Returning to Cleveland in 1929, Carter had his first solo show, and through Milliken taught studio classes at the Cleveland Museum of Art from 1930-37. In 1938, he moved to Pittsburgh to teach at the Carnegie Institute of Technology until 1944. Carter’s American Scene paintings of the ’30s and ’40s, which launched his artistic star, are the works for which the artist remains best known.
During and immediately after World War II, Clarence Carter realized his attraction to bold pattern, dramatic perspective and eye-catching hard-edged design was a poor fit with the prevailing style of Abstract Expressionism. Fortunately, these same hallmarks of his style were prized within the realm of commercial art.
Around 1964 Carter acknowledged a need to break from the confines of representational painting. Once Carter had found a potent symbol in the egg, he used it to create an astounding body of imagery for the rest of his life. Among the most ambitious of all his later paintings were his Transections, a theological term meaning to cross, specifically between life and death.to
6
6
26
4
1
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
43
23
15
3
2
33
8
2
29
12
2
1
1
40
36
36
3
2
108
668
573
343
318
42
43
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter
Night Garden, mid-century figural surrealist acrylic painting, Cleveland School
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Night Garden, 1972
Acrylic on scintilla
Signed and dated lower right
21.5 x 21.5 inches
24.25 x 24.25 inches, framed
Clarence Holbroo...
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Chimeras, mid-century figural abstract blue acrylic painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Chimeras, 1974
Acrylic and pastel on textured paper
Mid-century figural abstract blue acrylic painting
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of national artistic success that w...
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Pastel, Acrylic
"People" - Mid-Century Ovoid Geometrical Abstract Black & White Drawing
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
People, 1964
Ink and crayon on paper
Signed and dated upper right
36.5 x 24 inches
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of nation...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Crayon, Ink
The Way Out, figural abstract vibrant orange geometric acrylic painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
The Way Out, 1992
Acrylic on paper
Signed and dated upper right
24 x 30 inches
Figural abstract vibrant orange geometric painting.
C...
Category
1990s Abstract Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Transection No. 7, Large Painting by Clarence Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Clarence Holbrook Carter, American (1904 - 1998)
Title: Transection No. 7
Year: 1970
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas, signed verso
Size: 77 in. x 75.5 in. (195.58 cm x 191.77 c...
Category
1970s Abstract Geometric Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Oil
Mandala No. 5, Blue Abstract Ovoid Mid-Century Painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Mandala No. 5, 1968
Acrylic on scintilla
Signed on verso
29.5 x 22 inches
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of national artist...
Category
1960s Abstract Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Quadratic, Mid-Century Ovoid Figural Abstract Acrylic & Collage with faces
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Quadratic, 1979
Acrylic and collage on textured paper
Signed and dated lower right
30 x 22 inches
31.5 x 23.5 inches, framed
A surreal...
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
King Tut No. 2, Mid-Century Ovoid Geometrical Abstract Gouache on Paper
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
King Tut No. 2, 1968
Gouache on paper
Signed and dated upper right
11.25 x 8.25 inches
25.5 x 20.5 inches
A surrealist mid-century fig...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Gouache
Torso No. 5, Mid-Century Figural Abstract Acrylic Painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Torso No. 5, 1967
Acrylic on paper
Signed and dated upper right
25 x 20 inches
A mid-century figural abstract painting.
Clarence Hol...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
The Mayor, Mid-Century Ovoid Figural Abstract Acrylic & Collage with Eye
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
The Mayor, 1979
Acrylic and collage on scintilla
Signed lower right
30 x 22 inches
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract painting....
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Caged, Mid-Century Ovoid Geometrical Abstract Acrylic, Black & Grey
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Caged, 1971
Acrylic on paper
Signed and dated lower right
24 x 20 inches
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract painting.
Clarenc...
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Neon Ovoids, Mid-Century Abstract neon orange, green, pink acrylic painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Neon Ovoids, c. 1960s
Acrylic on paper
9 x 12 inches
Mid-Century Abstract neon orange, green, pink acrylic painting.
Clarence Holbroo...
Category
1960s Surrealist Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Seeing Egg No. 2, Surrealist Ovoid acrylic painting, Figural Abstract
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Seeing Egg No. 2, 1965
Acrylic and collage on scintilla
Signed and dated upper right
30 x 22 inches
34 x 29 inches, framed
A surrealis...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
"Rockefeller Center" - Abstract Rock, Mid-Century Acrylic & Sand Painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Rockefeller Center, 1962
Acrylic and sand on scintilla
Signed and dated lower left
25 x 20 inches
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a ...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Mixed Media, Acrylic
Chromatic, Ovoid Head, Geometric Figurative Abstract Acrylic & Collage Painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Chromatic, 1965
Acrylic and collage on scintilla
Signed and dated upper right
30 x 22 inches
A surrealist mid-century figural abstrac...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Dichotomy, mid-century figural abstract green oil painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Dichotomy, 1962
Oil on paper
Signed and dated upper left
20 x 25 inches
Mid-century figural abstract green painting of woman swimming ...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Oil
Reverberations, mid-century abstract surrealist black acrylic painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Reverberations, 1970
Acrylic on illustration board
Signed lower left
20 x 30 inches
Mid-century abstract surrealist black acrylic painting...
Category
1970s Surrealist Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Icon Mandala, Mid-Century Figural Abstract Black, Red & White Oval Face Painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Icon Mandala, 1967
Acrylic on paper
Signed and dated lower right
30 x 22 inches
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of national ...
Category
1960s Abstract Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Air Chamber, Mid-Century Figural Abstract Collage, Anatomy & Ovoids
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Air Chamber, 1965
Collage, graphite and gouache on paper
Signed and dated upper left
30 x 22 inches
Provenance: Descended through the family.
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of national artistic success that was nearly unprecedented among Cleveland School artists of his day, with representation by major New York dealers...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Gouache, Graphite
Mandala No. 15, Abstract Ovoid Geometrical Mid-Century Painting Cleveland School
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Mandala No. 15, 1969
Acrylic on paper
Signed and dated verso
27.5 x 22 inches
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of national ar...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Ablaze, Ovoid Faces Looking Through Geometrical Windows
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Ablaze, 1973-79
Acrylic and collage on scintilla
Signed and dated lower left
30 x 22 inches
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract...
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
In and Out, mid-century figural abstract vibrant yellow geometric painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
In and Out, 1963
Acrylic on paper
Signed and dated lower right
22 x 30 inches
Figural abstract vibrant yellow geometric painting.
Cl...
Category
1960s Abstract Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Medieval Heads, mid-century figural surrealist acrylic painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Cicada, c. 1960s
Watercolor on scintilla
30 x 20 inches
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of national artistic success that wa...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Ovoid, geometrical figural surrealist acrylic painting, Cleveland School artist
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Ovoid, 1992
Acrylic on canvas
Signed and dated lower right
7.75 x 7.75 inches
9 x 9 inches, framed
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a...
Category
1990s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Entr'acte - Mid-Century Ovoids in Theatre - Geometrical Abstract Pastel
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Entr'acte, 1977
Pastel on board
Signed and dated lower right
8 x 10 inches
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract painting.
Clare...
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Pastel
Double Ovoids, Mid-Century Blue & Black Figurative Abstract Ovoids
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Double Ovoids with Blue and Black, 1960s
Acrylic on scintilla
15.25 x 12.25 inches
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract painting....
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Transection w/ Architectural Forms, Geometrical Figurative Abstract Acrylic
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Transection with Architectural Forms, c. 1980s
Acrylic and graphite on board
12 x 20 inches
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract ...
Category
1980s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Graphite
Seeing Egg, Surrealist Ovoid acrylic painting, Figural Abstract
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Seeing Egg, c. 1960s
Acrylic on textured paper
30 x 22 inches
38.5 x 30.5 inches, framed
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract pai...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Torso No. 1, Mid-Century Figural Abstract Acrylic Painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Torso No. 1, 1967
Acrylic on paper
Signed and dated upper right
15 x10 inches
24 x 20 inches, framed
A mid-century figural abstract painting.
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of national artistic success that was nearly unprecedented among Cleveland School artists of his day, with representation by major New York dealers...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
The Gold Coast, Mid-Century Pastel Pink & Green Painting of Ovoid, Miami
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
The Gold Coast, 1979
Collage and acrylic on scintilla
Signed and dated lower right
22 x 30 inches
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a...
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Vetriculus, Surrealist Ovoid acrylic painting, Figural Abstract work on paper
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Vetriculus, c. 1970s
Acrylic on paper
4.5 x 3.5 inches
11 x 10 inches, framed
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract painting.
Cl...
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Expanding Mandala, Black and Orange Abstract Oval Mid-Century Painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Expanding Mandala, c. 1970s
Acrylic on scintilla
23 x 30 inches
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of national artistic success...
Category
1970s Abstract Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Rainbow Mandala, Mid Century Abstract Red and Yellow Acrylic Painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Rainbow Mandala, 1983
Acrylic on scintilla
Signed and dated lower right
30 x 22 inches
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of na...
Category
1980s Abstract Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Maze, 20th Century Geometric Figurative Abstract Acrylic Painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Maze, 1982
Acrylic on cardboard
Signed and dated upper right
7 x 9.5 inches
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract painting.
Clar...
Category
1980s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
In the Window, Ovoid Shapes Floating Through Windows
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
In the Window, 1973
Acrylic and collage on scintilla
Signed and dated lower right
30 x 22 inches
A surrealist mid-century figural abs...
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
City Scape, Ovoid Geometrical Abstract Green & Brown Structures
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
City Scape, 1978
Acrylic on scintilla
Signed and dated lower right
30 x 22 inches
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract painting....
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Transection No. 3, Ovoid Geometrical Figural Abstract Neon Acrylic Painting
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Transection No. 3, 1972
Acrylic on paper
Signed and dated upper right
30 x 22 inches
Provenance: Collection of William H. Milliken
Cl...
Category
1970s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Terror of History No. 1, Mid-Century Abstract Acrylic & Sand, Blue and Yellow
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Terror of History No. 1, 1962
Acrylic and sand on scintilla
Signed and dated upper left
23 x 30 inches
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of national artistic success that was nearly unprecedented among Cleveland School artists of his day, with representation by major New York dealers...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Departing from the System, Mid-Century Geometrical Abstract Mixed Media
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Departing from the System, 1961
Mixed media on paper
Signed and dated lower right
36 x 24 inches
A surrealist mid-century figural abst...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Mixed Media
Pinnacle, Surrealist Ovoid acrylic painting, Blue & Red Figural Abstract Collage
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Pinnacle, c. 1960s
Acrylic and collage on scintilla
22 x 8 inches
23.25 x 9 inches, framed
A surrealist mid-century figural abstract p...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Vetriculus Egg, Surrealist Ovoid acrylic and collage painting, Figural Abstract
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Vetriculus Egg, 1965
Acrylic and collage on textured paper
Signed and dated lower right
30 x 22 inches
A surrealist mid-century figura...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Torso No. 3, Mid-Century Figural Abstract Acrylic Painting, Ohio artist
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Torso No. 3, 1967
Acrylic on paper
Signed and dated lower right
13 x 9 inches
21 x 17 inches
A mid-century figural abstract painting.
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a level of national artistic success that was nearly unprecedented among Cleveland School artists of his day, with representation by major New York dealers...
Category
1960s American Modern Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Green and Red Mandala, Abstract Oval Painting by Ohio Artist Clarence Carter
By Clarence Holbrook Carter
Located in Beachwood, OH
Clarence Holbrook Carter (American, 1904-2000)
Green and Red Mandala, 1969
Acrylic on scintilla
Signed and dated lower right
24.75 x 18 inches
Clarence Holbrook Carter achieved a l...
Category
1960s Abstract Clarence Holbrook Carter Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Clarence Holbrook Carter abstract paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Clarence Holbrook Carter abstract paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of abstract paintings to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of blue, orange, pink and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Clarence Holbrook Carter in paint, acrylic paint, synthetic resin paint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the modern style. Not every interior allows for large Clarence Holbrook Carter abstract paintings, so small editions measuring 9 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Stanley Bate, Will Beger, and Donald Stacy. Clarence Holbrook Carter abstract paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $3,000 and tops out at $60,000, while the average work can sell for $12,075.
Artists Similar to Clarence Holbrook Carter
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Clarence Holbrook Carter Art
Clarence Holbrook Carter Figurative Paintings
Clarence Holbrook Carter Landscape Paintings
Clarence Holbrook Carter Animal Paintings
Clarence Holbrook Carter Still-life Paintings
Clarence Holbrook Carter Prints and Multiples
Clarence Holbrook Carter Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Clarence Holbrook Carter Mixed Media