Skip to main content

David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

American, 1926-2015
David Hostetler was the creator of a series of captivating and original works in exotic wood and bronze that honor and celebrate the female form. Inspired by goddesses and celebrated women of historical significance, Hostetler has based his life’s work on capturing the spirit, romance, and earthiness of “woman.” Whether revealing the sensuousness of the female figure or rendering visible the beauty of the feminine mystique, Hostetler’s works are a pleasure to touch and visually captivating. For 67 years, David Hostetler’s reputation as a celebrated sculptor has grown exponentially. His works appear in over twenty-five museums , including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts, Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey, and the Decordova Museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts. Hostetler’s pieces grace public collections throughout the world. “The Duo,” Hostetler’s most visible installation, was selected by Philip Johnson for the Trump International Hotel and Tower in New York City. The 13-foot outdoor sculpture, depicts two slender figures side by side, slightly touching, seemingly grown from the ground naturalistically. In 2012, The IKON a 13 foot bronze was commissioned by The Sheffield, at 87th Street between 8th and 9th Ave. in NYC. Hostetler’s unique treatment of the feminine form has earned him wide acclaim. Most of his “women” begin as single logs, which he carved by hand into sculpture. These woodcarvings occasionally take on an alternate life as bronzes, cast directly from their wood counterparts. In the 1960s Hostetler rose to national prominence with his “American Woman” series of sculptures. Hostetler’s Amish heritage initiated the series, in that he carved folk images from Ohio’s indigenous trees (elm, white oak, walnut, maple). As the series evolved into more slender, stylized figures, Hostetler also transitioned into exotic woods to compliment his vision (purple heart, ziricote, and pink ivory). Celebrated photographer Yousuf Karsh captured Hostetler with his sculpture in a series of photographs. Born in Beach City, Ohio , David Hostetler’s Amish grandfather profoundly influenced him both personally and artistically. After serving proudly in World War II, Hostetler went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in education from Indiana University, and his Masters of Fine Arts at Ohio University. For thirty-eight years Hostetler served Ohio University as a teacher and mentor, for which he achieved Professor Emeritus. He was a guest teacher throughout the United States and Mexico. His students include a number of accomplished artists, such as Jim Dine. Although Hostetler is renowned as a sculptor, his experience is diverse. He trained, as an engineer, worked as a farmer and salesman, owned his own commercial pottery company, and created an art commune, Art Park. Hostetler’s longtime appreciation of religions inspired his study of Judaism. A constant pursuit of intellectual growth and development of new skills resulted in learning to spin wool, build furniture, and create stained glass. Hostetler continued to study women’s history, shamanism, the history of jazz music, American craft, tools and folk art. The Last Dance, (2008) an EMMY award winning documentary video captures his spirit and art making.
to
1
2
1
1
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
4
4
3
1
4
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
4
4
1
1
28
503
315
279
230
4
4
Artist: David Hostetler
David Hostetler, Black, Female, White Face, Dancer, Mask
David Hostetler, Black, Female, White Face, Dancer, Mask

David Hostetler, Black, Female, White Face, Dancer, Mask

By David Hostetler

Located in Nantucket, MA

David Hostetler continued to mine dance imagery in his sculpture career. This is a strong, dynamic change in his forms. He is breaking away from crossing the arms in front to this fr...

Category

Early 2000s Contemporary David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

David Hostetler, Jazz Club, Horn Player, Dark, Outdoor Jazz, Music Playing

David Hostetler, Jazz Club, Horn Player, Dark, Outdoor Jazz, Music Playing

By David Hostetler

Located in Nantucket, MA

David Hostetler had his own jazz club attached to his art studio in Athens, OH. It was called Club Dave. His jazz club played almost every Friday in the winter season while he was in...

Category

2010s Contemporary David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

David Hostetler Colorful Group Figurative People Anasazi Indian American
David Hostetler Colorful Group Figurative People Anasazi Indian American

David Hostetler Colorful Group Figurative People Anasazi Indian American

By David Hostetler

Located in Nantucket, MA

David was inspired by the Anasazi petroglyphs with these shapes of the figures in this painting. It is an oil painting on Masonite. The frame is black wood- a shadow box concept. The...

Category

2010s Contemporary David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

Related Items
Large Painting of Classic New York City in Rain with Figures by British Artist
Large Painting of Classic New York City in Rain with Figures by British Artist

Large Painting of Classic New York City in Rain with Figures by British Artist

By Angela Wakefield

Located in Preston, GB

Large Original Painting of a Classic 1990's Busy New York City Scene in the Rain, with Yellow Taxis, Cars and Figures, by British Urban Landscape Artist, Angela Wakefield. This is a ...

Category

2010s Contemporary David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

Materials

Gesso, Acrylic, Oil, Mixed Media, Cotton Canvas, Paint, Linen, Canvas

"Approaching Equilibruim" Oil Painting Featuring Nude Female Figure
"Approaching Equilibruim" Oil Painting Featuring Nude Female Figure

"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 David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Mirrich – 2019 Mixed Media on Panel, Figurative Pop-Inspired Portrait with Cat
Mirrich – 2019 Mixed Media on Panel, Figurative Pop-Inspired Portrait with Cat

Mirrich – 2019 Mixed Media on Panel, Figurative Pop-Inspired Portrait with Cat

By Inés Silvalde

Located in FISTERRA, ES

Mirrich (2019) is a vibrant mixed media work by Inés Silvalde, created with acrylic paint, relief paste, and marker on panel. Measuring 27 x 21 x 3 cm and presented in a natural wood...

Category

2010s Contemporary David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

A Colorful, 1950s Mid-Century Modern Pool Hall Scene
A Colorful, 1950s Mid-Century Modern Pool Hall Scene

A Colorful, 1950s Mid-Century Modern Pool Hall Scene

By Francis Chapin

Located in Chicago, IL

A Vibrant, Colorful, 1950s Mid-Century Modern Pool Hall Scene by Notable Chicago Artist, Francis Chapin. Artwork size: 6 3/4" x 8 1/2", Oil on Masonite, Framed size: 11" x 12 1/2"....

Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

Nocturnal Train In The City Abstract Expressionism
Nocturnal Train In The City Abstract Expressionism

Nocturnal Train In The City Abstract Expressionism

By Tom Hamil

Located in Soquel, CA

Bright, small abstract expressionist painting of train and town at night by Tom Hamil (American, b. 1928). Signed upper left corner "Hamil". Condition: Excellent. Presented in rustic wooden shadow box frame. Image size: 8"H x 6"W. Tom Hamil, was born in New York in 1928 and raised primarily in California. After attending the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, he returned to California to begin his formal art training at the California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco (now known as the San Francisco Art Institute). He completed his education at the University of Washington with a Master’s Degrees and Doctorate in Fine Arts and Education. His first solo exhibition was held in 1956. Since then, he has participated in numerous one man shows, group shows, and has been represented in galleries in the US and Mexico. In addition to his painting, Hamil has authored and illustrated a number of books. While at the Naval Academy, he received recognition for his paintings, drawings, and illustrations. Listed among Hamil’s many awards and honors are a Ford Foundation Fellowship and an Award of Excellence from the American Graphics Society. Currently, he lives in Zirahuen, Michoacan, Mexico and Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Hamil’s statement: “I am a man...

Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

Judas Medal- 21st Century Still-life painting of a tin with dry Judas Medal
Judas Medal- 21st Century Still-life painting of a tin with dry Judas Medal

Judas Medal- 21st Century Still-life painting of a tin with dry Judas Medal

By Erik Zwaga

Located in Nuenen, Noord Brabant

This still-life is made by Dutch painter Erik Zwaga. The painter started in the style of the romantic school, Erik Zwaga began to search more and more for his own visual language...

Category

2010s Contemporary David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Abstract Expressionist Two Sided Painting -- Male Figurative
Abstract Expressionist Two Sided Painting -- Male Figurative

Abstract Expressionist Two Sided Painting -- Male Figurative

By Daniel David Fuentes

Located in Soquel, CA

Double sided figurative abstract by San Jose, California area artist Daniel David Fuentes (American, 20c-2017). San Francisco bay area abstract expressionist and landscape artist dur...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

New York City NYC Street Sunshine Landscape Painting by British Cityscape Artist
New York City NYC Street Sunshine Landscape Painting by British Cityscape Artist

New York City NYC Street Sunshine Landscape Painting by British Cityscape Artist

By Angela Wakefield

Located in Preston, GB

New York Sunshine Golden Glow Cityscape Painting by British Urban Landscape Artist Angela Wakefield. This original is part of the New York Series, a ...

Category

2010s Contemporary David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Linen, Paint, Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic

Ozymandias (unique, signed Abstract Expressionist painting by renowned painter)
Ozymandias (unique, signed Abstract Expressionist painting by renowned painter)

Ozymandias (unique, signed Abstract Expressionist painting by renowned painter)

By Ben Wilson

Located in New York, NY

Ben Wilson Ozymandias, 1989 Oil on masonite board Boldly signed by Ben Wilson on the back 36 × 48 inches Unframed Provenance: acquired from the Estate of Ben Wilson This work is titled "Ozymandias" after the famous sonnet written by Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822). Shelley's poem is one of the most poignant meditations on the fleeting nature of human power and the inevitability of decline. The poem serves as a reminder that time erodes even the most imposing empires and leaders and that the pursuit of lasting fame and control is ultimately futile. Depending on how one views Ben Wilson's Abstract Expressionist painting of "Ozymandias" -- some of the imagery might reveal the head of an angry king and a sickle. Shelley's poem Ozymandias reads: I met a traveler from an antique land...

Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

"My Purple Diamond Heart" Colorful Oil Painting on Wood with White Floater Frame
"My Purple Diamond Heart" Colorful Oil Painting on Wood with White Floater Frame

"My Purple Diamond Heart" Colorful Oil Painting on Wood with White Floater Frame

By Cindy Shaoul

Located in New York, NY

Motivated by bold color and fast brushwork, we are moved by the simplicity and thick textured oil paints in these works. Shaoul’s “My Heart Collection” is a vibrant and energetic dis...

Category

2010s Contemporary David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board, Glass

Adellijke Aardbeien Noble Strawberries Oil on Panel Still Life In Stock
Adellijke Aardbeien Noble Strawberries Oil on Panel Still Life In Stock

Adellijke Aardbeien Noble Strawberries Oil on Panel Still Life In Stock

By Walter Elst

Located in Utrecht, NL

Adellijke Aardbeien Noble Strawberries Oil on Panel Still Life In Stock Walter Elst Born in Antwerp, Belgium - 1955 After finishing his study Medicine at the University of Brussels...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Panel

Gas Station Attendant (African American artist)
Gas Station Attendant (African American artist)

Gas Station Attendant (African American artist)

By Earl Hill

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Earl Hill (1927-1985). Gas Station Attendant, 1966. Oil on masonite panel, 10.5 x 13.5 inches, 15 x 18 inches framed. Signed and dated lower right. Inscribed...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

David Hostetler figurative paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic David Hostetler figurative paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by David Hostetler in oil paint, paint, masonite 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 David Hostetler figurative paintings, so small editions measuring 25 inches across are available. David Hostetler figurative paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $5,500 and tops out at $9,500, while the average work can sell for $7,500.