Skip to main content

Desmond McLean Paintings

American, 1929-2015

Desmond Patrick McLean was born on June 12, 1927, in Sligo, Ireland. His family moved when Desmond was three to New York and he grew up in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. McLean attended the Heatherley School of Art in London, England and the American School of Art in New York. He also studied at Hunter College with Robert Motherwell, Richard Lippold and William Baziotes. He also studied printmaking with Gabor Peterdi. He earned his bachelor's degree at Kean College and was awarded a teaching fellowship at the University of Chicago, where he was enrolled in the doctoral program. After that, he studied at Illinois State University before he got a tenured position as a professor of Art at the Teachers College in 1966. McLean retired from Rowan University's Art Department in 2002, where he had taught for more than 35 years. McLean died on November 30, 2015, after a long life as an artist and an art professor.

to
1
1
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
1
1
1
1
1
1
11
788
754
753
663
1
Artist: Desmond McLean
Untitled (abstract expressionist Rorschach paintings)
Untitled (abstract expressionist Rorschach paintings)

Untitled (abstract expressionist Rorschach paintings)

By Desmond McLean

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Outstanding abstract expressionist suite of 4 compositions by American artist, Desmond McLean (1929-2015). Untitled, 1959. Each of the four paintings is ink and gouache on paper, each sheet measures 18 x 24 inches. Paper exhibits some unintended creasing, toning and very small tears. Naturally there are light crease marks vertically where paper was intentionally folded to create Rorschach mirror image. Signed and dated lower margins. Unframed and unmounted. Born: Ireland Studied: Heatherly School of Art, London; American School of Art, New York; Hunter College, NYC with Robert Motherwell, Richard Lippold...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Related Items
Phenomena Rights of King, Gouache on Paper, Framed, Signed, 1976
Phenomena Rights of King, Gouache on Paper, Framed, Signed, 1976

Phenomena Rights of King, Gouache on Paper, Framed, Signed, 1976

By Paul Jenkins

Located in New York, NY

“Phenomena Rights of King", 1976. Gouache on Paper Framed: 43 ½ x 35 ½ inches Signed bottom center The Phenomena series is a celebrated body of abstract expressionist paintings and ...

Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Paper, Gouache

Robert Natkin - unique early painting on historic Wells Street Gall. card Framed
Robert Natkin - unique early painting on historic Wells Street Gall. card Framed

Robert Natkin - unique early painting on historic Wells Street Gall. card Framed

By Robert Natkin

Located in New York, NY

Unique historic work Hand signed and dated on the front An exceptionally early gouache from 1957, executed on the verso of a Wells Street Gallery invitation card - one of the first c...

Category

1950s Abstract Expressionist Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache

Jack Wolfe - Mid century Modern Abstract Expressionist painting, Signed, Framed
Jack Wolfe - Mid century Modern Abstract Expressionist painting, Signed, Framed

Jack Wolfe - Mid century Modern Abstract Expressionist painting, Signed, Framed

Located in New York, NY

Jack Wolfe Untitled, 1965 Acrylic and collage on board Hand signed on the front Acrylic and collage painting on board Hand signed and dated on the front Provenance: Parker Street 470...

Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media, Acrylic, Gouache

Boxing Scene Painting, Abstract Figurative Art, Signed 1961, 17.6x31.5
Boxing Scene Painting, Abstract Figurative Art, Signed 1961, 17.6x31.5

Boxing Scene Painting, Abstract Figurative Art, Signed 1961, 17.6x31.5

By Bob Peak

Located in Miami, FL

Many in the art world today dismiss illustrators as being commercial simply because their work was done on assignment for a client, rather than for themselves. Sadly, these art world people have limited imagination and a restricted sense of curiosity. Rembrandt and Leonardo were commercial artists. This boxing illustration/painting was done for Sports Illustrated...

Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Watercolor, Gouache, Pencil, Paper

French Feminine Contemporary Colorful Abstract Painting By Jean Pierre Guiot
French Feminine Contemporary Colorful Abstract Painting By Jean Pierre Guiot

French Feminine Contemporary Colorful Abstract Painting By Jean Pierre Guiot

Located in Frederiksberg C, DK

A beautiful and soft feminine gouache painting by French artist Jean Pierre Guiot. With a soft dark color palette of dark green, yellow, red, and blue, this piece exudes an emotional...

Category

1990s Abstract Expressionist Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Gouache

Vincent Dion, #38, 2014, Acrylic Paint, Watercolor, Gouache

Vincent Dion, #38, 2014, Acrylic Paint, Watercolor, Gouache

By Vincent Dion

Located in Darien, CT

Vincent Dion's painterly abstractions mimic various printed techniques which reconcile and affirm the introspective presence of the hand. Dion’s use of luminous color becomes his es...

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Watercolor, Gouache

Vincent Dion, #54, 2016, Acrylic Paint, Watercolor, Gouache, Rag Paper

Vincent Dion, #54, 2016, Acrylic Paint, Watercolor, Gouache, Rag Paper

By Vincent Dion

Located in Darien, CT

Vincent Dion's painterly abstractions mimic various printed techniques which reconcile and affirm the introspective presence of the hand. Dion’s use of luminous color becomes his es...

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Watercolor, Gouache, Rag Paper

Vincent Dion, #42, 2016, Acrylic Paint, Watercolor, Gouache, Rag Paper

Vincent Dion, #42, 2016, Acrylic Paint, Watercolor, Gouache, Rag Paper

By Vincent Dion

Located in Darien, CT

Vincent Dion's painterly abstractions mimic various printed techniques which reconcile and affirm the introspective presence of the hand. Dion’s use of luminous color becomes his es...

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Watercolor, Gouache, Rag Paper

Lighthouse Ocean - Abstract Blue Landscape Art Original Waterscape Painting
Lighthouse Ocean - Abstract Blue Landscape Art Original Waterscape Painting

Lighthouse Ocean - Abstract Blue Landscape Art Original Waterscape Painting

By Tommy Lennartsson

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Urban abstract expressionism artist Tommy Lennartsson draws on the visual culture of street and pop art when creating his original vibrant mixed-medi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Gouache, Graphite

"Appi" Amaranth Ehrenhalt, Unique Painting, Woman Abstract Expressionism, 2003
"Appi" Amaranth Ehrenhalt, Unique Painting, Woman Abstract Expressionism, 2003

"Appi" Amaranth Ehrenhalt, Unique Painting, Woman Abstract Expressionism, 2003

By Amaranth Ehrenhalt

Located in New York, NY

Amaranth Ehrenhalt (1928–2021) Appi 13, 2003 Gouache and watercolor on thick paper Painting: 20 x 20 cm l 8 x 8 in. Frame: 33 x 33 cm l 13 x 13 in. Signed, titled and dated Amarant...

Category

Early 2000s Abstract Expressionist Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor, Gouache

Alexandra Rutsch Brock, Connections, 2020, gouache, thread, 8 x 8 inches

Alexandra Rutsch Brock, Connections, 2020, gouache, thread, 8 x 8 inches

By Alexandra Rutsch Brock

Located in Darien, CT

These new small-scale paintings were created using gouache on handmade paper. Alexandra Rutsch Brock then “drew” with a sewing machine using various colored threads. Using the thread as a painted line, playing with the marks and motifs the machine allows that creates contrast in both surface and color. They are sewn directly with no preliminary sketches, just instinctive gesture, sometimes in a similar color to enhance a texture, other times contrasting as a new element. The entangled threads that dangle down emphasize the materiality. Working so closely to the surface, she is aware of the senses of seeing, breathing, touching and feeling……………escaping into these new surfaces. Alexandra Rutsch Brock has exhibited in solo and group shows most recently at The Keck School at USC, CA, The Painting Center, NY, Village West Gallery, NJ and Misericordia University, PA. Her work has been featured in Studio Visit Magazine SV Vol44. Her recent co-curations include “HyperAccumulators” with Elizabeth Saperstein at Pelham Art Center, NY and “Among Friends” project with artists Patricia Fabricant and Beth Dary...

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Thread, Gouache, Archival Paper

Previously Available Items
Surrealist Landscape
Surrealist Landscape

Surrealist Landscape

By Desmond McLean

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Desmond McLean (b.1929). Pullscape, 1966. Oil and concrete on panel measures 20 x 25 inches. Original wood strip frame. Signed with monogram lower right. Excellent condition with no damage or restoration. In this series from the early 60's, Desmond employed concrete and applied paint at a raked angle to create a highly dimensional effect. Born: Ireland Studied: Heatherly School of Art, London; American School of Art, New York; Hunter College, NYC with Robert Motherwell, Richard Lippold...

Category

1960s Abstract Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Oil

Versipel Vertibrate
Versipel Vertibrate

Desmond McLeanVersipel Vertibrate, 1968

Sold

H 30 in W 46 in D 2 in

Versipel Vertibrate

By Desmond McLean

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Desmond McLean (b.1929). Untitled #6, Versipel Vertibrate, 1968. Oil and concrete on panel measures 30 x 46 inches. Original wood strip frame. Signed lower right; signed titled and d...

Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Untitled
Untitled

Desmond McLeanUntitled, c.1970

Sold

H 48 in W 48 in D 2 in

Untitled

By Desmond McLean

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Desmond McLean (b.1929). Untitled, 1970. Oil and concrete on panel measures 48 x 48 inches. Original wood strip frame. Signed with monogram upper right Excellent condition with no da...

Category

1970s Abstract Expressionist Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Untitled, #1
Untitled, #1

Desmond McLeanUntitled, #1, c.1969

Sold

H 30 in W 48 in D 1.5 in

Untitled, #1

By Desmond McLean

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Desmond McLean (b.1929). Untitled #1, 1969. Oil and concrete on panel measures 30 x 48 inches. Original wood strip framed. Signed and dated en verso. Excellent condition with no damage or restoration. In this series from the early 70's, Desmond employed concrete and applied paint at a raked angle to create a highly dimensional effect. Born: Ireland Studied: Heatherly School of Art, London; American School of Art, New York; Hunter College, NYC with Robert Motherwell, Richard Lippold...

Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Untitled, #33
Untitled, #33

Desmond McLeanUntitled, #33, 1970

Sold

H 24 in W 24 in D 2 in

Untitled, #33

By Desmond McLean

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Desmond McLean (b.1929). Untitled #33, 1970. Oil and concrete on panel measures 24 x 24 inches. Original wood strip framed. Signed and dated en verso. Excellent condition with no damage or restoration. In this series from the early 70's, Desmond employed concrete and applied paint at a raked angle to create a highly dimensional effect. Born: Ireland Studied: Heatherly School of Art, London; American School of Art, New York; Hunter College, NYC with Robert Motherwell, Richard Lippold...

Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Untitled, #36
Untitled, #36

Desmond McLeanUntitled, #36, 1970

Sold

H 24 in W 24 in D 2 in

Untitled, #36

By Desmond McLean

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Desmond McLean (b.1929). Untitled #36, 1970. Oil and concrete on panel measures 24 x 24 inches. Original wood strip framed. Signed and dated en verso. Excellent condition with no damage or restoration. In this series from the early 70's, Desmond employed concrete and applied paint at a raked angle to create a highly dimensional effect. Born: Ireland Studied: Heatherly School of Art, London; American School of Art, New York; Hunter College, NYC with Robert Motherwell, Richard Lippold...

Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Untitled, #17
Untitled, #17

Desmond McLeanUntitled, #17, 1970

Sold

H 14 in W 14 in D 1 in

Untitled, #17

By Desmond McLean

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Desmond McLean (b.1929). Untitled, #17, 1971. Oil and concrete on panel measures 14 x 14 inches. Original wood strip frame. Signed and dated en verso. Excellent condition with no d...

Category

1970s Abstract Geometric Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Untitled
Untitled

Desmond McLeanUntitled, 1970

Sold

H 15 in W 12 in D 2 in

Untitled

By Desmond McLean

Located in Wilton Manors, FL

Desmond McLean (b.1929). Untitled, 1970. Oil and concrete on panel measures 12 x 15 inches. Original wood strip framed. Signed and dated en verso. Excellent condition with no damage...

Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Desmond McLean Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Desmond Mclean paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Desmond McLean paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Desmond McLean in gouache, paint, watercolor and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Desmond McLean paintings, so small editions measuring 24 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Doris Warner, Les Anderson, and Eleanor Perry. Desmond McLean paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $900 and tops out at $900, while the average work can sell for $900.