Early in his artistic career, Doel Reed knew he wanted to be a printmaker. Influenced by Goya's aquatints, he extended himself beyond his formal art training to learn this technique, and he established himself as one of its masters. For decades, he devoted himself to the art program at the University of Oklahoma, taking it from a faculty of one to a major mid-Western department. Upon retirement, Reed focused totally on his work, moving with his family to Taos, New Mexico, where they had previously summered. Marked by strong tonal contrasts, his landscapes of this region are deeply emotional renderings with a sense of mystery — Modernist forms combined with romantic moodiness. Born and raised in Indiana, Reed originally studied architecture, which he credits with lifelong attention to "how something is constructed." His mature style can be characterized as architectonic in his concern with assembling volumes and planes. Even the intense northern New Mexico light becomes the means to articulate three-dimensional patterns into cubistic interplay. When painting, Reed used thick strokes of oil and casein as another structural element. Transferring to fine art, his studies at the Art Academy of Cincinnati were then interrupted by military service in World War I. Suffering a gas attack in the trenches of France, Reed spent months in a hospital temporarily blinded. The effects of the gas also damaged his lungs, which later prompted him to live in the dry climates of Oklahoma and New Mexico. After the war, he returned to his studies, but it was the discovery of Goya's aquatints rather than his art classes that inspired. Considered the master, Goya drew on the tonal range available with this medium to create powerfully haunting imagery. Perhaps Reed responded personally to the eloquent series "The Disasters of War." Now his course was set, and he built his etching press, which he continued to use for the rest of his life. In 1924, he accepted a teaching position at Oklahoma State University, where he remained for 35 years. Emphasizing drawing, Reed encouraged students to go to nature and translate the scene through their sensibilities. Beginning as the sole art professor, he developed the program when it became an independent department in 1930. Through his stewardship, the university gained a reputation as one of the best for printmaking in the country. During the 40s, Reed also prepared a series of lectures and demonstrations on aquatint for the Association of American Colleges and Universities. His most public offering in art education is the book, "Doel Reed Makes An Aquatint" (1965). Sabbaticals allowed him to visit Paris in 1926 and 1930–31. Summer travel took him to Nova Scotia and Mexico, but gas rationing during World War II necessitated a closer destination. Thus the Reed connection with Taos was established. Finally, in 1959, he, his wife, and daughter moved there to Talpa Ridge, the same outlying area in which artists like Andrew Dasburg, Howard Cook and Barbara Latham resided. Settling into a complex of three adobe buildings, Reed was welcomed by these artists, who referred to their community as the Neurosis Ridge. Rena Rosenquist of Mission Gallery remembers that Reed was "the most affable man" who liked cold martinis. For Reed, the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains offered "end of abstract pattern." His inventive mind came up with techniques to transform a natural scene into a richly dimensional object. He fashioned a rosin box and concocted his formula of etching ground to achieve a velvety texture with his prints. Described as "not for the faint-hearted,” casein became a medium with which built up paint surfaces that almost seem sculpted. Both the prints and drawings are characterized by a tension between the two-dimensional surface pattern and the articulated space it conveys. In addition to landscapes, Reed produced several works of voluptuous women with the figures echoing landscape elements. As a boy, his first art experience was a grade-school field trip to the John Herron Art Museum (now the Indianapolis Art Museum), where he expressed his admiration for a painting of a nude mermaid, an image that made a lasting impression. Reed was proudest of his recognition by the National Academy of Design (now just the National Academy). In 1942, he was named associate member; in 1952, he was named full academician.
WEDDING PREPARATIONS
By Doel Reed
Located in Portland, ME
Reed, Doel (American, 1894-1985) WEDDING PREPARATIONS.. Etching and Aquatint, 1973. Signed in pencil, lower right, and numbered 26/30. 12 x 17 1/2 inches (plate), 15 x 22 1/4 inches ...
Etching, Aquatint
Doel Reed 1972 Aquatint Etching Reclining Nude Winter Bouquet Print, Signed
By Doel Reed
Located in Denver, CO
Nude with Winter Bouquet is an elegant and atmospheric 1972 aquatint etching by celebrated American printmaker Doel Reed. This refined composition depicts a reclining female nude res...
Aquatint, Etching, Black and White
Doel Reed Original Aquatint, 1948, "Evening Music"
By Doel Reed
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Aquatint by Oklahoma/New Mexico Artist Doel Reed (1895-1985). This etching is in excellent condition and unframed. Signed in pencil lower right. Image measures: 15 3/4" H x 11" W Edition: 100. Created 1948. Titled: "Evening Music" Remembered as an important member of the Taos art Community, Doel Reed achieved an international reputation as a landscape artist and printmaker, and was known as the 20th century master of the aquatint. From 1924-1959, he chaired the art department at Oklahoma State...
Paper
$3,350
H 39.97 in W 25.01 in D 0.04 in
BOAC Speedbird Routes Across the World – Original Vintage British Airline Poster
By Harold Foster
Located in Zurich, CH
Original Vintage Airline Poster by Harold Foster. He created several designs commissioned by the British Overseas Airways Corporation ...
Paper
$1,427
H 11.19 in W 8.98 in D 0.04 in
Jean Cocteau - White Book - Original Handcolored Lithograph
By Jean Cocteau
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Jean Cocteau White Book - Autobiography about Cocteau's discovery of his homosexuality. The book was first published anonymously and created a scandal. Original Handcolored Lithograp...
Lithograph
after Henri Matisse, "Sitting Blue Nude"
By Henri Matisse
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Lithograph after Henri Matisse - Sitting Blue Nude Artist : after Henri MATISSE Edition of 200 76 x 56 cm With stamp of the Succession Matisse References : Artvalue - Succession Ma...
Lithograph
Kiss, Hair, Hands
By John Baldessari
Located in Calabasas, CA
Artist: John Baldessari Title: Kiss, Hair, Hands Year: 1986 Medium: Etching with aquatint on Rives B.F.K paper Sheet: 29 x 19 3/4 inches (73.7 x 50.2 cm) Edition: 35; signed, numbere...
Etching, Aquatint
$2,379
H 22.05 in W 14.97 in D 0.04 in
Jean Cocteau - Marine Mountains - Original Lithograph
By Jean Cocteau
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Jean Cocteau - Marine Mountains - Original Lithograph Dimensions: 38 x 28 cm Edition: 200 In Rives From: COCTEAU. — VERDET (André). Montagnes marines. S. l. (Paris), Les Messagers du...
Lithograph
$31,763
H 35.44 in W 25.01 in D 0.04 in
Grand Maternity - Handsigned - (after) Pablo Picasso
By Pablo Picasso
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
After PABLO PICASSO (1881-1973) Maternity (Grande Maternité) 1963 Offset Lithograph on Paper Signed and Dated Handsigned in Pencil Numbered: 73/200 90 x 63,5 cm Publisher : Edition...
Lithograph
$13,700
H 48.82 in W 36.42 in D 0.04 in
Original Vintage Secession Poster celebrating the emperor's jubilee
Located in Zurich, CH
Original Vintage Poster by the Austrian artist Ferdinand Ludwig Graf, a member of the Hagenbund. This Viennese artist association moved as soon a...
Paper
$9,000
H 54 in W 90.5 in
Semen: large scale expressionist nude male figure portrait, floating in pink
By Francesco Clemente
Located in New York, NY
This large scale, ethereal portrait depicts a tranquil male nude figure floating in pink and blue. Based on a tempera painting, an expressionist, emotive piece to bring dramatic impa...
Drypoint, Etching, Aquatint
$42,500
H 26.78 in W 34.65 in D 0.04 in
Bouteilles – lithograph, hand-signed and numbered
By Le Corbusier
Located in Zurich, CH
Together with "Les Musiciennes" one of the largest and most sought after lithographs by Le Corbusier – a purist still-life –, printed by Mourlot on Arches after a collage by LC. Pr...
Paper
$4,796Sale Price|20% Off
H 12.99 in W 9.84 in
Henri Matisse, Three Heads. To Friendship, from Apollinaire, 1952
By Henri Matisse
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite aquatint by Henri Matisse (1869–1954), titled Trois têtes. A l'amitié (Three Heads. To Friendship), from the album Apollinaire, Henri Matisse (Apollinaire, Henri Matisse), originates from the 1952 edition published by Editions Raisons d'etre, Paris, and printed by Mourlot Freres, Paris, April 24, 1952. The work captures Matisses lyrical line and expressive minimalism, paying tribute to the French poet Guillaume Apollinaire through a synthesis of portraiture and calligraphic grace. Executed as an aquatint on velin a la forme des papeteries d'Arches paper, this work measures 12.99 x 9.84 inches (33 x 25 cm). Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. The edition exemplifies the superior craftsmanship of Mourlot Freres, Paris. Artwork Details: Artist: Henri Matisse (1869–1954) Title: Trois têtes. A l'amitié (Three Heads. To Friendship), from the album Apollinaire, Henri Matisse (Apollinaire, Henri Matisse) Medium: Aquatint on velin a la forme des papeteries d'Arches paper Dimensions: 12.99 x 9.84 inches (33 x 25 cm) Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued Date: 1952 Publisher: Editions Raisons d'etre, Paris Printer: Mourlot Freres, Paris Catalogue Raisonne Reference: Duthuit, Claude. Henri Matisse: Catalogue raisonne des ouvrages illustres. Editions Claude Duthuit, Paris, 1988, illustration 31. Condition: Well preserved, consistent with age and medium Provenance: From the album Apollinaire, Henri Matisse (Apollinaire, Henri Matisse), published by Editions Raisons d'etre, Paris; printed by Mourlot Freres, Paris, 1952 Notes: Excerpted from the album (translated from French), Printing of this album was finished on April, Twenty-Four, M.CM.LII for the Editions Raisons d'etre, 2 rue des Beaux-Arts in Paris, was produced by Fernand Mourlot, based on the models of Henri Matisse. The eight original lithographs were shot on the presses of Mourlot Freres who also printed the cover and case composed by the artist. The stones were erased after drawing. The text and letrins engraved by Henri Matisse were drawn by Coulouma S.A., printer in Paris. Justification of the draw— XXX examples on large velin d'Arches a la forme, signed by the author and the artist, accompanied by a series of original lithographs numbered from I to XXX; CCC examples on velin d'Arches a la forme numbered from XXXI to CCCXXX; XX examples of non-commerce collaborators numbered from I to XX and in addition a few nominative examples on Grand Velin. About the Publication: Apollinaire, Henri Matisse (Apollinaire, Henri Matisse), published by Editions Raisons d'etre, Paris, in 1952, stands among Matisses most intimate artist’s albums, conceived as a visual homage to the poet Guillaume Apollinaire, whose friendship and creative influence had profoundly shaped the avant-garde in the early 20th century. The album unites Matisses mastery of line with his reverence for literature, pairing portraits, decorative initials, and typographic designs engraved in his own hand. Printed by the esteemed atelier Mourlot Freres, the volume exemplifies the peak of French postwar printmaking, merging literary refinement with visual purity. Each print reveals Matisses poetic sensibility—his ability to render emotion through the economy of contour and rhythm. About the Artist: Henri Matisse (1869–1954) was a French painter, sculptor, draughtsman, and printmaker whose revolutionary vision redefined modern art through his daring use of color, line, and form. Celebrated as one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, Matisse led the Fauvist movement and devoted his life to the pursuit of balance, beauty, and emotional expression in visual art. His early works burst with vibrant hues and liberated brushwork, while his later “cut-out” compositions achieved a poetic simplicity that transformed the relationship between color and space. Deeply influenced by the work of Paul Cezanne, Vincent van Gogh, and Georges Seurat, as well as by the rhythmic patterns of Islamic art, Byzantine mosaics, and Japanese prints, Matisse forged a new visual language that celebrated joy, movement, and serenity. He was part of an extraordinary generation of artists who shaped the evolution of modernism, maintaining lifelong dialogue and friendly rivalry with contemporaries such as Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Marc Chagall, Andre Derain, Albert Marquet, and Raoul Dufy—peers who, like him, sought to expand the expressive potential of color and composition. Matisses influence extended across generations, inspiring modern and contemporary masters including Alexander Calder, Alberto Giacometti, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro, Wassily Kandinsky, Marcel Duchamp, and Man Ray, each of whom drew upon his fearless experimentation and refined visual harmony. His paintings, sculptures, and works on paper are held in the most prestigious museums in the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Centre Pompidou, the Tate, and the Hermitage Museum, where his art continues to symbolize the essence of creativity and human emotion. The highest price ever paid for a Henri Matisse artwork is approximately 80.8 million USD, achieved in 2018 at Christies New York for Odalisque couchee aux magnolias (1923). Henri Matisse Trois têtes. A l'amitié (Three Heads. To Friendship) Apollinaire, Henri Matisse (Apollinaire, Henri Matisse) 1952, Matisse Editions Raisons d'etre, Matisse Mourlot Freres, Matisse aquatint...
Aquatint
$2,800
H 17.75 in W 16 in
Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair David Hockney Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales
By David Hockney
Located in New York, NY
From David Hockney’s celebrated Six Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm portfolio, an image from the story of Rapunzel, which he chose for its popularity. When illustrating the princ...
Etching, Aquatint
Teseo
By Giorgio De Chirico
Located in New York, NY
Color etching and aquatint, 1970. Signed by the artist in pencil, lower right. Numbered 2/50 in pencil, lower left. Titled in pencil, lower central. With the artist's blind stamp, l...
Etching, Aquatint
UNTITLED (RESTING WOMEN; SLEEPING WOMEN)
By Doel Reed
Located in Portland, ME
Reed, Doel (American, 1894-1985). UNTITLED (RESTING WOMEN; SLEEPING WOMEN). Etching and Aquatint, 1940. Signed in pencil, lower right. 10 1/2 x 15 inche...
Aquatint, Etching
Evening Music
By Doel Reed
Located in Plano, TX
Evening Music. 1946. Aquatint. Cohen & Rogers 62. 15 5/8 x 11 (sheet 18 7/8 x 14 1/4). Edition 100 for Associated American Artists. A rich, glowing impression printed on cream wove p...
Aquatint