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Francis Chapin Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

American, 1899-1965
Francis Chapin, affectionately called the “Dean of Chicago Painters” by his colleagues, was one of the city’s most popular and celebrated painters in his day. Born at the dawn of the 20th Century in Bristolville, Ohio, Chapin graduated from Washington & Jefferson College near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before enrolling at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1922. He would set down deep roots at the Art Institute of Chicago, exhibiting there over 31 times between 1926 and 1951. In 1927 Chapin won the prestigious Bryan Lathrop Fellowship from the Art Institute – a prize that funded the artist’s yearlong study trip to Europe. Upon his return to the United States, Chapin decided to remain in Chicago, noting the freedom Chicago artists have in developing independently of the pressure to conform to pre-existing molds (as was experienced by artists in New York, for example). Chapin became a popular instructor at the Art Institute, teaching there from 1929 to 1947 and at the Art Institute’s summer art school in Saugatuck, Michigan (now called Oxbow) between 1934 – 1938 (he was the director of the school from 1941-1945). A prolific painter, Chapin produced numerous works while traveling in Mexico, France, Spain, Saugatuck and Martha’s Vineyard, where he frequently spent summers and taught at the Old Sculpin Gallery there. Chapin was best recognized for his dynamic and vibrant images of Chicago during the 1930s and 40s. Chapin was a resident of the Old Town neighborhood where he lived and kept his studio on Menomonee Street for many years. Described as a “colorful figure, nearly 6 feet 6 inches tall, and thin, and usually wearing tweeds”, it is easy to imagine Chapin at work observing the busy street life of the city. In addition to his many exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago, Chapin’s work was shown during his lifetime at such institutions as the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia; the Corcoran Gallery, Washington, D.C.; the National Academy of Design, New York; the Museum of Modern Art, New York; the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York and the Carnegie Institute, Pittsburgh, among others. Francis Chapin’s paintings are represented in the collections the Art Institute of Chicago; the Friedman Collection, Chicago; the Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown; the Denver Art Museum; the Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse; the Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach; the Telfair Museum of Art, Savannah and the Brooklyn Museum of Art, among others.
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Artist: Francis Chapin
A Fine 1930's, Depiction of a Boxing Match
By Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fine 1930's, Depiction of a Boxing Match by Francis Chapin. This dynamic drawing captures overlapping human forms rendered in expressive, gestural lines. There is a clear sense of ...
Category

1930s American Modern Francis Chapin Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Charcoal, Paper, Pastel

A Drawing of a ca. 1930s Bicycle Race by Artist Francis Chapin
By Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
Perfect for your cycling enthusiast! A 1930s charcoal on paper drawing of a bicycle race by artist Francis Chapin. Image size: 11" x 14". Archivally matted to 16" x 20". Provenance: Estate of the artist. Francis Chapin, affectionately called the “Dean of Chicago Painters” by his colleagues, was one of the city’s most popular and celebrated painters in his day. Born at the dawn of the 20th Century in Bristolville, Ohio, Chapin graduated from Washington & Jefferson College near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before enrolling at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1922. He would set down deep roots at the Art Institute of Chicago, exhibiting there over 31 times between 1926 and 1951. In 1927 Chapin won the prestigious Bryan Lathrop Fellowship from the Art Institute – a prize that funded the artist’s yearlong study trip to Europe. Upon his return to the United States, Chapin decided to remain in Chicago, noting the freedom Chicago artists have in developing independently of the pressure to conform to pre-existing molds (as was experienced by artists in New York, for example). Chapin became a popular instructor at the Art Institute, teaching there from 1929 to 1947 and at the Art Institute’s summer art school in Saugatuck, Michigan (now called Oxbow) between 1934 – 1938 (he was the director of the school from 1941-1945). Chapin’s contemporaries among Chicago’s artists included such luminaries as Ivan Le Lorraine Albright...
Category

1930s American Modern Francis Chapin Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal

A 1950s Pastel & Charcoal on Paper Drawing of a Hockey Game by Francis Chapin
By Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
Perfect for you hockey enthusiast! A 1950s pastel & charcoal on paper drawing of a hockey game by artist Francis Chapin. Artwork size: 9" x 12". Matted size: 14" x 18". Provenance: Estate of the Artist. Francis Chapin, affectionately called the “Dean of Chicago Painters” by his colleagues, was one of the city’s most popular and celebrated painters in his day. Born at the dawn of the 20th Century in Bristolville, Ohio, Chapin graduated from Washington & Jefferson College near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before enrolling at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1922. He would set down deep roots at the Art Institute of Chicago, exhibiting there over 31 times between 1926 and 1951. In 1927 Chapin won the prestigious Bryan Lathrop Fellowship from the Art Institute – a prize that funded the artist’s yearlong study trip to Europe. Upon his return to the United States, Chapin decided to remain in Chicago, noting the freedom Chicago artists have in developing independently of the pressure to conform to pre-existing molds (as was experienced by artists in New York, for example). Chapin became a popular instructor at the Art Institute, teaching there from 1929 to 1947 and at the Art Institute’s summer art school in Saugatuck, Michigan (now called Oxbow) between 1934 – 1938 (he was the director of the school from 1941-1945). Chapin’s contemporaries among Chicago’s artists included such luminaries as Ivan Le Lorraine Albright...
Category

1950s American Modern Francis Chapin Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal, Pastel

A Pastel & Charcoal on Paper Drawing of a Hockey Game by Francis Chapin
By Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
For your hockey enthusiast! A ca. 1950s, pastel & charcoal on paper drawing of a hockey game by artist Francis Chapin. Artwork size: 9" x 12". Matted to: 14" x 18". Provenance: Estate of the artist. Francis Chapin, affectionately called the “Dean of Chicago Painters” by his colleagues, was one of the city’s most popular and celebrated painters in his day. Born at the dawn of the 20th Century in Bristolville, Ohio, Chapin graduated from Washington & Jefferson College near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before enrolling at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1922. He would set down deep roots at the Art Institute of Chicago, exhibiting there over 31 times between 1926 and 1951. In 1927 Chapin won the prestigious Bryan Lathrop Fellowship from the Art Institute – a prize that funded the artist’s yearlong study trip to Europe. Upon his return to the United States, Chapin decided to remain in Chicago, noting the freedom Chicago artists have in developing independently of the pressure to conform to pre-existing molds (as was experienced by artists in New York, for example). Chapin became a popular instructor at the Art Institute, teaching there from 1929 to 1947 and at the Art Institute’s summer art school in Saugatuck, Michigan (now called Oxbow) between 1934 – 1938 (he was the director of the school from 1941-1945). Chapin’s contemporaries among Chicago’s artists included such luminaries as Ivan Le Lorraine Albright...
Category

1950s American Modern Francis Chapin Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal, Pastel

A 1950s Pastel on Paper Drawing of a Hockey Game by Francis Chapin
By Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
Perfect for your hockey enthusiast! A 1950s pastel on paper drawing of a hockey game by Francis Chapin. Image size: 9" x 12". Matted size: 14" x 18". Provenance: Estate of the artist. Francis Chapin, affectionately called the “Dean of Chicago Painters” by his colleagues, was one of the city’s most popular and celebrated painters in his day. Born at the dawn of the 20th Century in Bristolville, Ohio, Chapin graduated from Washington & Jefferson College near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before enrolling at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1922. He would set down deep roots at the Art Institute of Chicago, exhibiting there over 31 times between 1926 and 1951. In 1927 Chapin won the prestigious Bryan Lathrop Fellowship from the Art Institute – a prize that funded the artist’s yearlong study trip to Europe. Upon his return to the United States, Chapin decided to remain in Chicago, noting the freedom Chicago artists have in developing independently of the pressure to conform to pre-existing molds (as was experienced by artists in New York, for example). Chapin became a popular instructor at the Art Institute, teaching there from 1929 to 1947 and at the Art Institute’s summer art school in Saugatuck, Michigan (now called Oxbow) between 1934 – 1938 (he was the director of the school from 1941-1945). Chapin’s contemporaries among Chicago’s artists included such luminaries as Ivan Le Lorraine Albright...
Category

1950s American Modern Francis Chapin Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Pastel

1950s Pastel Drawing of a Young Boy by Artist Francis Chapin
By Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1950s pastel drawing of a young boy by artist Francis Chapin. Provenance: Estate of the artist. Image size: 16" x 15". Artwork is not matt...
Category

1950s American Modern Francis Chapin Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Pastel, Board

MOMA Exhibited Watercolor by Chicago Artist Francis Chapin, "Tourists in Taxco"
By Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming, vibrant, early Mexican city street scene by famed Chicago Modern artist Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). Titled "Tourists in Taxco", the watercolor was exhibited at the M...
Category

1930s American Modern Francis Chapin Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

An Introspective, Modern Female Nude Pastel by Noted Artist, Francis Chapin
By Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
An Introspective, Exquitie Modern Pastel of a Seated Female Nude by Noted Chicago Artist, Francis Chapin (Am. 1899-1965). Dating ca. 1930s. Artwork size: 16 1/2” x 12 1/4”; unfram...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Francis Chapin Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Pastel

A Fine 1930's, Study of a Boxing Match
By Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
A Fine 1930's, Expressive charcoal drawing depicting a dynamic boxing scene. The sketch captures the energy and motion of two fighters in the ring, with a referee or spectator in the...
Category

1930s American Modern Francis Chapin Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Charcoal

A ca. 1954, drawing of a Notre Dame Football Game by Artist Francis Chapin
By Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
A ca. 1954 pastel & charcoal on paper drawing of a Notre Dame football game by artist Francis Chapin. Artwork size: 12" x 19". Archivally matted ...
Category

1950s American Modern Francis Chapin Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal, Pastel

A 1930s Drawing of a Woman Seated at a Lunch Counter by Francis Chapin
By Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
A 1930s charcoal on paper drawing of a woman seated at a lunch counter by artist Francis Chapin. Artwork size: 10 3/4" x 14". Archivally matted to 20" x 16". Provenance: Estate ...
Category

1930s American Modern Francis Chapin Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal

A 1950s Pastel and Charcoal Drawing of a Hockey Game by Francis Chapin
By Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
Perfect for your hockey enthusiast! A 1950s pastel on paper drawing of a hockey game by Francis Chapin. Image size: 9" x 12". Matted size: 14" x 18". Provenance: Estate of the artist. Francis Chapin, affectionately called the “Dean of Chicago Painters” by his colleagues, was one of the city’s most popular and celebrated painters in his day. Born at the dawn of the 20th Century in Bristolville, Ohio, Chapin graduated from Washington & Jefferson College near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before enrolling at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1922. He would set down deep roots at the Art Institute of Chicago, exhibiting there over 31 times between 1926 and 1951. In 1927 Chapin won the prestigious Bryan Lathrop Fellowship from the Art Institute – a prize that funded the artist’s yearlong study trip to Europe. Upon his return to the United States, Chapin decided to remain in Chicago, noting the freedom Chicago artists have in developing independently of the pressure to conform to pre-existing molds (as was experienced by artists in New York, for example). Chapin became a popular instructor at the Art Institute, teaching there from 1929 to 1947 and at the Art Institute’s summer art school in Saugatuck, Michigan (now called Oxbow) between 1934 – 1938 (he was the director of the school from 1941-1945). Chapin’s contemporaries among Chicago’s artists included such luminaries as Ivan Le Lorraine Albright...
Category

1950s American Modern Francis Chapin Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal, Pastel

A ca. 1928 Drawing of a Dapper Man with a Pint Glass by Artist Francis Chapin
By Francis Chapin
Located in Chicago, IL
A ca. 1928 charcoal on paper drawing of a dapper man with a pint glass by artist Francis Chapin. Image size: 12" x 9". Matted size: 14" x 18". Provenance: Estate of the artist. Francis Chapin, affectionately called the “Dean of Chicago Painters” by his colleagues, was one of the city’s most popular and celebrated painters in his day. Born at the dawn of the 20th Century in Bristolville, Ohio, Chapin graduated from Washington & Jefferson College near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania before enrolling at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1922. He would set down deep roots at the Art Institute of Chicago, exhibiting there over 31 times between 1926 and 1951. In 1927 Chapin won the prestigious Bryan Lathrop Fellowship from the Art Institute – a prize that funded the artist’s yearlong study trip to Europe. Upon his return to the United States, Chapin decided to remain in Chicago, noting the freedom Chicago artists have in developing independently of the pressure to conform to pre-existing molds (as was experienced by artists in New York, for example). Chapin became a popular instructor at the Art Institute, teaching there from 1929 to 1947 and at the Art Institute’s summer art school in Saugatuck, Michigan (now called Oxbow) between 1934 – 1938 (he was the director of the school from 1941-1945). Chapin’s contemporaries among Chicago’s artists included such luminaries as Ivan Le Lorraine Albright...
Category

1920s American Modern Francis Chapin Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Charcoal

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Watercolor on Paper Study of a Notre Dame Football Game by Artist Francis Chapin
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1950s American Modern Francis Chapin Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

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A ca 1954 Watercolor & Ink Image of a Notre Dame Football Game by Francis Chapin
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1950s American Modern Francis Chapin Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

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Francis Chapin figurative drawings and watercolors for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Francis Chapin figurative drawings and watercolors available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Francis Chapin in paper, paint, watercolor and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 1950s and is mostly associated with the modern style. Not every interior allows for large Francis Chapin figurative drawings and watercolors, so small editions measuring 8 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Raphael Soyer, William Gropper, and Claude Howard Stuart. Francis Chapin figurative drawings and watercolors prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $310 and tops out at $685, while the average work can sell for $518.

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