Prolific and pioneering painter Helen Frankenthaler said it was “a combination of impatience, laziness and innovation” that drove her to thin her paints with turpentine so that they would seep into the fabric of an unprimed canvas. Her breakthrough in the early 1950s led the way for a spellbinding new style of painting that would come to be known as Color Field.
Although Color Field is often considered a strain of Abstract Expressionism, Frankenthaler’s work differed from the gestural “Action Painting” that typified the paintings of artists like Willem de Kooning and Lee Krasner. Her vast and immersive expanses of color created at a fearless scale captivated art critics and greatly influenced her peers including Morris Louis and Kenneth Noland.
Frankenthaler knew from an early age that she wanted to be a painter. The youngest daughter of a New York State Supreme Court justice, she grew up on Manhattan’s Park Avenue and as a child delighted in the little ways color and form revealed themselves, whether dribbling red nail polish in a sink full of water or drawing her steps from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to her family’s apartment. As a student at Bennington College, her rare vision was enriched by the mentorship of painter Paul Feeley, who gave her lessons in Cubism. After dabbling in art history at Columbia University, she rented a studio downtown and befriended rising New York art stars like Jackson Pollock and Robert Motherwell, whom she later married.
Characterized by “direct, exuberant gestures,” the Abstract Expressionist technique was all about gusto, and Frankenthaler had it in spades. One of the few women of this era to garner widespread critical acclaim, Frankenthaler had a significant impact on the mid-20th-century art world. She exhibited in the high-profile 1951 Ninth Street Show and, in 1957, she appeared in a Life magazine spread on women artists photographed by Gordon Parks. In 1960, the Jewish Museum held her first major museum show, a retrospective of her 1950s work. A 1969 solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art further introduced Frankenthaler to the broader art world.
While Frankenthaler remains best known for bold, expressive “soak-stain” paintings such as Mountains and Sea (1952), she worked across diverse media for decades, with forays into woodcutting, drawing and printmaking that also pushed boundaries. She also taught at Harvard, Yale and Princeton, fostering generations of artists. She died in 2011.
Find original Helen Frankenthaler art on 1stDibs.
$2,500
Helen Frankenthaler - Postcard of Jacob's Ladder, 1957, Hand Signed, Framed
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Offset lithograph postcard Hand signed and dated 1989 in blue marker on the verso Provenance: Collection of Dan Pope, former CBS cameraman who amassed one of the best collection of v...
Postcard
"Sirocco" Mixographia
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Los Angeles, CA
“Sirocco” by Helen Frankenthaler . Mixographia embossed engraving on handmade paper. Unique color from the regular numbered edition. 51/52. Hand signed by artist, dated 1989. Pri...
Ink, Handmade Paper
Yellow Jack
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) is one of the most revered abstract painters of the 20th century, and one of the most successful and collected female artists of all time. She was a ...
Lithograph, Stencil
Tribal Sign
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Tribal Sign, 1987 Signed and dated in pencil with publisher's blindstamp Eleven color lithograph on mauve TGL handmade paper Sheet: 24 x 18.5 inches Frame: 33 x 27 inches Edition 25 ...
Color, Lithograph
Solar Imp
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Screenprint in colors on wove paper. Signed by the artist in pencil and also numbered 96/126 in pencil. Published by Lincoln Center List Poster and Print Program, New York. Second ...
Screen, Color
Aerie
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Signed and numbered in pencil
Screen
Helen Frankenthaler - Milwaukee Art Museum invitation card, Hand Signed, Framed
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Offset lithograph invitation card - 2 sided Hand signed by Helen Frankenthaler in ink on the verso A collectors' item when hand signed by the artist Published by the Milwaukee Art Mu...
Lithograph, Offset
Acrobat
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) is one of the most revered abstract painters of the 20th century as well as being one of the most successful and collected female artists. Her current...
Ceramic
Hand signed letter from Helen Frankenthaler framed + Arkatov's signed portrait
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
This work features a photographic portrait of Helen Frankenthaler, taken by renowned musician and photographer Jim Arkatov, founder of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchester, and author o...
Ink, Photographic Paper, Rag Paper
Acrobat (detail), Limited Edition Porcelain Plate in bespoke gift box - Abstract
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
This porcelain/ceramic plate makes a gorgeous gift - in a bright blue bespoke box, ready to be gifted. Any fan of Helen Frankenthaler or Abstract Expressionist art would be thrilled!...
Porcelain, Screen, Cardboard, Mixed Media
Price Upon Request
Vuillard's Chariot
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Created by the artist in 2006 as an original color lithograph, Vuillard’s Chariot measures 24 ¾ in. x 30 1/8 in. (62.87 cm x 76.52 cm), unframed, and is from the edition of 50 as iss...
Lithograph
$413
H 21.93 in W 22.05 in D 0.04 in
Ripples of Colour, Art print, Abstract, Water, Line art, Blue green, red, white
By Chris Keegan
Located in Deddington, GB
This is a Five colour screen print Including a metallic Silver layer. This print is then finished off by drawing over the print with multi-coloured paint including Gold, Yellow and G...
Paper, Screen
$720Sale Price|20% Off
H 29 in W 24 in
Limited Edition Paul Jenkins Lithograph, Abstract Expressionism, 41/70
By Paul Jenkins
Located in Chesterfield, MI
Paul Jenkins' works are described as: "Flowing veils of color that overlap and interact together, seeping and bleeding vivid color." In 1954 Jenkins had his first exhibition in Paris...
Lithograph
$2,800
H 31 in W 39 in
Selfportrait as a Flowerpot by Dieter Roth abstract lithograph
By Dieter Roth
Located in New York, NY
This proof is one of just a few printed in this color combination: the edition of 110 is printed with an orange background, while this copy is a muted yellow with the central, scribb...
Handmade Paper, Lithograph
$1,420
H 23.04 in W 18.71 in D 0.04 in
André Lanskoy - Composition - Mourlot Lithographic Poster
By André Lanskoy
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
André LANSKOY (1902-1976) Composition Lithographic poster Editor: Mourlot Dimensions: 58.5 x 47.5 cm André Lanskoy was one of the great painters o...
Lithograph
$946
H 12.6 in W 9.85 in D 0.04 in
Joan Miro (After) - Pochoir Pour 'XX Siecle'- Abstract Stencil
By Joan Miró
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Published in the deluxe art review, XXe Siecle in 1958. Printed by Daniel Jacomet. 1958 Unsigned Dimensions: 32 x 25 cm Publisher: G. di San Lazzaro. Catalogue raisonne: Dupin 13...
Stencil
Octavio Paz Suite: Nocturne VI
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué 64.5 x 54 cms (25 3/8 x 21 1/4 ins) Edition 50 Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Gampi handmade paper Other Collaborators: Image transferred from Mylar to...
Handmade Paper, Color, Lithograph
$175Sale Price|36% Off
H 16.75 in W 12.75 in D 1 in
Untitled Composition III (Gestural Abstraction, Lyrical, Tachisme, ~36% OFF)
By Otto Greis
Located in Kansas City, MO
Otto Greis Untitled Composition III Original Silkscreen on Fine Vellum Year: 1960 Sheet Size: 7.6 × 5.625 inches (19.30 × 14.29 cm) Mat Size: 10.6 × 8.125 inches (26.92 × 20.64 cm) F...
Vellum, Screen
$7,000
H 26.5 in W 19.5 in
"Untitled" Richard Serra, Black and White, Sculptural, Simple Abstracted Form
By Richard Serra
Located in New York, NY
Richard Serra Untitled, 1990 Signed and dated lower left, stamped Gemini G.E.L. on the reverse Screen-print on PTI Supra paper 26 1/2 x 19 1/2 inches 430/500 Known for large-scale ...
Paper, Screen
Nick Thomm - HEMISPHERE (ORANGE) XL
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm - 'HEMISPHERE' - (Orange) XL SIZE 92cm x 122cm 36" x 48" Limited Edition of #44 Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Cond...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Nick Thomm - HEMISPHERE (BLUE) XL
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm - 'HEMISPHERE' - (Blue) XL SIZE 92cm x 122cm 36" x 48" Limited Edition of #46 Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Co...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
André Masson - Original Lithograph
By André Masson
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
André Masson - Composition Original Lithograph 1969 Dimensions: 32 x 25 cm Revue XXe Siècle Cahiers d'art published under the direction of G. di San Laz...
Lithograph
Harvest, with Orange
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Toronto, Ontario
While Robert Motherwell (1915-1991) is known as one of the most important and influential artists associated with Abstract Expressionism, he is also revered for his work and promotio...
Lithograph, Screen
Sudden Snow
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) is one of the most revered abstract painters of the 20th century, and one of the most successful and collected female artists of all time. She was a ...
Lithograph
Sold
H 25.5 in W 31.5 in
"Celebration '76" Helen Frankenthaler, Female Artist, Color Field, Yellow, Blue
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Helen Frankenthaler Celebration '76, 1976 Signed and dated lower left, inscribed lower right Offset lithograph in colors Image 22 1/4 x 30 1/4 inches Sheet 25 1/2 x 31 1/2 inches T...
Lithograph
Mary Mary
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) is one of the most revered abstract painters of the 20th century, and one of the most successful and collected female artists of all time. She was a ...
Lithograph, Offset, Screen
Sold
H 25.75 in W 18 in
Silkscreen from the estate of Stephen Poleskie, Berggruen 11, Clark 12 Harrison
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Helen Frankenthaler Untitled, from the estate of Stephen Poleskie (Berggruen 11, Clark 12, Harrison and Boorsch 11), 1967 Color silkscreen on wove paper Unframed A unique unsigned pr...
Screen
Ramblas
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) is one of the most revered abstract painters of the 20th century in addition to being one of the most successful and collected female artists. Franke...
Lithograph
Helen Frankenthaler “Mary Mary” 1987
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in San Francisco, CA
Helen Frankenthaler: 1928-2011. Well listed very important American abstract expressionist. Her paintings have sold well into the millions of dollars. This particular print is done a...
Screen
Sold
H 33.75 in W 38.88 in
Lincoln Center (Aerie) Poster /// Helen Frankenthaler Female Abstract Modern Art
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Helen Frankenthaler (American, 1928-2011) Title: "Lincoln Center (Aerie)" Series: Lincoln Center Posters *Issued unsigned, though signed by Frankenthaler in the plate (printe...
Screen
Helen Frankenthaler - Lush Spring Framed Print
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Central, HK
This print features a reproduction of Lush Spring (1975) by Helen Frankenthaler. It’s mounted and laminated for protection from dust and UV rays, and floated in a hand-stained, natur...
Wood, Paper
Helen Frankenthaler - Tutti-Frutti Framed Print
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Central, HK
This print features a reproduction of Tutti-Frutti (1966) by Helen Frankenthaler. It's mounted and laminated for protection from dust and UV rays, and floated in a hand-stained, natu...
Wood, Paper
Sold
H 36.25 in W 36.25 in D 0.88 in
"Sun Corner" Modern Abstract Minimalist Blue, Yellow, Red, & Green Lithograph
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Houston, TX
Modern abstract lithograph by American artist Helen Frankenthaler. The work features sweeping blocks of blue and yellow colors with central green and red markings. Signed, dated, and...
Screen
Midnight
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
DESCRIPTION aquatint and drypoint printed in colors, signed in pencil, dated, numbered 43/71 (total edition includes eight artist's proofs), on Magnani wove paper, with the blindstam...
Drypoint, Aquatint
Plaza Real
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
A very good impression of this color soft-ground etching, etching and aquatint on White Rives BFK paper. Signed, dated and numbered 55/60 in pencil, lower margin. Printed and publish...
Color, Etching, Aquatint