Skip to main content

Katherine Barieau Paintings

American, 1917-2011

Katherine Barieau was among the artists associated with the University of California at Berkeley in the 1950s. She remained active in the regional art scene throughout the following decades, producing abstract and figurative work in oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media and collage. The daughter of Scottish immigrants, Barieau was raised in Cambridge, MA. She graduated from Wellesley College (BA, 1938) and later settled in California. Her art studies culminated with her enrollment in the art department at the University California, Berkeley (MFA, 1953). A quote from a 1992 artist statement reads, "I was caught up in the wave of Abstract Expressionism and influenced by the riches in the Unconscious (I had a Jungian therapist). I have never ceased to experiment with media and searching to find how best to express inner ideas. It was wonderful to be exposed to established and active painters, to have a chance to study with experienced painters, to have friends who were also exploring and involved."

Barieau’s teachers included John Haley, James McCray, Glenn Wessels and Felix Ruvolo. Her friends included fellow UC students Paul Wonner, Theophilus Brown, Jerrold Davis as well as Richard Diebenkorn after his return to Berkeley in 1953. Barieau also studied with the California watercolorist Alexander Nepote and with the New York School Abstract Expressionists Esteban Vicente and Kyle Morris. Like many others of her generation in the Bay Area, the artist also worked in a figurative style in the 1950s and later. Over the years, she took interest in a variety of subjects. Her travels in California, Britain, Egypt and elsewhere also influenced her art. The artist exhibited in New York at the Van Diemen-Lilienfeld Galleries (1958 solo show and group shows) and at many venues in the San Francisco region, including the Lucien Labaudt Gallery. Her last gallery show (a retrospective) was held in San Francisco in 2009.

Barieau also taught, most notably, as instructor of painting and later assistant professor at the California College of Art. A set of course materials she prepared in 1961 included a statement of advice that captured her own philosophy as an artist: "Do not accept an academic reproduction of the figure on your canvas. Look until you can feel an individual reaction to the relationships of the space. Your expressions of your reaction are related to your sense of personal freedom. Aim for freedom."

to
1
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
773
757
735
675
1
1
Artist: Katherine Barieau
Vintage Bay Area Figurative Movement -- "Napoleon's Ambition"
Vintage Bay Area Figurative Movement -- "Napoleon's Ambition"

Vintage Bay Area Figurative Movement -- "Napoleon's Ambition"

By Katherine Barieau

Located in Soquel, CA

Stunning abstract Bay Area Figurative Movement piece titled "Napoleon's Ambition" by Katherine Barieu (American, 1917-2010), 1982. Signed and dated lower right corner. Presented in grey painted slat shadow box frame. Image size: 16"H x 16"W. Framed size is 17"H x 17"W x 1.50"D. Born in 1917, Katherine Barieau was among the artists associated with the University of California at Berkeley in the 1950s. She remained active in the regional art scene throughout the following decades, producing abstract and figurative work in oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media and collage. The daughter of Scottish immigrants, Barieau was raised in Cambridge, MA. She graduated from Wellesley College (BA 1938) and later settled in California. Her art studies culminated with her enrollment in the art department at the University California, Berkeley (MFA 1953). A quote from a 1992 artist statement reads, "I was caught up in the wave of Abstract Expressionism and influenced by the riches in the Unconscious (I had a Jungian therapist). I have never ceased to experiment with media and searching to find how best to express inner ideas. It was wonderful to be exposed to established and active painters, to have a chance to study with experienced painters, to have friends who were also exploring and involved." Her teachers included John Haley, James McCray, Glenn Wessels and Felix Ruvolo. Her friends included fellow UC students Paul Wonner, Theophilus Brown and Jerrold Davis - as well as Richard Diebenkorn after this return to Berkeley in 1953. Barieau also studied with the California watercolorist Alexander Nepote, and with the New York School Abstract Expressionists Esteban Vicente and Kyle Morris...

Category

1980s Abstract Expressionist Katherine Barieau Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Related Items
Contemporary abstract floral expressive oil painting canvas "Flowering fields"
Contemporary abstract floral expressive oil painting canvas "Flowering fields"

Contemporary abstract floral expressive oil painting canvas "Flowering fields"

Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR

This contemporary, expressive oil painting titled "Flowering Fields" was created by French artist Natalya Mougenot and is part of her series inspired by the scenes of the summer seas...

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Katherine Barieau Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Evanescence Painting Large Contemporary Bold Blue Statement Figurative Modern
Evanescence Painting Large Contemporary Bold Blue Statement Figurative Modern

Evanescence Painting Large Contemporary Bold Blue Statement Figurative Modern

By Karnish Art

Located in Pretoria, Gauteng

Title: Evanescence of Time Evanescence Painting Large Contemporary Bold Blue Statement Figurative Modern Texture Stories In this vibrant acrylic painting, I've infused the essence ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Katherine Barieau Paintings

Materials

Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Oil, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars

My Beloved - Painting Maximalism Abstract Figurative Love Contemporary Invest
My Beloved - Painting Maximalism Abstract Figurative Love Contemporary Invest

My Beloved - Painting Maximalism Abstract Figurative Love Contemporary Invest

By Karnish Art

Located in Pretoria, Gauteng

Title: The Guardians of my Beloved Mesmerizing Striking Abstract Figurative Love Peace Invest Contemporary Maximalism This work is part of a series. It is part of a story... It por...

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Katherine Barieau Paintings

Materials

Oil, Acrylic, Gesso, Canvas, Pastel, Spray Paint

Absoluteness - Painting Maximalism Modern Colorful Exclusive Investment Unique
Absoluteness - Painting Maximalism Modern Colorful Exclusive Investment Unique

Absoluteness - Painting Maximalism Modern Colorful Exclusive Investment Unique

By Karnish Art

Located in Pretoria, Gauteng

Title: The Guardians of Absoluteness Landscape Abstract Bold Modern Colorful Exclusive Investment Unique Painting Showstopper Striking Extra large artwork This work portrays the Ab...

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Katherine Barieau Paintings

Materials

Oil, Acrylic, Gesso, Canvas, Spray Paint, Pencil

The Red Dress 5 - Framed Dynamic Original Red Figurative Abstract Oil Painting
The Red Dress 5 - Framed Dynamic Original Red Figurative Abstract Oil Painting

The Red Dress 5 - Framed Dynamic Original Red Figurative Abstract Oil Painting

By Bettina Mauel

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Bettina Mauel, an internationally collected artist, effortlessly channels vitality and sensuality through her awe-inspiring collection of abstract and figurative paintings. With an u...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Katherine Barieau Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Graphite, Mixed Media, Oil

Contemporary abstract expressionist oil painting of woman canvas "Female Energy"
Contemporary abstract expressionist oil painting of woman canvas "Female Energy"

Contemporary abstract expressionist oil painting of woman canvas "Female Energy"

Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR

This vibrant and abstract painting, titled "Female Energy", is a powerful exploration of womanhood by French artist Natalya Mougenot. As part of her ongoing series dedicated to women...

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Katherine Barieau Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Plan Ahead, Winter Is Coming" By Andreas Claussen,  Surreal Astronaut Painting
"Plan Ahead, Winter Is Coming" By Andreas Claussen,  Surreal Astronaut Painting

"Plan Ahead, Winter Is Coming" By Andreas Claussen, Surreal Astronaut Painting

By Andreas Claussen

Located in Denver, CO

Andreas Claussen’s **"Plan Ahead, Winter Is Coming"** (2023) is a striking oil painting that blends surrealism and contemporary realism. Measuring **31.50 x 42.20 inches**, this comp...

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Katherine Barieau Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Everything and Always
Everything and Always

John Paul JonesEverything and Always, 2025

$2,212

H 24 in W 32 in D 2 in

Everything and Always

By John Paul Jones

Located in Nottingham, GB

Incredible modern art, created from combining laser kinetics with sound to create powerful patterns.

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Katherine Barieau Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Norman Carton, abstract cityscape, unique oil painting hand signed twice, Framed
Norman Carton, abstract cityscape, unique oil painting hand signed twice, Framed

Norman Carton, abstract cityscape, unique oil painting hand signed twice, Framed

By Norman Carton

Located in New York, NY

Norman Carton Mid Century Modern Cityscape, ca. 1951 Oil on canvas painting (signed twice) Signed twice: hand signed on the front and also signed on the back Unique Frame included: T...

Category

1950s Abstract Expressionist Katherine Barieau Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Petites Histories / oil on canvas
Petites Histories / oil on canvas

Petites Histories / oil on canvas

By Frédéric Choisel

Located in Burlingame, CA

A magnificant abstract painting that bridges figuration, Inspired by living in the cities of France, New York, and San Francisco. French American visual artist Frédéric Choisel tells...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Katherine Barieau Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Not Your Average Hero" by Andreas Claussen, Surreal Astronaut Painting
"Not Your Average Hero" by Andreas Claussen, Surreal Astronaut Painting

"Not Your Average Hero" by Andreas Claussen, Surreal Astronaut Painting

By Andreas Claussen

Located in Denver, CO

Andreas Claussen’s "Not Your Average Hero" (2023) is a striking oil painting that blends surrealism and contemporary realism. Measuring 39.4 x 59 inches, this compelling work depicts...

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist Katherine Barieau Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

New Beginnings - original abstract figure female form - contemporary artwork
New Beginnings - original abstract figure female form - contemporary artwork

New Beginnings - original abstract figure female form - contemporary artwork

Located in London, Chelsea

This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet Contemporary Art Gallery and online. Bursting with life and energy, New Beginnings is a vivid celeb...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Katherine Barieau Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Previously Available Items
Live Movement Abstract Expressionist San Francisco School
Live Movement Abstract Expressionist San Francisco School

Live Movement Abstract Expressionist San Francisco School

By Katherine Barieau

Located in Soquel, CA

Stunning San Francisco Abstract Expressionist Movement painting titled "Live Movement" dated 1954 by Katherine Barieu (American, 1917-2010). Signed lower right corner "Barieau '54). Presented in a giltwood with black painted slat shadow box frame. Titled "Live Movement" and Signed "Barieau" with a San Francisco Museum of Art Exhibition Labels on verso. Condition: Excellent. Image size: 36"H x 61"W. Framed size is 37"H x 62"W x 1.5"D. Born in 1917, Katherine Barieau was among the artists associated with the University of California at Berkeley in the 1950s. She remained active in the regional art scene throughout the following decades, producing abstract and figurative work in oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media and collage. The daughter of Scottish immigrants, Barieau was raised in Cambridge, MA. She graduated from Wellesley College (BA 1938) and later settled in California. Her art studies culminated with her enrollment in the art department at the University California, Berkeley (MFA 1953). A quote from a 1992 artist statement reads, "I was caught up in the wave of Abstract Expressionism and influenced by the riches in the Unconscious (I had a Jungian therapist). I have never ceased to experiment with media and searching to find how best to express inner ideas. It was wonderful to be exposed to established and active painters, to have a chance to study with experienced painters, to have friends who were also exploring and involved." Her teachers included John Haley, James McCray, Glenn Wessels and Felix Ruvolo. Her friends included fellow UC students Paul Wonner, Theophilus Brown and Jerrold Davis - as well as Richard Diebenkorn after this return to Berkeley in 1953. Barieau also studied with the California watercolorist Alexander Nepote, and with the New York School Abstract Expressionists Esteban Vicente and Kyle...

Category

1950s Abstract Expressionist Katherine Barieau Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Deep Down
Deep Down

Katherine BarieauDeep Down, 1967

Sold

H 47.5 in W 39 in D 2 in

Deep Down

By Katherine Barieau

Located in Soquel, CA

Watercolor, Gouache and Watercolor and Gouche on paper Collage layers, abstract expressionist painting by Katherine Barieau (American, 1917-2011). Image, 36"H x 28" W. Mat, 47.5"H x 39"W. Signed lower right "Barieau '67" and description tage on verso, with partial exhibition label. Katherine was born in Baltimore, MD, in 1917. She was raised in Cambridge, MA. She received her B.A. from Wellesley College in 1938 and her M.F.A. from the University of California, Berkeley in 1953. She shared a famous Shattuck Avenue studio with Richard Diebenkorn and Paul Wonner, and enjoyed early success showing her work in San Francisco and New York. Her first important show, “Paintings of Garden and Growth,” (the Adam and Eve paintings) was exhibited at Van-Diemen Lilienfeld Galleries in New York in 1958. She lived in El Cerrito, CA, and taught at many Bay Area schools. She died in 2011, leaving behind a lifetime of strikingly original paintings, and a legacy that a commitment to an art form can provide for a rewarding and well-lived life. Barieau’s work can be found in a handful of public and private collections, including the Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, CA. Katherine Barieau was among the artists associated with the University of California at Berkeley in the 1950s. She remained active in the regional art scene throughout the following decades, producing abstract and figurative work in oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media and collage. The daughter of Scottish immigrants, Barieau was raised in Cambridge, MA. She graduated from Wellesley College (BA 1938) and later settled in California. Her art studies culminated with her enrollment in the art department at the University California, Berkeley (MFA 1953). A quote from a 1992 artist statement reads, "I was caught up in the wave of Abstract Expressionism and influenced by the riches in the Unconscious (I had a Jungian therapist). I have never ceased to experiment with media and searching to find how best to express inner ideas. It was wonderful to be exposed to established and active painters, to have a chance to study with experienced painters, to have friends who were also exploring and involved." Her teachers included John Haley, James McCray, Glenn Wessels and Felix Ruvolo. Her friends included fellow UC students Paul Wonner, Theophilus Brown and Jerrold Davis - as well as Richard Diebenkorn after this return to Berkeley in 1953. Barieau also studied with the California watercolorist Alexander Nepote, and with the New York School Abstract Expressionists Esteban Vicente and Kyle Morris...

Category

1960s Abstract Expressionist Katherine Barieau Paintings

Materials

Paper, Watercolor, Gouache

Katherine Barieau paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Katherine Barieau paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Katherine Barieau in canvas, fabric, oil paint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 1980s and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Katherine Barieau paintings, so small editions measuring 17 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Allie William Skelton, Tom Hamil, and Ronald Ahlstrom. Katherine Barieau paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,516 and tops out at $1,516, while the average work can sell for $1,516.