Leonard Nelson Art

American, 1912-1993

Leonard Nelson is considered one of the artists in the first generation of Abstract Expressionists. Sam Hunter, a leading critic and historian of modern and contemporary art introduces Leonard Nelson in his book Leonard Nelson: A Life In Art as "one of the least appreciated, though deserving, artists of indisputable quality in the legendary New York School". Nelson was part of that first generation of American abstract expressionists, such as Jackson Pollock, Arshile Gorky, Willem DeKooning, and Mark Rothko. Leonard Nelson has been called a "bridge" between Modernism and Abstract Expressionism. In the early 1950s Nelson became disenchanted with the New York art scene and left it for Philadelphia, beginning a teaching career that spanned more than forty years. Born in Camden, New Jersey, Nelson applied for a scholarship at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, regardless of having no portfolio. He was persuasive enough to be given one semester and subsequently was awarded an Academy fellowship to study painting. Nelson went on to earn the Academy's prestigious Cresson Traveling Scholarship award in 1939. He studied at PAFA from 1936 - 1940 with, among others, Henry McCarter and Daniel Garber, and then earned a teaching degree from the Philadelphia College of Art. Later Nelson earned a certificate from the Philadelphia Museum School. The Barnes Foundation also enriched his educational experience where he furthered his studies for five years. In 1951 Nelson accepted a teaching position at Moore College of where he taught until 1981 and remained professor emeritus until his death. Leonard Nelson's art was always ahead of its time. Several of his paintings and drawings from the late 1940s show an experimental style of colorfield painting. Colorfield painting was a term for organic, sensuous and joyous abstract painting in the 1960s. This is the direction that Nelson's later work of the 1970s, '80s and '90s would take. His early colorfield paintings in the 1960s were more representational of nature, using abstracted flowers and gardens. These works then evolved into a tight, highly textured reflection of nature and light in the 1970s. In these, luminescence and heavy impasto, carefully applied layer upon layer over months, or even years, resulted in some of Nelson's most celebrated works. Leonard Nelson was a dedicated teacher, painter, sculptor and print maker. He taught at the Art Center in Haiti, The Museum of Modern Art, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Print Club, Moore College of Art and The Hussian School of Art. Nelson is represented in many private and public collections including The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Walker Art Museum, The Dallas Museum of Contemporary Art, The Museum of Modern Art, The Portland Museum of Art and The Art Museum of San Francisco. Throughout his career Nelson had 65 one-man exhibitions in New York and Philadelphia. The Peridot Gallery, Hugo Gallery, Betty Parson Gallery, Peggy Guggenheim and Mortimer Brandt Gallery showed his works.

Artist: Leonard Nelson

Leonard NelsonDouble Sided Abstractions, American Modernist Work on Paper, 1946

$2,500

Double Sided Abstractions, American Modernist Work on Paper

By Leonard Nelson

Located in Doylestown, PA

"Abstractions" by American modernist painter Leonard Nelson is a double sided work on paper. The front is 10.5" x 7.5" and the back side drawing is 10" x 6.75". Both sides are signed and dated "Nelson 46", and the artworks are matted and framed behind glass. Leonard Nelson (1912 - 1993) Born in Camden, New Jersey, Nelson applied for a scholarship at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, regardless of having no portfolio. He was persuasive enough to be given one semester and subsequently was awarded an Academy fellowship to study painting. Nelson went on to earn the Academy's prestigious Cresson Traveling Scholarship award in 1939. He studied at PAFA from 1936 - 1940 with, among others, Henry McCarter...

Category

1940s Abstract Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Crayon, Gouache, Archival Paper, Pen

Leonard NelsonLes Competiteurs, American Modernist, Abstract Figurative Oil on Canvas, 1952, 1952

$15,000

Les Competiteurs, American Modernist, Abstract Figurative Oil on Canvas, 1952

By Leonard Nelson

Located in Doylestown, PA

"Les Competiteurs" by American modernist painter Leonard Nelson is a 36" x 26" oil on canvas abstract figurative painting, created in 1952. The work is framed in classic black and si...

Category

1950s Abstract Geometric Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Rebecca Wing Sze LamFoundational Study No. 25 (B) Gestural Form & Crimson Pigment, 2026

$2,850

H 11.7 in W 8.27 in D 0.04 in

Foundational Study No. 25 (B) Gestural Form & Crimson Pigment

By Rebecca Wing Sze Lam

Located in STRETTON, AU

Foundational Studies 25(B) The Composition A refined entry point into the studio’s practice, Foundational Studies 25(B) is a deliberate exploration of form and verse. Executed on ha...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Paint, Crayon, Oil Pastel, Archival Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Archival ...

Marina SternNocturne, 1966

$22,000

H 35 in W 40 in D 1 in

Nocturne

By Marina Stern

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This work is part of our exhibition Marina Stern Luminary, the first retrospective of the artist since 2007. Marina Stern was a multifaceted New York-based artist whose works range...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Geometric Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

a.museCoral Reef, Abstract Mixed Media Painting, Acrylic & Sand, 24x18in, 2025, 2025

$2,400

H 24 in W 18 in

Coral Reef, Abstract Mixed Media Painting, Acrylic & Sand, 24x18in, 2025

By a.muse

Located in New york, NY

For a 24 x 18in abstract painting on paper Coral Reef, a. muse uses acrylic, oil pastel, gouache, sand, and diamond dust to render colorful biomorphic forms from the sea. Warm and co...

Category

2010s Abstract Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Rag Paper, Oil Pastel, Acrylic, Gouache

HUGE 1970'S FRENCH CUBIST ABSTRACT SIGNED FRENCH OIL - BRIGHT & COLORFUL NUDE, c. 1980's

$2,892Sale Price|20% Off

H 32.5 in W 26.5 in D 1 in

HUGE 1970'S FRENCH CUBIST ABSTRACT SIGNED FRENCH OIL - BRIGHT & COLORFUL NUDE

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Artist/ School: French School, signed lower corner, circa 1980's period. Title: Cubist abstract composition of figures. Medium: oil painting, on canvas. Size: frame: 32.5 x ...

Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Geometric Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Jacqueline Verdet (1931-2023)Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Blue Girl in Deckchair

$3,337

H 40 in W 29.5 in

Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Blue Girl in Deckchair

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Abstract Composition of A Girl Lying On A Deck Chair by Jacqueline VERDET (French, 1931-2023) signed oil painting on canvas, in wooden frame with the bottom part of frame missing siz...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Geometric Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Gloria Dudfield1960s "Yellow and Black Abstract" Gouache and Oil Pastel Female Artist, c. 1960s

$2,800

H 39.5 in W 38.5 in D 1.5 in

1960s "Yellow and Black Abstract" Gouache and Oil Pastel Female Artist

By Gloria Dudfield

Located in Arp, TX

Gloria Dudfield Yellow and Black Abstract Gouache and Oil Pastel on paper 35 x 36 in c. 1960 Framed Size: 38.5 x 39.5 x 1.5 Good Condition - Wear consistent with age and history. Cr...

Category

1960s Abstract Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Oil Pastel, Gouache, Archival Paper

Jacqueline Verdet (1931-2023)Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Amazing Colors

$3,198

H 46 in W 32 in

Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Amazing Colors

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Abstract Composition signed by Jacqueline VERDET (French, 1931-2023) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 46 x 32 inches condition: the work is in overall very sound and good con...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Geometric Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Jacqueline Verdet (1931-2023)Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Ladies Chatting Garden

$2,558Sale Price|20% Off

H 39.5 in W 39 in

Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Ladies Chatting Garden

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

'Discussion' Abstract Composition signed by Jacqueline VERDET (French, 1931-2023) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 39.5 x 39 inches condition: the work is in overall very sou...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Geometric Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Barbara SchaumannInto the Weekend by Barbara Schaumann - Contemporary Abstract Cubistic Painting, 2024

$661

H 23.63 in W 31.5 in D 1.19 in

Into the Weekend by Barbara Schaumann - Contemporary Abstract Cubistic Painting

Located in DE

Barber Schaumann is a contemporary artist known for her vibrant, abstract interpretations of the female form. Her work combines bold colors with modern, geometric shapes, blending el...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Paula CahillGilded: abstract expressionist blue & white painting/drawing on paper, framed, 2021

$600

H 17 in W 21 in D 1 in

Gilded: abstract expressionist blue & white painting/drawing on paper, framed

By Paula Cahill

Located in Bryn Mawr, PA

Free shipping with code ART2021SHIP through December! This is an abstract framed work on paper with blue and white gestural, expressive lines. The work itself measures 10" x 13" and ...

Category

2010s Abstract Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Gouache, Archival Paper

Felix Ruvolo"Quiet Little Prods" Large Scale 1960s Oil Painting - Geometric Abstraction, 1969

$14,500

H 70.75 in W 59.38 in D 1.75 in

"Quiet Little Prods" Large Scale 1960s Oil Painting - Geometric Abstraction

Located in Soquel, CA

"Quiet Little Prods" Large Scale 1960s Oil Painting - Geometric Abstraction Bold piece by Felix Ruvolo (American, 1912-1992). This piece exemplifie...

Category

1960s Abstract Geometric Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars

Jacqueline Verdet (1931-2023)Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Cafe Chairs Bistro

$1,891Sale Price|20% Off

H 36 in W 29 in

Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Cafe Chairs Bistro

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Abstract Composition signed by Jacqueline VERDET (French, 1931-2023) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 36 x 29 inches condition: the work is in overall very sound and good con...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Geometric Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Previously Available Items

Leonard Nelson"Colorfield #410", American Modernist, Gradient Color Field Abstraction, 1980's, 1980's

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H 52 in W 60 in D 2 in

"Colorfield #410", American Modernist, Gradient Color Field Abstraction, 1980's

By Leonard Nelson

Located in Doylestown, PA

Colorfield #410 is a wonderful example of American modernist Leonard Nelson's color field compositions and expression. The unframed, abstract oil on canvas measures 52" x 60" and is ...

Category

1980s Color-Field Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil, Acrylic

Leonard NelsonFigurative Abstraction #2, American Modernist, Oil on Canvas, 1953, 1953

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H 17.5 in W 19.25 in D 2 in

Figurative Abstraction #2, American Modernist, Oil on Canvas, 1953

By Leonard Nelson

Located in Doylestown, PA

"Figurative Abstraction #2" by American modernist painter Leonard Nelson is a 12.25" x 14" oil on canvas abstract figurative painting, created in 1953. The work is framed in a broad ...

Category

1950s Abstract Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Leonard NelsonFigurative Abstraction #1, American Modernist, Oil on Canvas, 1953, 1953

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H 16.5 in W 19.25 in D 2 in

Figurative Abstraction #1, American Modernist, Oil on Canvas, 1953

By Leonard Nelson

Located in Doylestown, PA

"Figurative Abstraction #1" by American modernist painter Leonard Nelson is a 11.5" x 14.25" oil on canvas abstract figurative painting, created in 1953. The work is framed in a broa...

Category

1950s Abstract Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Leonard NelsonAbstract in Green, American Modernist, Early Color Field Abstraction, 1978, 1978

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H 20 in W 26 in D 1 in

Abstract in Green, American Modernist, Early Color Field Abstraction, 1978

By Leonard Nelson

Located in Doylestown, PA

"Abstract in Green" by American modernist painter Leonard Nelson is a 20" x 26" oil on canvas abstract painting. The work is currently unframed and signed on verso: “L. Nelson 78”. P...

Category

1970s Color-Field Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Leonard Nelson"Elle's Garden Bed", American Modernist, Color Field Abstraction, 1980's, 1980's

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H 60 in W 50 in D 2 in

"Elle's Garden Bed", American Modernist, Color Field Abstraction, 1980's

By Leonard Nelson

Located in Doylestown, PA

LEONARD NELSON (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1912 - 1993) Elle's Garden Bed is a superb example of Leonard Nelson's Color-Field compositions. The oil on canvas measures 60 x 50 inches...

Category

1980s Color-Field Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Leonard NelsonLonesome Blues, American Modernist, Figurative Abstract, Oil on Board, 1951, 1951

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H 22 in W 26 in D 2 in

Lonesome Blues, American Modernist, Figurative Abstract, Oil on Board, 1951

By Leonard Nelson

Located in Doylestown, PA

"Lonesome Blues" by American modernist painter Leonard Nelson is a 16" x 20" oil on board figurative abstract painting. The painting is painted in vibrant colors and defined edges an...

Category

1950s Abstract Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Oil, Board

Leonard NelsonThree Figures, Abstract Figurative Art, Woodblock Print in Red, Signed, 1947, 1947

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H 21 in W 25 in D 1 in

Three Figures, Abstract Figurative Art, Woodblock Print in Red, Signed, 1947

By Leonard Nelson

Located in Doylestown, PA

"Three Figures in Red" by American modernist painter Leonard Nelson is a 13" x 16.5" abstract figurative woodblock print, created in 1947. ...

Category

1940s Abstract Geometric Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper

Leonard NelsonThree Figures, Abstract Figurative Art, Woodblock Print in Yellow, Signed, 1947, 1947

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H 21 in W 25 in D 1 in

Three Figures, Abstract Figurative Art, Woodblock Print in Yellow, Signed, 1947

By Leonard Nelson

Located in Doylestown, PA

"Three Figures in Yellow" by American modernist painter Leonard Nelson is a 13" x 16.5" abstract figurative woodblock print, created in 194...

Category

1940s Abstract Geometric Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper

Leonard Nelson"Colorfield #388", American Modernist, Color Field Abstraction, 1989, 1989

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H 58.25 in W 54.5 in D 2 in

"Colorfield #388", American Modernist, Color Field Abstraction, 1989

By Leonard Nelson

Located in Doylestown, PA

"Colorfield #388 Meditation" by American modernist painter Leonard Nelson is a 50.25" x 46.5" oil on canvas abstract painting. The work is framed and the stretched canvas is signed o...

Category

1980s Color-Field Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Leonard Nelson"Color Abstract #40", American Modernist, Gestural Abstract, Oil on Board, 1955, 1955

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H 20 in W 18 in D 1.5 in

"Color Abstract #40", American Modernist, Gestural Abstract, Oil on Board, 1955

By Leonard Nelson

Located in Doylestown, PA

"Color Abstract #40" by American modernist painter Leonard Nelson is a 10" x 8" oil on board gestural abstract painting. The painting is framed and signed "Nelson 55" in the lower ri...

Category

1950s Abstract Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Oil, Board

Leonard Nelson"Orange Abstract", American Modernist, Gestural Abstract, Oil on Canvas, 1946, 1946

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H 18 in W 20 in D 2 in

"Orange Abstract", American Modernist, Gestural Abstract, Oil on Canvas, 1946

By Leonard Nelson

Located in Doylestown, PA

"Orange Abstract" by American modernist painter Leonard Nelson is a 18" x 20" oil on canvas painting. This gestural abstraction is painted predominantly in orange and yellow. The ter...

Category

1940s Abstract Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Leonard NelsonTrio, 1942

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H 7 in W 10 in

Trio

By Leonard Nelson

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Presenting an original mixed media painting by American artist Leonard Nelson. "Trio" is an original mixed media work, signed and dated 1942, ...

Category

1940s Leonard Nelson Art

Materials

Mixed Media

Leonard Nelson art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Leonard Nelson art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of orange and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Leonard Nelson in paint, canvas, fabric 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 Leonard Nelson art, so small editions measuring 15 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Arthur Osver, Irene Rice Pereira, and Kristy Chettle. Leonard Nelson art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $2,500 and tops out at $45,000, while the average work can sell for $10,688.