Leonard Nelson Figurative Paintings

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 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 Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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 Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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

$3,279

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 Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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

$3,143

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 Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Amy Hutcheson"It's the Rest of the World That is Moving" (2024) by Amy Hutcheson, 2024

$1,700

H 36 in W 12 in D 1.5 in

"It's the Rest of the World That is Moving" (2024) by Amy Hutcheson

Located in Denver, CO

"He Opened His Hand And I Put My Stories Into It" (2024) is an original, handmade oil painting on canvas, by Amy Hutcheson, that depicts an abstract painting with colorful geometric ...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Leonard Nelson Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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

$650

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 Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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

$3,553

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 Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Barbara SchaumannFriendship by Barbara Schaumann - Contemporary Abstract Cubistic Painting, 2024

$520Sale Price|20% Off

H 25.6 in W 31.5 in D 1.19 in

Friendship 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 Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Jacqueline Verdet (1931-2023)Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Musicians Double Bass

$2,459

H 36 in W 29 in

Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Musicians Double Bass

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 Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Amy Hutcheson"Everything is Right Now" (2024) by Amy Hutcheson, Abstract Oil Painting, 2024

$1,600

H 16 in W 16 in D 0.87 in

"Everything is Right Now" (2024) by Amy Hutcheson, Abstract Oil Painting

Located in Denver, CO

"Everything is Right Now" (2025) is an original, handmade oil painting on canvas, by Amy Hutcheson, that depicts an abstract painting with colorful geometric shapes in a paler rainbo...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Leonard Nelson Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

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

$3,143

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 Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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

$2,323

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 Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Amy Hutcheson"History Sticks to Your Feet" (2025) by Amy Hutcheson, Abstract Oil Painting, 2025

$2,000

H 36 in W 18 in D 1.5 in

"History Sticks to Your Feet" (2025) by Amy Hutcheson, Abstract Oil Painting

Located in Denver, CO

"History Sticks to Your Feet" (2025) is an original, handmade oil painting on canvas, by Amy Hutcheson, that depicts an abstract painting with colorful geometric shapes in a pale blu...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Leonard Nelson Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Previously Available Items

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

Sold

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 Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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

Sold

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 Figurative Paintings

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 Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

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 Figurative Paintings

Materials

Mixed Media

Leonard NelsonLounging Nude, 1949

Sold

H 9.25 in W 14 in

Lounging Nude

By Leonard Nelson

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Fine early oil on canvasboard, signed and dated,

Category

1940s Leonard Nelson Figurative Paintings

Leonard Nelson figurative paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Leonard Nelson figurative paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Leonard Nelson in canvas, fabric, mixed media 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 figurative paintings, so small editions measuring 10 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Ryan Rivadeneyra, Ferruccio Gard, and Borja Guijarro. Leonard Nelson figurative paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $9,500 and tops out at $15,000, while the average work can sell for $12,250.