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 Amazing Colors

$3,138

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

Marina SternRenaissance, 1969

$22,000

H 48 in W 42 in D 1.5 in

Renaissance

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 ranged...

Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Geometric Leonard Nelson Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

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

$3,547

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

Jacqueline Verdet (1931-2023)Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting The Piano Player

$2,046

H 39 in W 31.5 in

Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting The Piano Player

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Abstract Composition signed by Jacqueline VERDET (French, 1931-2023) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 39 x 31.5 inches condition: the work is in overall very sound and good c...

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

$2,319

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

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

$3,138

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

French painterCONTEMPORARY FRENCH CUBIST ABSTRACT - GEOMETRIC COMPOSITION - TIGHTROPE WALKER

$1,159

H 25.5 in W 32 in

CONTEMPORARY FRENCH CUBIST ABSTRACT - GEOMETRIC COMPOSITION - TIGHTROPE WALKER

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Artist/ School: French School, signed and dated 2008 Title: The Tightrope Walker Medium: oil painting on canvas Size: painting: 25.5 x 32 inches Provenance: private collec...

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 Shapes and Forms

$1,937

H 36 in W 28.75 in

Huge French Contemporary Modernist Abstract Oil Painting Shapes and Forms

Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Abstract Composition signed initials by Jacqueline VERDET (French, 1931-2023) oil painting on canvas, unframed stamped verso canvas: 36 x 28.75 inches condition: the work is in overa...

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 Musicians Double Bass

$2,456

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

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

$3,274

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

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

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

Bernard CoolenAbstracted grey and red modernist French cityscape painting:, 1994

$800

H 35.83 in W 25.6 in D 0.4 in

Abstracted grey and red modernist French cityscape painting:

Located in Norwich, GB

A superbly clever, très French and highly decorative abstracted painting by Bernard "Becool" Coolen which tells a story: it is in fact a stylised representation of of the Champs Ely...

Category

Late 20th Century Abstract Geometric Leonard Nelson Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Charlotte Andry Gibbs"Viva la France!" Contemporary Pop Art Modern Flag Minimal 23k Gold Oil Painting, 2015

$9,000

H 32 in W 48 in

"Viva la France!" Contemporary Pop Art Modern Flag Minimal 23k Gold Oil Painting

By Charlotte Andry Gibbs

Located in Wellesley, MA

"Viva La France!," 23 Karat Gold Leaf and Oil on Canvas, 32 x 48 Inches, is inspired by the French flag, elegant and whimsical, however it can also be viewed as a pure geometric abs...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric Leonard Nelson Figurative Paintings

Materials

Gold Leaf

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

$11,600Sale Price|20% Off

H 70.75 in W 59.38 in D 1.75 in

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

By Felix Ruvolo

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 Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars

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

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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 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 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.