Inspired by Abstract Expressionism and driven by deep curiosity, artist Michael Pauker has created an expansive oeuvre that is inclusive of abstract and figurative paintings, landscapes, sculptures, prints and collages constructed with scraps of aging historical documents, watercolor paints and found objects.
“As an artist, I am not a one-trick pony,” he has said. “Some artists find success doing one thing and stick just with it. But my curiosity is omnivorous. I’m driven by images I’ve never seen before, both abstract and figurative.”
Born in 1957 in New York, Pauker knew he wanted to be an artist from the age of 15. He earned his BFA from the State University of New York (SUNY), then in 1989, completed his MFA at Mills College (now Mills College at Northeastern University) in Oakland where he was awarded the City of Oakland Fellowship in Painting.
Since 1988, Pauker has lived and worked in the Bay Area, teaching art in various venues such as schools, colleges and institutions including the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, the state’s prison hospital, for several years. When he isn’t teaching, Pauker focuses on creating art — the mediums of which can change by the moment.
While he works in oil on canvas for most of his paintings, Pauker is also known for his “Miniature Collage” series. He has worked on this series for more than a decade. Other works include abstract drawings and figurative watercolors blended with collages of vintage paper, stamps and found objects — his Oesterreich II is an example of the latter.
Pauker has exhibited widely across the United States, Japan and Costa Rica, and his works are held in the public collections of many institutions including the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
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$4,500
"A Disturbance in the Force" Contemporary Large-Scale Surreal Figural Abstract
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
A striking, large-scale contemporary surreal figurative abstract by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b. 1957). Titled "A Disturbance in the Force" on verso. Signed "Michael ...
Canvas, Oil
$3,650
Untitled #56, Large Scale Contemporary Cubist Interior Abstract with Pink
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
Large-scale contemporary cubist abstract interior scene, composed of pink and multicolor geometric shapes by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b. 1957). The geometries are fr...
Canvas, Oil
$5,500
Large-Scale Contemporary Abstract Geometric with Purple, Yellow & Gray
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
Whimsical large-scale contemporary abstract by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b. 1957). Angular geometries in purple, yellow, light pink, gray, and dark blue converge on t...
Canvas, Oil
$3,150
"Moulin Rouge", Contemporary Aquamarine & Grey Two-Toned Colorfield Abstract
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
Striking abstract colorfield oil painting on wood panel by Michael Pauker (American, b. 1957). This uniquely textured two-toned abstract is divided into color-fields of super vivid a...
Oil, Wood Panel
A Winters Chill Abstract
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
Beautiful Winter abstract expressionist oil painting illustrating small paint strokes of light blue over strokes of white and dark blue, with thin lines of red, orange, and yellow by...
Canvas, Oil
Grey & Teal Linear Abstract
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
Harmonious large-scale abstract with teal linear patterns dancing across a textured grey background by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b.1957). Can be oriented vertically o...
Oil, Canvas
Europa - The Abduction, Contemporary Figurative Abstract
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
Contemporary abstract impressionist symbolic painting representing the abduction of europa by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b.1957). This myt...
Canvas, Oil
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
"Sacre Bleu", Red & Blue Contemporary Abstract
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
Blue and red two-toned contemporary abstract expressionist oil painting by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b.1957). The left fourth of the canvas is dominated by a highly s...
Canvas, Oil
Textural Alphabet Letter Abstract in Ice Blue, Orange, & Pink
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
Bright and bold abstract in heavy textured impasto with alphabetical letters scattered across the composition in brightly colored shapes by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, ...
Oil, Wood Panel
Contemporary Two-Part Abstract: Blue and Red
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
Stunning contemporary patterned abstract composition on two joined canvases by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b.1957). The left canvas, which makes up one fourth of the co...
Oil, Canvas
Aqua Culture - Blue, Grey, & Brown Impasto Abstract on Wood
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
Dynamic abstract composition on wood board with blue, grey, and brown in heavy impasto that interplay with the background of unprimed woodgrain by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (Ame...
Wood, Oil