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of abstract and figurative paintings, landscapes, sculptures, prints and collages constructed with scraps of aging historical documents, watercolor paints and found objects.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.
Find authentic Michael Pauker art on 1stDibs.
"Carrigan", Modern Harvest Still-Life with Autumn Squash
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
Modern expressionist autumn still-life of winter squash harvest by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b. 1957), c.1970s. Despite the more traditional subject matter, the artis...
Canvas, Oil
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
"The Red Studio" - Surreal Figurative Interior Scene
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
Surreal large-scale figurative abstract depicting two nude female figures in a red interior space juxtaposed by a bearded man seated next to a sculptural bust of a man, with a white skeleton in the foreground by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b. 1957). Titled "The Red Studio...
Canvas, Oil
Contemporary Surreal Figurative Self Portrait with Neon Green
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
A contemplative, contemporary self-portrait of the artist with neon green by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b.1957). In the background of this piece are self-portraits fro...
Canvas, Oil
$3,650
Large-Scale Contemporary Cubist Interior Abstract in Gray, Teal, & Yellow
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
Bold, large-scale contemporary cubist abstract with teal, gray, and yellow by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b. 1957). The scene evokes a highly abstracted cubist interior...
Canvas, Oil
Surrealist scene oil on canvas painting surrealism
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
Oil on canvas. Signed Aress. Oil mesures 33x24 cm. Frame mesures 48x39 cm.
Canvas, Oil
$1,909Sale Price|20% Off
H 26 in W 32 in D 1 in
Colourful Cubist Abstract, Signed Original Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Colourful Cubist Abstract, Signed Original Oil Painting By French artist Iris Leger, Mid 20th Century Signed and dated '70 by the artist on the lower right hand corner Oil painting o...
Oil
$1,196Sale Price|20% Off
H 32 in W 38 in D 2 in
Vintage American Modernist Abstract Interior Scene Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American modernist interior scene oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed.
Canvas, Oil
$4,016
H 11 in W 15 in
La Corbeille de Fruits - Modern Still Life Oil Painting by André Hambourg
By André Hambourg
Located in Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Signed oil on canvas still life circa 1960 by French modernist painter Andre Hambourg. This beautiful piece depicts a basket of fruit; grapes, pears and apples, placed on a white clo...
Canvas, Oil
$1,309Sale Price|20% Off
H 20 in W 26 in
20th Century French Original Oil Painting Modernist Kitchen Interior Still Life
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Kitchen Still Life by Laure Noetzin-Azam (French 1929-2024) pupil of André LHOTE oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 20 x 26 inches Provenance: all the paintings we have by this artist h...
Oil
$1,385Sale Price|20% Off
H 18 in W 11 in
Mid Century European Cubist Abstract Geometric Shapes Composition Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Cubist Still Life European School, mid 20th century oil painting on board, unframed painting: 18 x 11 inches condition: very good provenance: private collection, Cotswolds, England
Oil
$975
H 21 in W 25 in D 2 in
Nicely Framed Vintage American Modernist Surreal Abstract Rare Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage American modernist abstract oil painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Measuring: 21 by 25 inches overall, and 16 by 20 painting alone.. In excellent original condition. Handsomel...
Canvas, Oil
$700Sale Price|20% Off
H 15 in W 20 in D 2 in
Antique American School Modernist Bold Flower Still Life Framed Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Very finely painted American modernist flower still life oil painting. Framed. Oil on board. Signed lower right. Image size, 12H by 17L.
Canvas, Oil
$975
H 21 in W 18 in D 2 in
Nicely Framed Vintage American Modernist Flower Still Life Interior Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage modernist abstract still life oil painting. Oil on board. Nicely framed. Signed. Excellent ready to hang condition.
Canvas, Oil
$4,950
H 34 in W 42 in D 2 in
“Still Life, 1936” by Katharine "Kitty" Duff Church British Modern Oil Signed
Located in Yardley, PA
“Still Life, 1936” by Katharine "Kitty" Duff Church (British, 1910-1999). This large, early painting by Katherine Church is among her finest canvases of the period. Characterized by its bold color palette, simplified forms, and expressive brushwork, this composition centers around a tabletop adorned with various objects: potted plants, a ceramic dish, bottles, and what appear to be books or papers. The two potted plants provide contrasting elements: on the left, what appears to be a cyclamen with red blossoms and delicate leaves, and on the right, a lush green plant with darker foliage. These plants, painted with loose, textured strokes, add an organic quality to the otherwise structured arrangement. The tabletop is cluttered yet thoughtfully composed, featuring additional objects like a clear, faceted glass bowl, a small bottle, and books or pads in striking red and green. The dynamic use of color blocks and the juxtaposition of shapes (round pots against rectangular books) create a sense of rhythm and harmony. The background is darker and less defined, emphasizing the brightly lit tabletop. Church's brushwork is gestural and modernist, leaning toward abstraction, challenging traditional still life conventions. This painting reflects Church’s interest in balancing everyday objects with bold artistic expression. It conveys both the simplicity and complexity of daily life, transforming an ordinary moment into a vibrant and engaging work of art. This work is oil on canvas and is signed and dated in the lower right. It is housed in its original gessoed frame and retains various labels and inscriptions on the reverse. Size: 28.25 inches tall by 36 inches wide (painting) 34 inches tall by 42 inches wide by 2 inches deep (frame) Provenance: Private collection, NY; Acquired from the above About the artist: Born in Highgate, north London, Katharine Church, known as ‘Kitty’ amongst friends and family, always wanted to paint. She trained at the Royal Academy of Arts between 1930-1933 and at the Slade between 1933 and 1934. In her early years Kitty exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy. Her first solo exhibition was in 1933 at the Wertheim Gallery. Other artists who exhibited there included Christopher Wood, Victor Pasmore and Cedric Morris. Kitty also showed with the New English Art Club, the London Group and between 1937-1947 her work was exhibited at the influential Lefevre Gallery, which supported avant-garde artists such as Henry Moore, Ben Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth. In 1954 the artist was invited to take part in the Figures in their setting exhibition held at the Tate Gallery. Henry Tonks and Philip Wilson Steer had a strong influence on Kitty’s early work, but it was her friendship with Ivon Hitchens that liberated her painting technique. In 1936 Kitty married Anthony West, the son of writers Rebecca West and H.G. Wells. The couple initially lived in London before moving to Quarry Farm, Chicksgrove, Tisbury, near Salisbury, where they brought up their children Caroline and Edmund. There they hosted many of their friends, including the New Zealand painter Frances Hodgkins. Other regular visitors before the War included John and Mywafany Piper, Ralph and Frances Partridge, Noel and Catharine Carrington, Julian Trevelyan and Mary Fedden. For many of those who visited Kitty would organise painting expeditions. After the war Kitty and Anthony separated, with Anthony moving to the United States. Anthony West moved to the United States to work as a journalist for The New Yorker. In the early years after their parting Kitty visited most years with the children. In the 1960s Kitty purchased Sutton House and ran the Hambledon Gallery at Blandford Forum. There she promoted the work of her early art-school friends Mary Fedden and Julian Trevelyan, alongside work by the Pipers, John Craxton...
Canvas, Oil
$396Sale Price|20% Off
H 15 in W 13 in D 2 in
Vintage American School Modernist Rose Flower Still Life Nicely Framed Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Impressive early American modernist still life oil painting. Framed. Oil on canvas. Signed. Image size, 10H by 8L.
Canvas, Oil
$951Sale Price|20% Off
H 26 in W 22 in D 2 in
Antique American Realist Framed Flower Jug Still Life Oil Painting Yellow Roses
Located in Buffalo, NY
Very impressive antique American flower still life oil painting. Stunning and unique original frame. Oil on canvas. Painting size, 18H by 14L. Exceptional quality. Signe...
Canvas, Oil