Skip to main content

Schomer Lichtner Art

American, 1905-2006

Schomer Lichtner was well known for his whimsical cows and ballerinas and abstract imagery. He and his late wife, Ruth Grotenrath (1912–88), both well-known Wisconsin artists, began their prolific careers as muralists for WPA projects, primarily post offices. Lichtner also painted murals for industry and private clients. Lichtner was a printmaker and produced block prints, lithographs and serigraph prints. His casein (paint made from dairy products) and acrylic paintings are of the rural Wisconsin landscapes and farm animals. He became interested in cows when he and Ruth spent summers near Holy Hill in Washington County. According to David Gordon, director of the Milwaukee Art Museum, Lichtner had a tremendous joie de vivre and expressed it in his art. 

Lichtner was nationally known for his whimsical paintings and sculptures of black-and-white-patterned Holstein cows and elegant ballerina dancers. Lichtner also painted all sorts of combinations of beautiful women, flowers and country landscapes. The late James Auer, former Milwaukee Journal Sentinel art critic, said that his art eventually "exploded into expressionistic design elements with bold, flat areas of color and high energy that anticipated Pop Art." Auer went on to describe Lichtner’s work as full of "wit, vigor and virtuosity." In as early as 1930, Lichtner’s work was shown at the prestigious Carnegie International Exhibition in New York and museums throughout the Midwest. As a student, he was a protégé of another icon of 20th century American art, Gustave Moeller. 

Lichtner and his wife, Ruth, are celebrated as Milwaukee’s first couple of paintings and are regarded as major Wisconsin artists. Lichtner’s impressive production, perseverance, longevity and positive approach to his life and art made him and his work distinctive and much loved by his many admirers. His work is currently represented in collections at the Milwaukee Art Museum, the John Michael Kohler Art Center, the West Bend Museum and in the collections of many individuals. He continued to amaze and create with his whimsical paintings of ballerinas and cows. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Auer referred to Lichtner as the artist laureate of Milwaukee. Lichtner was the official artist of the Milwaukee Ballet and was a recipient of the 2006 Wisconsin Visual Artist Lifetime Achievement Award. He passed away on May 9, 2006 at the age of 101.

to
11
3
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
14
1
2
2
1
1
2
1
9
2
9
3
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
6
5
3
2
1
14
7,790
4,999
2,504
1,374
6
2
14
Artist: Schomer Lichtner
'Winter Silhouettes, ' offset lithograph by Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Winter Silhouettes,' a small and delicate print, is an original offset lithograph by the Milwaukee artist Schomer Lichtner. The composition displays registers of foliage, emerging from the white of the paper as though emerging from the snow-covered ground. The artwork is thus plays with the materials of printmaking; the paper is both the support and the primary indication of the season. The subtle texture of the tooth of the paper also adds life to the image, giving the snow a wind-swept, creature trodden surface. The free forms of the grasses and leaves resemble the lyrical mid-century works of the French artist Henri Matisse, which combined with these material concerns demonstrate Lichter's modern sensibilities. 3.75 x 2.75 inches, image 5.5 x 4.5 inches, paper 10 x 8 inches frame Signed and dated in the stone, lower right Framed to conservation standards in a shadow-box style mounting, using 100 percent rag matting, museum glass, and housed in a cherry wood moulding Overall excellent condition; some toning to edges of paper; some minor abrasions to frame Milwaukee artist Schomer Lichtner was well known for his whimsical cows and ballerinas and abstract imagery. He and his late wife Ruth Grotenrath, both well-known Wisconsin artists, began their prolific careers as muralists for WPA projects, primarily post offices. Lichtner also painted murals for industry and private clients. Schomer was a printmaker and produced block prints, lithographs, and serigraph prints. His casein (paint made from dairy products) and acrylic paintings are of the rural Wisconsin landscape and farm animals. He became interested in cows when he and Ruth spent summers near Holy Hill in Washington County. According to David Gordon, director of the Milwaukee Art Museum, Schomer Lichtner had a tremendous joie de vivre and expressed it in his art. Schomer Lichtner was nationally known for his whimsical paintings and sculptures of black- and white-patterned Holstein cows and elegant ballerina dancers. Lichtner also painted all sorts of combinations of beautiful women, flowers and country landscapes. James Auer, former Milwaukee Journal Sentinel art critic, said that his art eventually "exploded into expressionistic design elements with bold, flat areas of color and high energy that anticipated Pop Art." Auer went on to describe Lichtner’s work as full of "wit, vigor and virtuosity." As early as 1930, Lichtner’s work was shown at the prestigious Carnegie International Exhibition in New York and at museums throughout the Midwest. As a student, he was a protégé of another icon of 20th century American art, Gustave Moeller. Lichtner and his wife, Ruth Grotenrath (1912-1988), are celebrated as Milwaukee’s first couple of painting and are regarded as major Wisconsin artists. Lichtner’s impressive production, perseverance, longevity, and positive approach to his life and art made him and his work distinctive and much loved by his many admirers. His work is currently represented in collections at the Milwaukee Art Museum, the John Michael Kohler Art Center, the West Bend Museum, and in the collections of many individuals. Books on the lives and art work of both Lichtner and Grotenrath are in progress and it is anticipated that they will be published next year. Schomer Lichtner passed away on May 9, 2006 at the age of 101. He continued to amaze and create with his whimsical paintings of ballerinas...
Category

1960s American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Black and White, Lithograph

"Skiing Near Holy Hill, " Original Silkscreen Landscape by Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Skiing Near Holy Hill" is an original silkscreen print by Schomer Lichtner. The artist initials are lower right, and the title is along the lower edge. This print depicts people skiing near Holy Hill, Wisconsin. The artist used a muted blue, a deep and dark purple, and accents of red to create this piece. 4 7/8" x 6 7/8" art 11 7/8" x 13 7/8" frame Milwaukee artist, Schomer Lichtner passed away on May 9, 2006 at the age of 101. He continued to amaze and create with his whimsical paintings of ballerinas and cows. He and his late wife Ruth Grotenrath, both well-known Wisconsin artists, began their prolific careers as muralists for WPA projects, primarily post offices. Schomer Lichtner was well known for his whimsical cows and ballerinas, such as his "Ballerina Dancing on Cow" sculpture below. The late James Auer, art critic for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel referred to Lichtner as the artist laureate of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the official artist of the Milwaukee Ballet. Lichtner also painted murals for industry and private clients. Schomer was a printmaker and produced block prints, lithographs, and serigraph prints. His casein (paint made from dairy products) and acrylic paintings are of the rural Wisconsin landscape and farm animals. He became interested in cows when he and Ruth spent summers near Holy Hill in Washington County. According to David Gordon, director of the Milwaukee Art Museum, Schomer Lichtner had a tremendous joie de vivre, " joy of life," and expressed it in his art. Schomer Lichtner was nationally known for his whimsical paintings and sculptures of black- and white-patterned Holstein cows and elegant ballerina dancers. Lichtner also painted all sorts of combinations of beautiful women, flowers and country landscapes. James Auer, former Milwaukee Journal Sentinel art critic, said that his art eventually "exploded into expressionistic design elements with bold, flat areas of color and high energy that anticipated Pop Art." Auer went on to describe Lichtner’s work as full of "wit, vigor and virtuosity." As early as 1930, Lichtner’s work was shown at the prestigious Carnegie International Exhibition in New York and at museums throughout the Midwest. As a student, he was a protégé of another icon of 20th century American art, Gustave Moeller...
Category

1940s American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Screen

"Cow and Ballerina, " Painted Wood Sculpture signed by Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Cow and Ballerina" is an original painted wood sculpture by Schomer Lichtner. It features a high-kicking ballerina standing on the back of a cow. The artist signed the piece. 36" x 61" x 26" art Milwaukee artist, Schomer Lichtner passed away on May 9, 2006 at the age of 101. He continued to amaze and create with his whimsical paintings of ballerinas and cows. He and his late wife Ruth Grotenrath, both well-known Wisconsin artists, began their prolific careers as muralists for WPA projects, primarily post offices. Schomer Lichtner was well known for his whimsical cows and ballerinas, such as his "Ballerina Dancing on Cow" sculpture below. The late James Auer, art critic for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel referred to Lichtner as the artist laureate of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the official artist of the Milwaukee Ballet. Lichtner also painted murals for industry and private clients. Schomer was a printmaker and produced block prints, lithographs, and serigraph prints. His casein (paint made from dairy products) and acrylic paintings are of the rural Wisconsin landscape and farm animals. He became interested in cows when he and Ruth spent summers near Holy Hill in Washington County. According to David Gordon, director of the Milwaukee Art Museum, Schomer Lichtner had a tremendous joie de vivre, " joy of life," and expressed it in his art. Schomer Lichtner was nationally known for his whimsical paintings and sculptures of black- and white-patterned Holstein cows...
Category

1990s Neo-Expressionist Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

"Season's Greetings, " Abstract Holiday Silkscreen signed by Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Season's Greetings" is an original color silkscreen by Schomer Lichtner. The artist signed the piece in the screen on verso. This piece features abstract, linear patterns in blue and white on a brown paper background. 6 1/4" x 4 5/8" art 14" x 12 1/2" frame Milwaukee artist, Schomer Lichtner passed away on May 9, 2006 at the age of 101. He continued to amaze and create with his whimsical paintings of ballerinas and cows. He and his late wife Ruth Grotenrath, both well-known Wisconsin artists, began their prolific careers as muralists for WPA projects, primarily post offices. Schomer Lichtner was well known for his whimsical cows and ballerinas, such as his "Ballerina Dancing on Cow" sculpture below. The late James Auer, art critic for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel referred to Lichtner as the artist laureate of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the official artist of the Milwaukee Ballet. Lichtner also painted murals for industry and private clients. Schomer was a printmaker and produced block prints, lithographs, and serigraph prints. His casein (paint made from dairy products) and acrylic paintings are of the rural Wisconsin landscape and farm animals. He became interested in cows when he and Ruth spent summers near Holy Hill in Washington County. According to David Gordon, director of the Milwaukee Art Museum, Schomer Lichtner had a tremendous joie de vivre, " joy of life," and expressed it in his art. Schomer Lichtner was nationally known for his whimsical paintings and sculptures of black- and white-patterned Holstein cows and elegant ballerina dancers. Lichtner also painted all sorts of combinations of beautiful women, flowers and country landscapes. James Auer, former Milwaukee Journal Sentinel art critic, said that his art eventually "exploded into expressionistic design elements with bold, flat areas of color and high energy that anticipated Pop Art." Auer went on to describe Lichtner’s work as full of "wit, vigor and virtuosity." As early as 1930, Lichtner’s work was shown at the prestigious Carnegie International Exhibition in New York and at museums throughout the Midwest. As a student, he was a protégé of another icon of 20th century American art, Gustave Moeller...
Category

1950s American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Screen

'Flowers' original abstract linocut by Wisconsin artist Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Flowers' is an original linocut by Wisconsin-based artist Schomer Lichtner. The composition presents a scattered floral still life amongst abstracted shadows and forms, rendered with Lichtner's quintessential abstract sensibilities. This print is one from a series that each depict abstracted subjects in black silhouette, taking pleasure in the materiality of the linocut technique. The free forms of the flower resemble the lyrical mid-century works of the French artist Henri Matisse, which combined with these material concerns demonstrate Lichter's modern sensibilities. The prints from this series are unusual because of how below the image, Lichtner also includes his Chinese seal and a linocut remarque of a cow, each of which act as an additional signature of the artist on the artwork. Linocut in black and red on Permalife white wove paper 4 x 5.25 inches, image 11.5 x 8.75 inches, sheet 16.5 x 13.63 inches, frame Signed in pencil, below image, lower right. Edition 1/100 in pencil, below image, lower left. Chinese signature stamp in red, below image, lower right. Remaque of a cow in red, below image, lower right. Permalife watermark to paper. Framed to conservation standards in a shadow-box style mounting, using 100 percent rag matting, museum glass, and housed in a silver-finish wood moulding. Overall excellent condition with no creases or discoloration. Milwaukee artist Schomer Lichtner was well known for his whimsical cows and ballerinas and abstract imagery. He and his late wife Ruth Grotenrath, both well-known Wisconsin artists, began their prolific careers as muralists for WPA projects, primarily post offices. Lichtner also painted murals for industry and private clients. Schomer was a printmaker and produced block prints, lithographs, and serigraph prints. His casein (paint made from dairy products) and acrylic paintings are of the rural Wisconsin landscape and farm animals. He became interested in cows when he and Ruth spent summers near Holy Hill in Washington County. According to David Gordon, director of the Milwaukee Art Museum, Schomer Lichtner had a tremendous joie de vivre and expressed it in his art. Schomer Lichtner was nationally known for his whimsical paintings and sculptures of black- and white-patterned Holstein cows...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Paper, Black and White, Linocut

"The Flight (Duck Flying), " Silkscreen signed by Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"The Flight (Duck Flying) is an original color silkscreen by Schomer Lichtner. The artist initialed the piece lower right. This piece features a duck in flight through red hatched lines. 4 3/4" x 6 3/4" art 13" x 15" frame Milwaukee artist, Schomer Lichtner passed away on May 9, 2006 at the age of 101. He continued to amaze and create with his whimsical paintings of ballerinas and cows. He and his late wife Ruth Grotenrath, both well-known Wisconsin artists, began their prolific careers as muralists for WPA projects, primarily post offices. Schomer Lichtner was well known for his whimsical cows and ballerinas, such as his "Ballerina Dancing on Cow" sculpture below. The late James Auer, art critic for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel referred to Lichtner as the artist laureate of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the official artist of the Milwaukee Ballet. Lichtner also painted murals for industry and private clients. Schomer was a printmaker and produced block prints, lithographs, and serigraph prints. His casein (paint made from dairy products) and acrylic paintings are of the rural Wisconsin landscape and farm animals. He became interested in cows when he and Ruth spent summers near Holy Hill in Washington County. According to David Gordon, director of the Milwaukee Art Museum, Schomer Lichtner had a tremendous joie de vivre, " joy of life," and expressed it in his art. Schomer Lichtner was nationally known for his whimsical paintings and sculptures of black- and white-patterned Holstein cows...
Category

1940s American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Screen

"Door County, Wisconsin, " Landscape Silkscreen Travel Poster
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Door County Wisconsin" is an original silkscreen by Schomer Lichtner. The artist signed the piece lower right in pencil and in the screen. This piece feat...
Category

1980s Contemporary Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Screen, Ink

'Field' original abstract linocut in black by Wisconsin artist Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Field' is an original linocut by Wisconsin-based artist Schomer Lichtner. The composition presents fields of flowers, trees and grasses below a cloudy sky, but rendered with Lichtner's quintessential abstract sensibilities. This print is one from a series that each depict abstracted subjects in black silhouette, taking pleasure in the materiality of the linocut technique. The free forms of the plants resemble the lyrical mid-century works of the French artist Henri Matisse, which combined with these material concerns demonstrate Lichter's modern sensibilities. The prints from this series are unusual because of how below the image, Lichtner also includes his Chinese seal and a linocut remarque of a cow, each of which act as an additional signature of the artist on the artwork. Linocut in black and red on Permalife white wove paper 4.5 x 6 inches, image 11.5 x 8.75 inches, sheet 16.5 x 13.63 inches, frame Signed in pencil, below image, lower right. Edition 1/100 in pencil, below image, lower left. Chinese signature stamp in red, below image, lower right. Remaque of a cow in red, below image, lower right. Permalife watermark to paper. Framed to conservation standards in a shadow-box style mounting, using 100 percent rag matting, museum glass, and housed in a silver-finish wood moulding. Overall excellent condition with no creases or discoloration. Milwaukee artist Schomer Lichtner was well known for his whimsical cows and ballerinas and abstract imagery. He and his late wife Ruth Grotenrath, both well-known Wisconsin artists, began their prolific careers as muralists for WPA projects, primarily post offices. Lichtner also painted murals for industry and private clients. Schomer was a printmaker and produced block prints, lithographs, and serigraph prints. His casein (paint made from dairy products) and acrylic paintings are of the rural Wisconsin landscape and farm animals. He became interested in cows when he and Ruth spent summers near Holy Hill in Washington County. According to David Gordon, director of the Milwaukee Art Museum, Schomer Lichtner had a tremendous joie de vivre and expressed it in his art. Schomer Lichtner was nationally known for his whimsical paintings and sculptures of black- and white-patterned Holstein cows...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Black and White, Paper, Linocut

"Rest, " Farmer leaning on Work Tool Linoleum Cut signed by Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Rest" is an original linoleum print by Schomer Lichtner, signed in the lower right hand corner. It features a man in the act of resting on a stick in the middle of work. Image: 5.6...
Category

1930s American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Linocut

"Fan Shape with Dancers, " a Silkscreen
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Fan Shape with Dancers" is a silkscreen print by Schomer Lichtner in blue and pink. The print is signed in pencil lower right and is edition 13/200. In this work, the Matissean arabesque figures...
Category

1980s Contemporary Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Screen

"Meditation, " Figure & Farm Tool Linoleum Cut signed by Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Meditation" is an original linoleum print by Schomer Lichtner, signed in the lower right hand corner. It features a man in the middle of a project, in quiet meditation. Image: 6" x 8" Framed: 14.5" x 14.37" Lichtner and his wife, Ruth Grotenrath (1912-1988), are celebrated as Milwaukee’s first couple of painting and are regarded as major Wisconsin artists. Lichtner’s impressive production, perseverance, longevity, and positive approach to his life and art made him and his work distinctive and much loved by his many admirers. His work is currently represented in collections at the Milwaukee Art Museum, the John Michael Kohler Art Center, the West Bend Museum, and in the collections of many individuals. Books on the lives and art work of both Lichtner and Grotenrath are in progress and it is anticipated that they will be published next year. Recipient of the 2006 Wisconsin Visual Artist Lifetime Achievement Award The late Milwaukee artists, Schomer Lichtner and Ruth Grotenrath, created original silkscreen prints as a part of their Christmas celebration starting in the 1940's. The subjects and colors varied from year to year but they laboriously printed these little gems themselves. Ruth Grotenrath, 1912-1988, and her husband, Schomer Lichtner, (1905-2006), are celebrated as Milwaukee’s first couple of painting and are regarded as major Wisconsin artists. From the outset, Lichtner and Grotenrath were determined to become full-time artists. Ruth Grotenrath and Schomer Lichtner began their careers by creating numerous murals for the WPA (Work Projects Administration), primarily post offices. A wonderful example can be seen in the Sheboygan, Wisconsin post office. Even during the Great Depression they worked producing Post Office murals under the Treasury Department's Section of Fine Arts (SFA). According to James Auer, former Milwaukee Journal Sentinel art critic, "As art and economic trends evolved, the couple’s palettes brightened and warmed. Both fell under the spell of the Mexican social realists, notably Diego Rivera, and modernists such as Matisse and Dufy. The couple’s perspective changed further after they became friends with philosopher Alan Watts...
Category

1930s American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Linocut

"Farmer, " Portrait Linoleum Cut signed by Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Farmer" is an original linoleum print by Schomer Lichtner, signed in the lower right hand corner. A side profile of a man in rendered in clear lines full of expression. Image: 6" x...
Category

1920s American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Linocut

"The Bells at Christmas, " Original Color Silk-Screen signed by Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"The Bells at Christmas" is an original color silk-screen print signed on verso by the artist Schomer Lichtner. It depicts multiple patterned triangle shapes in magenta and blue whic...
Category

Mid-20th Century Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Screen

"Cow, " a Paper Cutout & Ink Drawing Sculpture by Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Cow" is a paper cutout and ink drawing sculpture by Schomer Lichtner. It depicts a cow in cream and black. 3" x 6 1/4" x 1" art Schomer Lichtner, born...
Category

Mid-20th Century Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Paper, Ink

Related Items
Arp, Composition, Arp: On My Way (after)
By Jean Arp
Located in Auburn Hills, MI
Woodcut on wove paper. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good Condition. Notes: From the folio, The Documents of Modern Art. Arp: On My Way, Poetry And Essays 1912 - 1...
Category

1940s Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Woodcut

'Chinoiserie' — Mid-Century Modernism
By Edward August Landon
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Edward Landon 'Chinoiserie', color serigraph, 1947, edition 50, Ryan 36. Signed in pencil in the image, lower right. Titled, dated, and annotated '4 COLORS – EDITION 50' in the scree...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Screen

Approaching Storm
By Richard Florsheim
Located in New York, NY
Richard Florsheim created this color lithograph entitled “Approaching Storm” in 1967 in an edition of 125 pieces. Published by Associated American Artists and printed by Mourlot Press, Paris, this impression is signed and inscribed “Artist Proof.” It is in good condition with full original color. The printed image size is 28.25 x 19 3/4 inches and the paper size is 31.12 x 22 inches. RICHARD ABERLE...
Category

1960s American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Lithograph

Approaching Storm
Approaching Storm
H 31.5 in W 23 in D 0.97 in
"Equal Justice Under Law" Screenprint #99/125 on Wove Paper
By Robert Rauschenberg
Located in Soquel, CA
"Equal Justice Under Law" Screenprint #99/125 on Wove Paper Iconic composition by Robert Rauschenberg (American, 1925-2008). A red envelope and a hand holding sprouted grass the pli...
Category

1970s American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Laid Paper, Screen

"Wayne Thiebaud: Survey 1947-1976" Oakland Museum Show Poster
By (After) Wayne Thiebaud
Located in Soquel, CA
"Wayne Thiebaud: Survey 1947-1976" Show Poster from the Oakland Museum 1976-1977 Silkscreen poster from the Oakland Museum 1976-1977 show "Wayne Thiebaud: Survey 1947-1976" with a printing of an original drawing (Six Candied Apples...
Category

1970s American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Paper, Screen

The Forest Henry Moore drawing of Yorkshire landscape for W.H. Auden poetry book
By Henry Moore
Located in New York, NY
One of a series of 18 lithographs drawn by the artist for the Auden Poems/Moore Lithographs 1974 book and portfolio. This work is from an edition of 25 printed on vellum aside from t...
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Lithograph

'The French Farm' — Mid-Century Modernism
By Edward August Landon
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Edward Landon, 'The French Farm', color serigraph, 1942, Ryan 86. Signed, titled, and annotated 'Edition 50' in pencil. A superb impression, with fresh colors, on cream, wove paper; ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Screen

Modernist Silkscreen Screenprint 'El Station, Interior' NYC Subway, WPA Artist
By Anthony Velonis
Located in Surfside, FL
screenprint printed in color ink on wove paper. New York City subway station interior. Anthony Velonis (1911 – 1997) was an American painter and designer born in New York City who helped introduce the public to silkscreen printing in the early 20th century. While employed under the federal Works Progress Administration, WPA during the Great Depression, Velonis brought the use of silkscreen printing as a fine art form, referred to as the "serigraph," into the mainstream. By his own request, he was not publicly credited for coining the term. He experimented and mastered techniques to print on a wide variety of materials, such as glass, plastics, and metal, thereby expanding the field. In the mid to late 20th century, the silkscreen technique became popular among other artists such as Robert Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol. Velonis was born into a relatively poor background of a Greek immigrant family and grew up in the tenements of New York City. Early on, he took creative inspiration from figures in his life such as his grandfather, an immigrant from the mountains in Greece, who was "an ecclesiastical painter, on Byzantine style." Velonis attended James Monroe High School in The Bronx, where he took on minor artistic roles such as the illustration of his high school yearbook. He eventually received a scholarship to the NYU College of Fine Arts, into which he was both surprised and ecstatic to have been admitted. Around this time he took to painting, watercolor, and sculpture, as well as various other art forms, hoping to find a niche that fit. He attended NYU until 1929, when the Great Depression started in the United States after the stock market crash. Around the year 1932, Velonis became interested in silk screen, together with fellow artist Fritz Brosius, and decided to investigate the practice. Working in his brother's sign shop, Velonis was able to master the silkscreen process. He reminisced in an interview three decades later that doing so was "plenty of fun," and that a lot of technology can be discovered through hard work, more so if it is worked on "little by little." Velonis was hired by Mayor LaGuardia in 1934 to promote the work of New York's city government via posters publicizing city projects. One such project required him to go on a commercial fishing trip to locations including New Bedford and Nantucket for a fortnight, where he primarily took photographs and notes, and made sketches. Afterward, for a period of roughly six months, he was occupied with creating paintings from these records. During this trip, Velonis developed true respect and affinity for the fishermen with whom he traveled, "the relatively uneducated person," in his words. Following this, Velonis began work with the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP), an offshoot of the Civil Works Administration (CWA), where he was assigned to serve the different city departments of New York. After the formation of the federal Works Progress Administration, which hired artists and sponsored projects in the arts, he also worked in theater. Velonis began working for the federal WPA in 1935. He kept this position until 1936 or 1938, at which point he began working in the graphic art division of the Federal Art Project, which he ultimately led. Under various elements of the WPA program, many young artists, writers and actors gained employment that helped them survive during the Depression, as well as contributing works that created an artistic legacy for the country. When interviewed in December 1994 by the Library of Congress about his time in the WPA, Velonis reflected that he had greatly enjoyed that period, saying that he liked the "excitement" and "meeting all the other artists with different points of view." He also said in a later interview that "the contact and the dialogue with all those artists and the work that took place was just invaluable." Among the young artists he hired was Edmond Casarella, who later developed an innovative technique using layered cardboard for woodcuts. Velonis introduced silkscreen printing to the Poster Division of the WPA. As he recalled in a 1965 interview: "I suggested that the Poster division would be a lot more productive and useful if they had an auxiliary screen printing project that worked along with them. And apparently this was very favorably received..." As a member of the Federal Art Project, a subdivision of the WPA, Velonis later approached the Public Use of Arts Committee (PUAC) for help in "propagandizing for art in the parks, in the subways, et cetera." Since the Federal Art Project could not be "self-promoting," an outside organization was required to advertise their art more extensively. During his employment with the Federal Art Project, Velonis created nine silkscreen posters for the federal government. Around 1937-1939 Velonis wrote a pamphlet titled "Technical Problems of the Artist: Technique of the Silkscreen Process," which was distributed to art centers run by the WPA around the country. It was considered very influential in encouraging artists to try this relatively inexpensive technique and stimulated printmaking across the country. In 1939, Velonis founded the Creative Printmakers Group, along with three others, including Hyman Warsager. They printed both their own works and those of other artists in their facility. This was considered the most important silkscreen shop of the period. The next year, Velonis founded the National Serigraph Society. It started out with relatively small commercial projects, such as "rather fancy" Christmas cards that were sold to many of the upscale Fifth Avenue shops...
Category

1980s American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Screen

Elephant, Lions Bold Color Lithograph Alexander Calder Unfinished Revolution
By Alexander Calder
Located in Surfside, FL
1975 Color Lithograph by Alexander Calder from Our Unfinished Revolution portfolio One of 250 copies, with the printed signature and date on offset paper. This is not pencil signed ...
Category

1970s American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Lithograph

'Exhortation' (Priest) — Mid-Century Modernism
By Edward August Landon
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Edward Landon 'Exhortation (Priest)', color serigraph, 1957, edition 28, Ryan 72. Signed, titled, and numbered '21/28' in pencil. A superb, richly-inked impression, with strong color...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Screen

Composition (Cole/Myers 79), X + X, Ten Works by Ten Painters, Stuart Davis
By Stuart Davis
Located in Auburn Hills, MI
Silkscreen on Mohawk Superfine Bristol paper. Inscription: unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Good condition. Notes: From the folio, X + X, Ten Works by Ten Painters, 1964. Publishe...
Category

1960s American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Screen

'Flyable Objects Identified' — Mid-Century Modernism
By Edward August Landon
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Edward Landon, 'Flyable Objects Identified', color serigraph, 1969, edition 30, Ryan 83. Signed, titled, and annotated 'Edition 30' in pencil. A fine impression, with fresh colors, o...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Screen

Previously Available Items
'Shapes' original abstract linocut in black by Wisconsin artist Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Shapes' is an original linocut by Wisconsin-based artist Schomer Lichtner. The composition presents rows of simple and complex forms rendered with Lichtner's quintessential abstract sensibilities. This print is one from a series that each depict abstracted subjects in black silhouette, taking pleasure in the materiality of the linocut technique. The free forms resemble the lyrical mid-century works of the French artist Henri Matisse, which combined with these material concerns demonstrate Lichter's modern sensibilities. The prints from this series are unusual because of how below the image, Lichtner also includes his Chinese seal and a linocut remarque of a cow, each of which act as an additional signature of the artist on the artwork. Linocut in black and red on Permalife white wove paper 4 x 5 inches, image 11.5 x 8.75 inches, sheet 16.5 x 13.63 inches, frame Signed in pencil, below image, lower right. Edition 1/100 in pencil, below image, lower left. Chinese signature stamp in red, below image, lower right. Remaque of a cow in red, below image, lower right. Permalife watermark to paper. Framed to conservation standards in a shadow-box style mounting, using 100 percent rag matting, museum glass, and housed in a silver-finish wood moulding. Overall excellent condition with no creases or discoloration. Milwaukee artist Schomer Lichtner was well known for his whimsical cows and ballerinas and abstract imagery. He and his late wife Ruth Grotenrath, both well-known Wisconsin artists, began their prolific careers as muralists for WPA projects, primarily post offices. Lichtner also painted murals for industry and private clients. Schomer was a printmaker and produced block prints, lithographs, and serigraph prints. His casein (paint made from dairy products) and acrylic paintings are of the rural Wisconsin landscape and farm animals. He became interested in cows when he and Ruth spent summers near Holy Hill in Washington County. According to David Gordon, director of the Milwaukee Art Museum, Schomer Lichtner had a tremendous joie de vivre and expressed it in his art. Schomer Lichtner was nationally known for his whimsical paintings and sculptures of black- and white-patterned Holstein cows...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Paper, Black and White, Linocut

'Flower' original abstract linocut in black by Wisconsin artist Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Flower' is an original linocut by Wisconsin-based artist Schomer Lichtner. The composition presents a five-petaled flower amonst abstracted shadows and forms, rendered with Lichtner's quintessential abstract sensibilities. This print is one from a series that each depict abstracted subjects in black silhouette, taking pleasure in the materiality of the linocut technique. The free forms of the flower resemble the lyrical mid-century works of the French artist Henri Matisse, which combined with these material concerns demonstrate Lichter's modern sensibilities. The prints from this series are unusual because of how below the image, Lichtner also includes his Chinese seal and a linocut remarque of a cow, each of which act as an additional signature of the artist on the artwork. Linocut in black and red on Permalife white wove paper 4.25 x 5.25 inches, image 11.5 x 8.75 inches, sheet 16.5 x 13.63 inches, frame Signed in pencil, below image, lower right. Edition 1/100 in pencil, below image, lower left. Chinese signature stamp in red, below image, lower right. Remaque of a cow in red, below image, lower right. Permalife watermark to paper. Framed to conservation standards in a shadow-box style mounting, using 100 percent rag matting, museum glass, and housed in a silver-finish wood moulding. Overall excellent condition with no creases or discoloration. Milwaukee artist Schomer Lichtner was well known for his whimsical cows and ballerinas and abstract imagery. He and his late wife Ruth Grotenrath, both well-known Wisconsin artists...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Paper, Black and White, Linocut

'Winter Silhouettes, ' offset lithograph by Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Winter Silhouettes,' a small and delicate print, is an original offset lithograph by the Milwaukee artist Schomer Lichtner. The composition displays registers of foliage, emerging from the white of the paper as though emerging from the snow-covered ground. The artwork is thus plays with the materials of printmaking; the paper is both the support and the primary indication of the season. The subtle texture of the tooth of the paper also adds life to the image, giving the snow a wind-swept, creature trodden surface. The free forms of the grasses and leaves resemble the lyrical mid-century works of the French artist Henri Matisse, which combined with these material concerns demonstrate Lichter's modern sensibilities. 3.75 x 2.75 inches, image 5.5 x 4.5 inches, paper 9.25 x 7.75 inches frame Signed and dated in the stone, lower right Framed to conservation standards using 100 percent rag matting, museum glass, and housed in a modern silver moulding Milwaukee artist Schomer Lichtner was well known for his whimsical cows and ballerinas and abstract imagery. He and his late wife Ruth Grotenrath, both well-known Wisconsin artists, began their prolific careers as muralists for WPA projects, primarily post offices. Lichtner also painted murals for industry and private clients. Schomer was a printmaker and produced block prints, lithographs, and serigraph prints. His casein (paint made from dairy products) and acrylic paintings are of the rural Wisconsin landscape and farm animals. He became interested in cows when he and Ruth spent summers near Holy Hill in Washington County. According to David Gordon, director of the Milwaukee Art Museum, Schomer Lichtner had a tremendous joie de vivre and expressed it in his art. Schomer Lichtner was nationally known for his whimsical paintings and sculptures of black- and white-patterned Holstein cows and elegant ballerina dancers. Lichtner also painted all sorts of combinations of beautiful women, flowers and country landscapes. James Auer, former Milwaukee Journal Sentinel art critic, said that his art eventually "exploded into expressionistic design elements with bold, flat areas of color and high energy that anticipated Pop Art." Auer went on to describe Lichtner’s work as full of "wit, vigor and virtuosity." As early as 1930, Lichtner’s work was shown at the prestigious Carnegie International Exhibition in New York and at museums throughout the Midwest. As a student, he was a protégé of another icon of 20th century American art, Gustave Moeller. Lichtner and his wife, Ruth Grotenrath (1912-1988), are celebrated as Milwaukee’s first couple of painting and are regarded as major Wisconsin artists. Lichtner’s impressive production, perseverance, longevity, and positive approach to his life and art made him and his work distinctive and much loved by his many admirers. His work is currently represented in collections at the Milwaukee Art Museum, the John Michael Kohler Art Center, the West Bend Museum, and in the collections of many individuals. Books on the lives and art work of both Lichtner and Grotenrath are in progress and it is anticipated that they will be published next year. Schomer Lichtner passed away on May 9, 2006 at the age of 101. He continued to amaze and create with his whimsical paintings of ballerinas and cows. The late James Auer, art critic for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel referred to Lichtner as the artist laureate of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the official artist of the Milwaukee Ballet...
Category

1960s American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Black and White, Lithograph

"Yellow Cow Hat, " acrylic painting on canvas by Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Yellow Cow Hat" is an original acrylic painting on canvas by Schomer Lichtner. The artist signed the painting lower right. This piece features a woman with a long neck wearing a bri...
Category

1990s Contemporary Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

"The Merrymakers, " holiday landscape silkscreen by Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"The Merrymakers" is an original silkscreen print by Schomer Lichtner. The artist's signature is in the lower right. This artwork features white rabbits frolicking in a winter landsc...
Category

1940s American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Screen

'Winter Silhouettes, ' offset lithograph by Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
'Winter Silhouettes,' a small and delicate print, is an original offset lithograph by the Milwaukee artist Schomer Lichtner. The composition displays registers of foliage, emerging f...
Category

1960s American Modern Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Black and White, Lithograph

"Tamarack Pattern" an Original Color Silkscreen Print signed by Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Tamarack Pattern" is an original color silkscreen signed in screen on verso and initialed on recto by the artist Schomer Lichtner. It depicts an abstract leafy pattern in green, bl...
Category

1940s Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Screen

"Cow Crown, " a Color Lithograph signed by Schomer Lichtner
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Cow Crown" is an original color lithograph signed and dated in pencil lower right. It is edition 10/30 and was created in 1993. It depicts a woman's head with three cows emerging fr...
Category

1990s Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Lithograph

Wisconsin Landscape
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Wisconsin Landscape" is a serigraph poster by Schomer Lichtner. It depicts cows, grassy hills, farming equipment and plants, and figures...
Category

1980s Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Color

Nude and Cat #1
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Nude and Cat #1" is an oil pastel stencil print signed and dated in pencil lower right. It depicts a nude woman lounging with her two cats. All figures and the border are rendered i...
Category

1990s Contemporary Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Oil Pastel, Stencil

Cow Patterned Hat
By Schomer Lichtner
Located in Milwaukee, WI
"Cow Patterned Hat" is an original color serigraph by Schomer Lichtner in pink, black, and green. It is signed lower right in pencil and is edition 21/100....
Category

1990s Contemporary Schomer Lichtner Art

Materials

Screen

Schomer Lichtner art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Schomer Lichtner art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Schomer Lichtner in screen print, linocut, lithograph and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the modern style. Not every interior allows for large Schomer Lichtner art, so small editions measuring 7 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Joan Snyder, Armin Landeck, and Lawrence Wilbur. Schomer Lichtner art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $615 and tops out at $47,000, while the average work can sell for $2,500.

Artists Similar to Schomer Lichtner

Recently Viewed

View All