The Benjaman Gallery Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Mercedes Carles Matter (1913 - 2001) Untitled, circa 1937 Pastel on paper 16 x 13 1/2 inches Estate stamped on the reverse Provenance: Estate of the artist Spanierman Gallery, New York Private Collection, Pennsylvania circa 2013 Private Collection, New York, 2021 Mercedes Matter was born in New York in 1913. Her father, the American modernist Arthur B. Carles, had studied with Matisse. Her mother, Mercedes de Cordoba, was a model for Edward Steichen. Ms. Matter grew up in Philadelphia, New York and Europe. She began painting under her father's supervision at age 6, and studied art at Bennett College in Millbrook, N.Y., and then in New York City with Maurice Sterne, Alexander Archipenko and Hans Hofmann. In the late 1930's, she was an original member of the American Abstract Artists organization and worked for the federal Works Progress Administration, assisting Fernand Léger on his mural for the French Line passenger ship company. Léger introduced her to Herbert Matter, the Swiss graphic designer and photographer, whom she married in 1939. The Matters were active in the emerging New York art scene and also traveled frequently to Europe. Their closest friends included Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, Franz Kline, Philip Guston, Alexander Calder and Willem de Kooning. They were also close to Alberto Giacometti, who was an important artistic role model for Mrs. Matter and a frequent photographic subject for her husband. Beginning in 1953, Mrs. Matter taught at the Philadelphia College of Art (now University of the Arts), Pratt Institute and New York University. Based on her teaching experiences she wrote an article for Art News in 1963 titled ''What's Wrong with U.S. Art Schools?'' In it, she lamented the phasing out of the extended studio classes required to initiate ''that painfully slow education of the senses,'' which she considered an artist's life work. The article prompted a group of Pratt students to ask her to form a school based on her ideas, which led, in 1964, to the founding of the New York Studio School. Originally in a loft on Broadway, the school gained almost immediate support from the Kaplan Fund, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the Ford Foundation. It granted no degrees, had only studio classes and emphasized drawing from life. Its teachers, chosen by the students, included the artists Guston, Bradley Walker Tomlin, Charles Cajori, Louis Finkelstein...

Framed Size: approx 17 3/4 x 20 3/4 inches Fred Conway (1900-1973) "Golf Bags, Caddy with Golf Bag on His Back" Pen/Ink/Watercolor on Paper Site Size: approx. 10 x 13 inches Framed Size: approx. 17 3/4 x 20 3/4 inches A member of the faculty of the Washington University Art School from 1929 to 1970, Frederick Conway...

"Untitled" 2019, 28" x 22" horizontal drawing on paper by Argentine-born artist Karina Gentinetta (featured in Elle Decor, the New York Times, Tradi...

"Eye of the Beholder" 2024, 48"x60" horizontal abstract painting by Argentine-born artist Karina Gentinetta (featured in Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, the New York Times, Traditi...

Nordic waves Acrylic, charcoal, oil pastel and graphite on paper - Unframed. Artwork exclusive to IdeelArt. Adrienn Krahl’s paintings express a profound sense of drama and emotion...

Expressive line drawing figure study featuring a group of figures in a classroom by David Rosen (Canadian, 1912-2004). Unsigned, but was acquire...

This expressive artwork "Heart.Soul.Mind" underlines the importance of having an inner maturity based on harmony between heart, sould and mind. As an artist and as a woman in my ...

"Untitled" 2019, 25" x 31" horizontal drawing on paper by Argentine-born artist Karina Gentinetta (featured in Elle Decor, the New York Times, Tradi...

Title : First Floor Biogram Materials : Acrylic, gouache, oil pastel, marker, charcoal, graphite, and conté crayon on paper Date : 2018 Dimensions : 24 x 18 x .1 in. Description : ...

This charming work on paper titled ‘Landscape’ (1941), created towards the end of Dove's life, is typical of his nature inspired extraction works. These works focused on Dove's emoti...

Gloria Dudfield Red Landing 1960s Oil Pastel and Gouache on Paper 26.5"x36" unframed $1600 *Custom framing available for additional charge. Please expect framing time between 3-5 wee...

Neige (Abstract painting) Collage, Gouache, acrylic and oil pastel on Arches paper — Unframed Marie de Lignerolles is an artist, designer, illustrator and colourist based in France ...