David Humphrey Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

American, b. 1955

David Humphrey (born August 30, 1955) is an American painter, art critic, and sculptor associated with the postmodern turn in painting that began in the late 1970s. He is best known for his playful, cartoonish, puzzling paintings, which blend figuration and abstraction and create "allegories" about the medium of painting itself. Humphrey holds a BFA from Maryland Institute College of Art (1977) and a MA from New York University (1980), where he studied with film critic Annette Michelson; he also attended the New York Studio School from 1996 – 1997. He has been the recipient of many awards including the Guggenheim Fellowship in 2002, the Rome Prize in 2008, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters Purchase Award in 2011. He was born in Augsburg Germany and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He lives and works in New York City. Though his paintings, works on paper, and sculptures defy categorization, David Humphrey emerged as an artist in the late 1970s along with Postmodernism, an approach that continues to inform his heterogeneous compositions, visual pastiches that, in his words, “erase the breaks” between divergent styles. As he explains: “I suppose that the dynamic of relationship—the psychology of bonding, lovemaking, attachment, and so on—has kept me interested for a long time. I come back to it as a way to thicken the grammar of picture making.” In his paintings, this grammar includes gestural abstraction, cartoonish figuration, Pop Art, Surrealism, and Expressionism. His vibrant compositions feature human figures, narrative vignettes, animals, and objects interwoven into abstract passages. They read as sexually and psychologically charged dreamscapes, through which Humphrey breaks down boundaries to explore our relationships with each other and the world.

Artist: David Humphrey

David HumphreyRemembering Florida. Unique signed abstract mixed media painting on paper Framed, 1992

$5,000

Remembering Florida. Unique signed abstract mixed media painting on paper Framed

By David Humphrey

Located in New York, NY

David Humphrey Remembering Florida, 1992 Oil Stick, Enamel on Handmade Paper (Contemporary Art Center of Cincinnati label verso of frame) Signed on the back 29 × 43 1/2 × 1 inches Unframed This is an abstract, mixed media work by David Humphrey. It has a "Contemporary Arts Center of Cincinnati" label on the verso. In a vintage mahogany box...

Category

1990s Contemporary David Humphrey Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Crayon, Oil

David HumphreyAbstract Expressionist work on paper, unique, signed by renowned American artist, 2015

$2,500

Abstract Expressionist work on paper, unique, signed by renowned American artist

By David Humphrey

Located in New York, NY

David Humphrey Untitled, 2015 Acrylic on paper Hand signed and dated 2015 on the lower left front 11 × 8 1/2 inches Unframed This original painting was created by David Humphrey in 2...

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist David Humphrey Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Acrylic, Photographic Paper

Salah Boutros"Palm Pair" Abstract Painting 14" x 20" inch by Salah Boutros, 2018

$950

H 14 in W 20 in

"Palm Pair" Abstract Painting 14" x 20" inch by Salah Boutros

By Salah Boutros

Located in Culver City, CA

"Palm Pair" Abstract Painting 14" x 20" inch by Salah Boutros Salah Boutros was born in 1964 in Cairo where he still lives and works. He gained a BA degree from the Faculty of Fine ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist David Humphrey Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Acrylic

Shizico YiOriginal-Benton Irises in Starry Night-Le Bleu-Awarded Woman Artist-Gold Leaf, 2026

$398

H 11.7 in W 8.27 in D 0.04 in

Original-Benton Irises in Starry Night-Le Bleu-Awarded Woman Artist-Gold Leaf

By Shizico Yi

Located in London, GB

This Gold Leaf and Oil on paper, named Benton Irises in Starry Night is a part of Le Bleu Series by award winning British artist Shizico Yi. She created the painting in her garden p...

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist David Humphrey Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Gold Leaf

Shizico YiOriginal Set-Jardin d'Hiver-le bleu series-British Awarded Artist-work on paper, 2026

$701

H 11.7 in W 16.54 in D 0.04 in

Original Set-Jardin d'Hiver-le bleu series-British Awarded Artist-work on paper

By Shizico Yi

Located in London, GB

This Set of 2, work on paper, named Le Bleu are a part of Jardin d'Hiver Series by award winning British artist Shizico Yi. She created the series in her winter studio while longing...

Category

2010s Abstract Expressionist David Humphrey Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Gold Leaf

George DannattGates No.1 Abstract Painting, Oil & Crayon on Paper, 1976, Unframed, 1976

$440Sale Price|20% Off

H 8.27 in W 13 in

Gates No.1 Abstract Painting, Oil & Crayon on Paper, 1976, Unframed

By George Dannatt

Located in Bournemouth, Dorset

George Dannatt (1915-2009) 'Gates' No 1 1976 Medium: Oil & crayon on oil wash Image: 21.0 x 33.0 cm Reference no: 0450 George Dannatt’s long career as a painter and sculptor ended ...

Category

1970s Abstract David Humphrey Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Crayon, Mixed Media, Oil

George DannattDeflection of Light - Venice No 1, Abstract Oil Crayon on Paper, 1995, 1995

$209Sale Price|30% Off

H 10.4 in W 7.72 in

Deflection of Light - Venice No 1, Abstract Oil Crayon on Paper, 1995

By George Dannatt

Located in Bournemouth, Dorset

George Dannatt (1915-2009) Deflection of Light - Venice No 1 1995 Mixed crayons on paper Image: 26.4 x 19.6 cm Mount: 40.0 x 32.4 cm Reference no: 1233/1 George Dannatt’s lon...

Category

1990s Abstract David Humphrey Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Crayon

Janusz KokotS from The Message Series - Contemporary Abstract Oil Pastel Painting, Framed, 2021

$1,764

H 18.51 in W 18.51 in D 0.79 in

S from The Message Series - Contemporary Abstract Oil Pastel Painting, Framed

By Janusz Kokot

Located in Hallein, AT

The art work is already framed. They are simple silver frames The size of the unframed artwork: 45x45 cm, framed 47 x 47 cm Janusz Kokot was born in Kalisz in 1960. He studied at th...

Category

2010s Contemporary David Humphrey Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel

George DannattUntitled Abstract Painting, Mixed Media on Paper, 1992, Unframed, 1992

$230Sale Price|20% Off

H 5.87 in W 4.3 in

Untitled Abstract Painting, Mixed Media on Paper, 1992, Unframed

By George Dannatt

Located in Bournemouth, Dorset

George Dannatt (1915-2009) Untitled 1992 Medium: Mixed media on paper Image: 14.9 x 10.9 cm Mount: 29.8 x 24.8 cm George Dannatt’s long career as a painter and sculptor ended w...

Category

1990s Abstract David Humphrey Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Crayon, Pencil, Graphite

Janusz KokotPurple Flyeater - Contemporary Abstract Expressive Oil Pastel Painting, 2023

$1,940

H 27.56 in W 27.56 in

Purple Flyeater - Contemporary Abstract Expressive Oil Pastel Painting

By Janusz Kokot

Located in Hallein, AT

Janusz Kokot was born in Kalisz in 1960. He studied at the Pedagogical University in Częstochowa at the Art Institute. He practices painting and drawing. In the years 1988 - 2020 he ...

Category

2010s Contemporary David Humphrey Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel

TUSETColorful painting on paper, Unique piece, Abstract Expressionist, 2021

$706

H 65 in W 50 in D 0.2 in

Colorful painting on paper, Unique piece, Abstract Expressionist

By TUSET

Located in Carballo, ES

TUSET (1997, A Coruña, España) Mixed media painting on paper Ready to frame One-of-a-kind Signed on back Includes certificate of authenticity 2021 65 x 50 cm. It belongs to the ser...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Geometric David Humphrey Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Crayon, Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Pencil

Janusz KokotIkebana 3 - Contemporary Plants and Flowers Oil Pastel Painting, 2025

$1,164

H 17.72 in W 17.72 in

Ikebana 3 - Contemporary Plants and Flowers Oil Pastel Painting

By Janusz Kokot

Located in Hallein, AT

The artist's signature as a monogram is located in the lower left corner, see photo. Janusz Kokot was born in Kalisz in 1960. He studied at the Pedagogical University in Częstochowa...

Category

2010s Contemporary David Humphrey Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Pastel

George DannattUntitled Abstract Painting, Mixed Media on Paper, 1992, Unframed, 1992

$231Sale Price|20% Off

H 4.65 in W 6.5 in

Untitled Abstract Painting, Mixed Media on Paper, 1992, Unframed

By George Dannatt

Located in Bournemouth, Dorset

George Dannatt (1915-2009) Untitled 1992 Medium: Mixed media on paper Image: 11.5 x 16.5 cm Mount: 26.0 x 30.5 cm George Dannatt’s long career as a painter and sculptor ended w...

Category

1990s Abstract David Humphrey Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Oil Crayon, Pencil, Graphite

Juan Carlos Amador 1Untitled 4. From La materialidad del tiempo (The Materiality of Time) Series, 2024

$1,000

H 60 in W 60 in D 0.1 in

Untitled 4. From La materialidad del tiempo (The Materiality of Time) Series

By Juan Carlos Amador 1

Located in Miami Beach, FL

La Materialidad del Tiempo, Juan Carlos Amador grounds his recent work in two essential elements: cellulose and time. Using reclaimed wooden moldings from the 1980s and ’90s-original...

Category

2010s Abstract Geometric David Humphrey Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Oil Crayon

Previously Available Items

David HumphreyCollaborative Contemporary Surrealist Cartoon Drawing Humphrey + Coates, 2000

Sold

H 10 in W 8 in

Collaborative Contemporary Surrealist Cartoon Drawing Humphrey + Coates

By David Humphrey

Located in Surfside, FL

signed by both in pencil verso. dated. Surrealist cartoon drawing. Actual drawing size is 5.75 X 5.75. Their collaborative works on paper emerge out of an ongoing relationship where...

Category

Early 2000s Pop Art David Humphrey Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

David HumphreyCollaborative Contemporary Surrealist Cartoon Drawing Humphrey + Coates, 2000

Sold

H 10 in W 8 in

Collaborative Contemporary Surrealist Cartoon Drawing Humphrey + Coates

By David Humphrey

Located in Surfside, FL

signed by both in pencil verso. dated. Surrealist cartoon drawing. Actual drawing size is 5.75 X 5.75. Their collaborative works on paper emerge out of an ongoing relationship where...

Category

Early 2000s Pop Art David Humphrey Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

David HumphreyCollaborative Contemporary Surrealist Cartoon Drawing Humphrey + Coates, 2000

Sold

H 10 in W 8 in

Collaborative Contemporary Surrealist Cartoon Drawing Humphrey + Coates

By David Humphrey

Located in Surfside, FL

signed by both in pencil verso. dated. Surrealist cartoon drawing. Actual drawing size is 5.75 X 5.75. Their collaborative works on paper emerge out of an ongoing relationship where...

Category

Early 2000s Pop Art David Humphrey Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

David HumphreyCollaborative Contemporary Surrealist Cartoon Drawing Humphrey + Coates, 2000

Sold

H 10 in W 8 in

Collaborative Contemporary Surrealist Cartoon Drawing Humphrey + Coates

By David Humphrey

Located in Surfside, FL

"Soccer Player and Bunny" 2000 signed by both in pencil verso. dated. Surrealist cartoon drawing. Actual drawing size is 5.75 X 5.75. Their collaborative works on paper emerge out o...

Category

Early 2000s Pop Art David Humphrey Drawings and Watercolor Paintings

Materials

Paper, Ink

David Humphrey drawings and watercolor paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic David Humphrey drawings and watercolor paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by David Humphrey in paper, paint, acrylic paint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the Pop Art style. Not every interior allows for large David Humphrey drawings and watercolor paintings, so small editions measuring 8 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Thomas Hammer, Dorothy Gillespie, and Perry Burns. David Humphrey drawings and watercolor paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $650 and tops out at $5,000, while the average work can sell for $1,800.