Prolific and pioneering painter Helen Frankenthaler said it was “a combination of impatience, laziness and innovation” that drove her to thin her paints with turpentine so that they would seep into the fabric of an unprimed canvas. Her breakthrough in the early 1950s led the way for a spellbinding new style of painting that would come to be known as Color Field.
Although Color Field is often considered a strain of Abstract Expressionism, Frankenthaler’s work differed from the gestural “Action Painting” that typified the paintings of artists like Willem de Kooning and Lee Krasner. Her vast and immersive expanses of color created at a fearless scale captivated art critics and greatly influenced her peers including Morris Louis and Kenneth Noland.
Frankenthaler knew from an early age that she wanted to be a painter. The youngest daughter of a New York State Supreme Court justice, she grew up on Manhattan’s Park Avenue and as a child delighted in the little ways color and form revealed themselves, whether dribbling red nail polish in a sink full of water or drawing her steps from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to her family’s apartment. As a student at Bennington College, her rare vision was enriched by the mentorship of painter Paul Feeley, who gave her lessons in Cubism. After dabbling in art history at Columbia University, she rented a studio downtown and befriended rising New York art stars like Jackson Pollock and Robert Motherwell, whom she later married.
Characterized by “direct, exuberant gestures,” the Abstract Expressionist technique was all about gusto, and Frankenthaler had it in spades. One of the few women of this era to garner widespread critical acclaim, Frankenthaler had a significant impact on the mid-20th-century art world. She exhibited in the high-profile 1951 Ninth Street Show and, in 1957, she appeared in a Life magazine spread on women artists photographed by Gordon Parks. In 1960, the Jewish Museum held her first major museum show, a retrospective of her 1950s work. A 1969 solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art further introduced Frankenthaler to the broader art world.
While Frankenthaler remains best known for bold, expressive “soak-stain” paintings such as Mountains and Sea (1952), she worked across diverse media for decades, with forays into woodcutting, drawing and printmaking that also pushed boundaries. She also taught at Harvard, Yale and Princeton, fostering generations of artists. She died in 2011.
Find original Helen Frankenthaler art on 1stDibs.
$2,500
Helen Frankenthaler - Postcard of Jacob's Ladder, 1957, Hand Signed, Framed
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Offset lithograph postcard Hand signed and dated 1989 in blue marker on the verso Provenance: Collection of Dan Pope, former CBS cameraman who amassed one of the best collection of v...
Postcard
Yellow Jack
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) is one of the most revered abstract painters of the 20th century, and one of the most successful and collected female artists of all time. She was a ...
Lithograph, Stencil
"Sirocco" Mixographia
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Los Angeles, CA
“Sirocco” by Helen Frankenthaler . Mixographia embossed engraving on handmade paper. Unique color from the regular numbered edition. 51/52. Hand signed by artist, dated 1989. Pri...
Ink, Handmade Paper
Tribal Sign
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Tribal Sign, 1987 Signed and dated in pencil with publisher's blindstamp Eleven color lithograph on mauve TGL handmade paper Sheet: 24 x 18.5 inches Frame: 33 x 27 inches Edition 25 ...
Color, Lithograph
Solar Imp
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Screenprint in colors on wove paper. Signed by the artist in pencil and also numbered 96/126 in pencil. Published by Lincoln Center List Poster and Print Program, New York. Second ...
Screen, Color
Acrobat
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) is one of the most revered abstract painters of the 20th century as well as being one of the most successful and collected female artists. Her current...
Ceramic
Aerie
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Signed and numbered in pencil
Screen
Helen Frankenthaler - Milwaukee Art Museum invitation card, Hand Signed, Framed
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Offset lithograph invitation card - 2 sided Hand signed by Helen Frankenthaler in ink on the verso A collectors' item when hand signed by the artist Published by the Milwaukee Art Mu...
Lithograph, Offset
Acrobat (detail), Limited Edition Porcelain Plate in bespoke gift box - Abstract
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
This porcelain/ceramic plate makes a gorgeous gift - in a bright blue bespoke box, ready to be gifted. Any fan of Helen Frankenthaler or Abstract Expressionist art would be thrilled!...
Porcelain, Screen, Cardboard, Mixed Media
Hand signed letter from Helen Frankenthaler framed + Arkatov's signed portrait
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
This work features a photographic portrait of Helen Frankenthaler, taken by renowned musician and photographer Jim Arkatov, founder of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchester, and author o...
Ink, Photographic Paper, Rag Paper
Price Upon Request
Vuillard's Chariot
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Created by the artist in 2006 as an original color lithograph, Vuillard’s Chariot measures 24 ¾ in. x 30 1/8 in. (62.87 cm x 76.52 cm), unframed, and is from the edition of 50 as iss...
Lithograph
$500
H 15 in W 22 in
Derrière Le Miroir No. 250 (page 20, 21) /// Modern Abstract Joan Miro Red Art
By Joan Miró
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Joan Miró (Spanish, 1893-1983) Title: "Untitled (page 20, 21)" Portfolio: Derrière Le Miroir: Hommage à Aimé et Marguerite Maeght (No. 250) *Issued uns...
Lithograph
$720Sale Price|20% Off
H 29 in W 24 in
Limited Edition Paul Jenkins Lithograph, Abstract Expressionism, 41/70
By Paul Jenkins
Located in Chesterfield, MI
Paul Jenkins' works are described as: "Flowing veils of color that overlap and interact together, seeping and bleeding vivid color." In 1954 Jenkins had his first exhibition in Paris...
Lithograph
$350
H 37.25 in W 23 in
Greenwich Arts Council Poster /// Abstract Expressionist Robert Motherwell NY
By Robert Motherwell
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Robert Motherwell (American, 1915-1992) Title: "Greenwich Arts Council" *Issued unsigned, though signed by Motherwell in the plate (printed signature) center right Year: 1976 Medium: Original Lithograph, Exhibition Poster on Strathmore paper Limited edition: 700. (There was also a signed and numbered edition of 42) Printer: Tyler Graphics, Ltd., Mount Kisco, NY Publisher: Greenwich Arts Council, Greenwich, CT Sheet size: 37.25" x 23" Reference: "The Prints of Robert Motherwell - A Catalogue Raisonné 1943-1984" - Belknap Appendix: No. 28, page 282; "Robert Motherwell - The Complete Prints 1940-1991" - Engberg No. 202 Condition: Never framed, has been professionally stored away for decades. Some minor edge wear. In excellent condition Rare Notes: Printed in three colors: black, green, and cream. Poster produced for a special exhibition "Sculpture 76" at The Greenwich Arts Council, Greenwich, CT from June - October, 1976. The image featured on this poster is Motherwell's 1972 acrylic painting on paper "Greenwich Sculpture". Artist's copyright lower left and printer's imprint lower right. GIA Gallery Poster Disclaimer: Not to be confused with thousands of contemporary inkjet/giclée/digital reproductions ignorantly or deliberately passed off as originals on the market today. The examples we offer here are the original period vintage (exhibition) posters, created and designed by, or under the supervision and authorization of the artist or their respective estate (posthumously), for various exhibitions and events in which they participated. If applicable, this poster is also fully documented within its respective artists' official catalogue raisonné of authentic graphic works, prints, and or posters. Biography: Robert Motherwell was born January 24, 1915, in Aberdeen, Washington. He was awarded a fellowship to the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles at age 11, and in 1932 studied painting briefly at the California School of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Motherwell received a B.A. from Stanford University in 1937 and enrolled for graduate work later that year in the Department of Philosophy at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts. He traveled to Europe in 1938 for a year of study abroad. His first solo show was presented at the Raymond Duncan...
Lithograph
$1,600
H 16 in W 22.88 in
Untitled (One Cent Life) /// Joan Mitchell Female Artist Abstract Expressionism
By Joan Mitchell
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Joan Mitchell (American, 1925-1992) Title: "Untitled" (Page 92-93) Portfolio: One Cent Life *Unsigned edition Year: 1964 Medium: Original Lithograph on wove paper Limited edi...
Lithograph
Abstraktes Bild
By Gerhard Richter
Located in New York, NY
This is a 6-color hybrid print by Gerhard Richter offered by CLAMP in New York City. 6-color hybrid print on 260g Rives Handmade paper (Edition of 500) Abstraktes Bild 1992/2023 A...
Ink, Handmade Paper
$950
H 12.6 in W 9.85 in D 0.04 in
Joan Miro (After) - Pochoir Pour 'XX Siecle'- Abstract Stencil
By Joan Miró
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Published in the deluxe art review, XXe Siecle in 1958. Printed by Daniel Jacomet. 1958 Unsigned Dimensions: 32 x 25 cm Publisher: G. di San Lazzaro. Catalogue raisonne: Dupin 13...
Stencil
Octavio Paz Suite: Nocturne VI
By Robert Motherwell
Located in London, GB
Lithograph and chine appliqué 64.5 x 54 cms (25 3/8 x 21 1/4 ins) Edition 50 Paper: Arches paper; Japanese Gampi handmade paper Other Collaborators: Image transferred from Mylar to...
Handmade Paper, Color, Lithograph
Nick Thomm - HEMISPHERE (ORANGE) XL
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm - 'HEMISPHERE' - (Orange) XL SIZE 92cm x 122cm 36" x 48" Limited Edition of #44 Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Cond...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
$2,800
H 27.25 in W 27.25 in D 2 in
Richard Paul Lohse - Geometric Abstraction Silkscreen on velin Signed/N, Framed
Located in New York, NY
RICHARD PAUL LOHSE Penetration of Four Interlaced Colour Groups (Durchdringung von vier verschränkten Farbgruppen), 1970 Color Silkscreen on velincarton (thin board) Edition 32/50 P...
Screen
$207
H 2.56 in Dm 3.35 in
YOSHITOMO NARA - WE ARE PUNKS MUG (Small) Design modern pop art urban Japan
By Yoshitomo Nara
Located in Madrid, Madrid
Yoshitomo Nara - We are punks Mug Small Date of creation: 2011 Medium: Porcelain Edition: Open Size: 65 x Φ85 mm (200ml) Condition: Brand new, inside its custom box Description: A s...
Porcelain
Dusk in August
By Louise Nevelson
Located in Indianapolis, IN
Louise Nevelson (1899-1988) Dusk in August (1967) Lithograph with embossing Size: 17 x 22.25 in (43 x 56.4 cm) Frame size: 21.75 x 26.75 in (55.25 x 67.95 cm) Edition of 100, this i...
Lithograph
ONYX - Amber (XL)
By Nick Thomm
Located in FITZROY, VIC
Nick Thomm - ONYX - Amber (XL SIZE 36" x 48"). Limited Edition #15 of 25. Hand Signed & Numbered. Archival Pigment Print on Hahnemühle 308gsm Fine Art Paper. Condition: NEW - Unopen...
Archival Ink, Giclée, Archival Pigment
Sudden Snow
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) is one of the most revered abstract painters of the 20th century, and one of the most successful and collected female artists of all time. She was a ...
Lithograph
Sold
H 25.5 in W 31.5 in
"Celebration '76" Helen Frankenthaler, Female Artist, Color Field, Yellow, Blue
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Helen Frankenthaler Celebration '76, 1976 Signed and dated lower left, inscribed lower right Offset lithograph in colors Image 22 1/4 x 30 1/4 inches Sheet 25 1/2 x 31 1/2 inches T...
Lithograph
Mary Mary
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) is one of the most revered abstract painters of the 20th century, and one of the most successful and collected female artists of all time. She was a ...
Lithograph, Screen, Offset
Sold
H 25.75 in W 18 in
Silkscreen from the estate of Stephen Poleskie, Berggruen 11, Clark 12 Harrison
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
Helen Frankenthaler Untitled, from the estate of Stephen Poleskie (Berggruen 11, Clark 12, Harrison and Boorsch 11), 1967 Color silkscreen on wove paper Unframed A unique unsigned pr...
Screen
Ramblas
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011) is one of the most revered abstract painters of the 20th century in addition to being one of the most successful and collected female artists. Franke...
Lithograph
Helen Frankenthaler “Mary Mary” 1987
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in San Francisco, CA
Helen Frankenthaler: 1928-2011. Well listed very important American abstract expressionist. Her paintings have sold well into the millions of dollars. This particular print is done a...
Screen
Sold
H 33.75 in W 38.88 in
Lincoln Center (Aerie) Poster /// Helen Frankenthaler Female Abstract Modern Art
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Helen Frankenthaler (American, 1928-2011) Title: "Lincoln Center (Aerie)" Series: Lincoln Center Posters *Issued unsigned, though signed by Frankenthaler in the plate (printe...
Screen
Helen Frankenthaler - Lush Spring Framed Print
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Central, HK
This print features a reproduction of Lush Spring (1975) by Helen Frankenthaler. It’s mounted and laminated for protection from dust and UV rays, and floated in a hand-stained, natur...
Wood, Paper
Helen Frankenthaler - Tutti-Frutti Framed Print
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Central, HK
This print features a reproduction of Tutti-Frutti (1966) by Helen Frankenthaler. It's mounted and laminated for protection from dust and UV rays, and floated in a hand-stained, natu...
Wood, Paper
Sold
H 36.25 in W 36.25 in D 0.88 in
"Sun Corner" Modern Abstract Minimalist Blue, Yellow, Red, & Green Lithograph
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in Houston, TX
Modern abstract lithograph by American artist Helen Frankenthaler. The work features sweeping blocks of blue and yellow colors with central green and red markings. Signed, dated, and...
Screen
Midnight
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
DESCRIPTION aquatint and drypoint printed in colors, signed in pencil, dated, numbered 43/71 (total edition includes eight artist's proofs), on Magnani wove paper, with the blindstam...
Drypoint, Aquatint
Plaza Real
By Helen Frankenthaler
Located in New York, NY
A very good impression of this color soft-ground etching, etching and aquatint on White Rives BFK paper. Signed, dated and numbered 55/60 in pencil, lower margin. Printed and publish...
Color, Etching, Aquatint