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Gene Davis Art

American, 1920-1985
Davis was born in Washington D.C. in 1920 and spent nearly all his life there. Before he began to paint in 1949, he worked as a sportswriter, covering the Washington Football Team and other local teams. Working as a journalist in the late 1940s, he covered the Roosevelt and Truman presidential administrations, and was often President Truman's partner for poker games. His first art studio was in his apartment on Scott Circle; later he worked out of a studio on Pennsylvania Avenue. Davis's first solo exhibition of drawings was at the Dupont Theater Gallery in 1952, and his first exhibition of paintings was at Catholic University in 1953. A decade later he participated in the "Washington Color Painters" exhibit at the Washington Gallery of Modern Art in Washington, DC, which traveled to other venues around the US, and launched the recognition of the Washington Color School as a regional movement in which Davis was a central figure. The Washington painters were among the most prominent of the mid-century color field painters. Though, he worked in a variety of media and styles, including ink, oil, acrylic, video, and collage, Davis is best known by far for his acrylic paintings (mostly on canvas) of colorful vertical stripes, which he began to paint in 1958. The paintings typically repeat particular colors to create a sense of rhythm and repetition with variations. One of the best-known of his paintings, "Black Grey Beat" (1964), owned by the Smithsonian American Art Museum reinforces these musical comparisons in its title. The pairs of alternating black and grey stripes are repeated across the canvas, and recognizable even as other colors are substituted for black and grey, and returned to even as the repetition of dark and light pairs is here and there broken by sharply contrasting colors. In 1972 Davis created Franklin's Footpath, which was at the time the world's largest artwork, by painting colorful stripes on the street in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the world's largest painting, Niagara (43,680 square feet), in a parking lot in Lewiston, NY. His "micro-paintings", at the other extreme, were as small as 3/8 of an inch square. For a public work in a different medium altogether, he designed the color patterns of the "Solar Wall," a set of tubes filled with dyed water and backlit by fluorescent lights, at the Muscarelle Museum of Art at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Davis began teaching in 1966 at the Corcoran School of Art, where he became a permanent member of the faculty. His works are in the collections of, among others, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, The Phillips Collection in Washington, DC, the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, MN, The Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza Art Collection in Albany, NY, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. He died on April 6, 1985 in Washington, DC.
(Biography provided by Georgetown Frame Shoppe)
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Banjo, Abstract Minimalist Lithograph by Gene Davis
By Gene Davis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Gene Davis’s captivating Color Field compositions of vertical lines and evolving color is demonstrated in this print. Alternating from blue to yellow and then red, the vertical strip...
Category

1980s Gene Davis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Royal Curtain 1980 Signed Limited Edition Lithograph
By Gene Davis
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Gene Davis Royal Curtain - 1980 Print - Silkscreen, on Arches archival paper 30'' x 22'' inches Edition: signed in pencil and marked 180/250 Unframed Known for his dazzling and ...
Category

1980s Gene Davis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Homage to Barnett Newman /// Abstract Geometric Gene Davis Minimal Screenprint
By Gene Davis
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Gene Davis (American, 1920-1985) Title: "Homage to Barnett Newman" *Signed and dated by Davis in pencil lower right Year: 1979 Medium: Original Screenprint on unbranded soft-...
Category

1970s Abstract Gene Davis Art

Materials

Screen

Sonata, Minimalist Stripe Lithograph by Gene Davis
By Gene Davis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Gene Davis, American (1920 - 1985) Title: Sonata Year: 1980 Medium: Lithograph on Arches paper, signed and numbered in pencil, verso Edition: 250 Paper Size: 20.75 x 28.5 inc...
Category

1980s Minimalist Gene Davis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Royal Curtain
By Gene Davis
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Gene Davis Title: Royal Curtain Medium: Screenprint on Arches paper Date: 1980 Edition: 166/250 Frame Size: 35" x 26 1/2" Sheet Size: 29 3/4" x 21 3/4" Signature: Signed and ...
Category

1980s Gene Davis Art

Materials

Screen

Narcissus Gene Davis minimalist abstract color field lithography with blue
By Gene Davis
Located in New York, NY
Vertical lines in muted colors take on the organic quality of handmade paper, resulting in this subtle iteration of Gene Davis’ iconic color field stripe paintings. The title "Narcis...
Category

1970s Abstract Gene Davis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Ferris Wheel: abstract modern minimalist color field drawing with rainbow colors
By Gene Davis
Located in New York, NY
This geometric, minimalist print glows in rainbow shades. Vibrant raspberry pink, magenta, yellow, lime green, and sky-blue lines take on the organic quality of handmade paper, resul...
Category

1970s Abstract Gene Davis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Sonata, Minimalist Stripe Lithograph by Gene Davis
By Gene Davis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Gene Davis, American (1920 - 1985) Title: Sonata Year: 1980 Medium: Lithograph on Arches paper, signed and numbered in pencil, verso Edition: 250 Paper Size: 20.75 x 28.5 inc...
Category

1980s Minimalist Gene Davis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Three Aces abstract Gene Davis minimalist color field with rainbow colors
By Gene Davis
Located in New York, NY
Rainbow shades shine in this abstract, color field print. Vibrant red, yellow, orange, purple, and green lines take on the organic quality of handmade paper, resulting in this subtle...
Category

1970s Abstract Gene Davis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Gene Davis Signed and Numbered Limited Edition Black Witch Series Serigraph 1974
By Gene Davis
Located in Dallas, TX
Large scale serigraph by Gene Davis 'Black Witch Series' on archival paper signed and numbered in pencil, 24 of 150. Executed in 1974, 72" x 45" in the original frame with plexiglass...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Gene Davis Art

Materials

Paper

Untitled (1983) - Colorfield Composition - Blue, Red, Black, White & Yellow
By Gene Davis
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Provenance: Charles Cowles Gallery, New York, NY Signed & Dated verso
Category

1980s Abstract Geometric Gene Davis Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Shooting Star 1979 Large Signed Screen Print
By Gene Davis
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Shooting Star - 1979 Print - Silkscreen 36.5'' x 36.75'' Edition: Signed in pencil, dated and marked 238/250 Unframed
Category

1970s Color-Field Gene Davis Art

Materials

Screen

Tom Thumb 1979 Large Signed Screen Print
By Gene Davis
Located in Rochester Hills, MI
Tom Thumb - 1979 Print - Silkscreen 36.5'' x 36.75'' Edition: Signed in pencil, dated and marked 250/250 Unframed
Category

1970s Color-Field Gene Davis Art

Materials

Screen

Home Run: abstract modern minimalist color field drawing with rainbow colors
By Gene Davis
Located in New York, NY
Rainbow shades shine in this abstract, color field print. Vibrant red, yellow, orange, purple, and green lines take on the organic quality of handmade paper, resulting in this subtle...
Category

1970s Abstract Gene Davis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Series 2
By Gene Davis
Located in Irvine, CA
This is a bright color screenprint on canvas laid on board by American artist Gene Davis (1920-1985). It is titled "Series 2", measures 30" x 24" and completed in 1969. It is beautif...
Category

1960s Abstract Gene Davis Art

Materials

Canvas, Board, Screen

Gene Davis Signed and Numbered Limited Edition Color Field Lithograph 1972
By Gene Davis
Located in Dallas, TX
Gene Davis Large Scale Lithograph on Archival paper Signed and numbered in pencil. Titled Yankee Doodle and executed in 1972. Original frame ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Gene Davis Art

Materials

Paper

Homage to Barnett Newman
By Gene Davis
Located in New York, NY
A very good impression of this color screenprint on white wove paper. Signed and numbered 248/250 in pencil by Davis. Based on a series of oil paintings made by Davis, completed afte...
Category

1970s Color-Field Gene Davis Art

Materials

Color, Screen

Bullet Proof Gene Davis color field 1960s multicolor abstract stripe print
By Gene Davis
Located in New York, NY
This Gene Davis screenprint can only be described as jewel toned, with vibrant ink in peridot green, sapphire blue, turquoise green, amethyst purple, carnelian brown, grey, and pink....
Category

1960s Color-Field Gene Davis Art

Materials

Canvas, Board, Screen

Carousel, Minimalist Stripe Lithograph by Gene Davis
By Gene Davis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Gene Davis Title: Carousel Year: 1980 Medium: Lithograph on Arches Paper, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 250 Image 13.5 x 20 inches Paper Size: 17 x 24 inches
Category

1980s Color-Field Gene Davis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Royal Curtain /// Contemporary Abstract Geometric Expressionist Gene Davis Art
By Gene Davis
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Gene Davis (American, 1920-1985) Title: "Royal Curtain" *Signed by Davis in pencil lower right Year: 1980 Medium: Original Screenprint on Arches paper Limited edition: 250. (The number may differ from what is shown in the photos) Printer: Alpha Omega...
Category

1980s Abstract Gene Davis Art

Materials

Screen

Lilac, Minimalist Lithograph by Gene Davis
By Gene Davis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Gene Davis Title: Lilac Year: 1980 Medium: Lithograph on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 250 Paper Size: 21.75 x 30 inches
Category

1980s Minimalist Gene Davis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Yankee Doodle /// Abstract Geometric Gene Davis Huge Screenprint Colorful Modern
By Gene Davis
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Gene Davis (American, 1920-1985) Title: "Yankee Doodle" *Signed and numbered by Davis in pencil lower right Year: 1972 Medium: Original Screenprint on wove paper, laid down t...
Category

1970s Abstract Gene Davis Art

Materials

Canvas, Screen

Gene Davis Acrylic Color Field Painting on Canvas titled King's Bedchamber 1971
By Gene Davis
Located in Dallas, TX
Monumentally scaled, abstract, hard-edge painting with vertical stripes by world-renowned American color field painter Gene Davis. Titled King's Bedchamber and executed in 1971. Par...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gene Davis Art

Materials

Paint

Untitled (Purple and Yellow)
By Gene Davis
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled (Purple and Yellow) Pastel on paper, 1981 Signed and dated lower right Provenance: Collection of Jan Cowles Jan Cowles was married to Gardner Cowles owner of Cowles Media Company (1935–1998) which owned newspapers, magazines and information publishing company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the United States. The company operated Cowles Business Media, Cowles Creative Publishing, and Cowles Enthusiast Media units. Owners of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune from 1935 to 1998, other newspapers owned at one time by Cowles Media and its affiliates included the Des Moines Register, the Buffalo Courier...
Category

1980s Abstract Gene Davis Art

Materials

Pastel

Tightrope: abstract modern minimalist color field drawing with rainbow colors
By Gene Davis
Located in New York, NY
Rainbow shades shine in delicate clusters of vertical lines, in this abstract, geometric lithograph. Vibrant yellow, green, magenta pink, blue and brown take on the organic quality o...
Category

1970s Abstract Gene Davis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Gene Davis, Blackwatch III, Op Art Lithograph by Gene Davis
By Gene Davis
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large, minimalist stripe print entitled "Black Watch III" by American Color Field artist, Gene Davis. The print is signed and numbered in pencil a...
Category

1970s Minimalist Gene Davis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Untitled (Yellow, Gray and Pink)
By Gene Davis
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled (Yellow, Gray and Pink) Pastel on paper, 1981 Signed and dated lower right Condition: Excellent Sheet size: 12 x 18 inches Frame size: 15 x 21 inches Provenance: Jan Cowles Jan Cowles was married to Gardner Cowles owner of Cowles Media Company (1935–1998) which owned newspapers, magazines and information publishing company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the United States. The company operated Cowles Business Media, Cowles Creative Publishing, and Cowles Enthusiast Media units. Owners of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune from 1935 to 1998, other newspapers owned at one time by Cowles Media and its affiliates included the Des Moines Register, the Buffalo Courier...
Category

1980s Abstract Gene Davis Art

Materials

Pastel

Adam's Rib, Minimalist Stripe Lithograph by Gene Davis
By Gene Davis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Gene Davis Title: Adam's Rib Year: 1980 Medium: Lithograph on Arches Paper, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 250 Size: 19 x 27 in. (48.26 x 68.58 cm)
Category

1980s Abstract Gene Davis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Witch Doctor: abstract modern minimalist color field drawing with rainbow colors
By Gene Davis
Located in New York, NY
Vibrant magenta, yellow, orange, brown, purple, lime green, jungle green, dark green, cerulean, and sky-blue lines take on the organic quality of handmade paper, resulting in this su...
Category

1970s Abstract Gene Davis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Green Giant, Minimalist Print by Gene Davis
By Gene Davis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Gene Davis Title: Green Giant Year: 1980 Medium: Lithograph on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil verso Edition: 250 Paper Size: 26 x 28.5 inches
Category

1970s Abstract Gene Davis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Banjo, Minimalist Stripe Lithograph by Gene Davis
By Gene Davis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Gene Davis, American (1920 - 1985) Title: Banjo Year: 1981 Medium: Lithograph on Arches Paper, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 250 Size: 21.25 x 28.5 in. (53.98 x 7...
Category

1980s Color-Field Gene Davis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Gene Davis Pencil Signed and Numbered Limited Edition Exhibition Poster
By Gene Davis
Located in Hudson, NY
This poster for an exhibition undertaken by the Smithsonian Institution and was produced as a Resident Associates Program Exhibit for the organizations 10th anniversary. The work is pencil signed and numbered 80 of 200. Davis was born in Washington DC in 1920 and died in the city he gave so much to in 1985. A major 20th-century figure in American painting Davis's contributions to Washington were invaluable in helping to establish DC as a center for contemporary art. Davis is also recognized as a prime mover in the national and international Color Abstract Movement and his ascendance to prominence started in the 1960s. He was never formally trained and learned his craft by constant gallery and museum visits and later said that this lack of boundaries from education freed him from any limitation on his work or process. Davis worked within the loosely formed Washington color school of painters which included other artists like Kenneth Nolan...
Category

1970s American Vintage Gene Davis Art

Materials

Metal

Royal Curtain, Minimalist silkscreen by Gene Davis
By Gene Davis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Gene Davis, American (1920 - 1985) Title: Royal Curtain Year: 1980 Medium: Silkscreen in Colors on Arches, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 250 Paper Size: 29.75 x 21....
Category

1980s Abstract Gene Davis Art

Materials

Screen

Ferris Wheel
By Gene Davis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Gene Davis Title: Ferris Wheel Year: 1980 Medium: Lithograph on Arches Paper, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 250 Image Size: 18 x 25.5 in...
Category

1980s Abstract Gene Davis Art

Materials

Lithograph

Yellow Jack
By Gene Davis
Located in Hollywood, FL
Artist: Gene Davis Title: Yellow Jack Medium: Lithograph Signed: Hand Signed Measurements: 25" x21.5" Edition Number: AP XV Condition:Excellent. This piece has been stored in a ...
Category

1970s Abstract Gene Davis Art

Materials

Lithograph

"Royal Canoe" Colorful Striped Geometric Abstract Lithograph
By Gene Davis
Located in Houston, TX
Colorful abstract geometric lithograph by American abstract painter Gene Davis. The painting features bigger stripes in red, blue, orange and smaller ones in pink, blue, and light gr...
Category

1970s Abstract Gene Davis Art

Materials

Screen

Untitled (Yellow Green, Gray and Pink)
By Gene Davis
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled (Yellow Green, Gray and Pink) Pastel on paper, 1981 Signed and dated lower right Provenance: Jan Cowles Jan Cowles was married to Gardner Cowles owner of Cowles Media Company (1935–1998) which owned newspapers, magazines and information publishing company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the United States. The company operated Cowles Business Media, Cowles Creative Publishing, and Cowles Enthusiast Media units. Owners of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune from 1935 to 1998, other newspapers owned at one time by Cowles Media and its affiliates included the Des Moines Register, the Buffalo Courier...
Category

1980s Abstract Gene Davis Art

Materials

Pastel

Sky Cycle
By Gene Davis
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Gene Davis, American (1920 - 1985) Title: Sky Cycle Year: 1978 Medium: Oil on Raw Canvas, signed and dated verso Size: 47 x 33 in. (119.38 x 83.82 cm) Frame Size: 49 x 35 i...
Category

1970s Minimalist Gene Davis Art

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Gene Davis art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Gene Davis art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of blue, orange, pink and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Gene Davis in lithograph, screen print, canvas and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the abstract style. Not every interior allows for large Gene Davis art, so small editions measuring 16 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Raymond Parker, Mark Tobey, and Melissa Meyer. Gene Davis art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $960 and tops out at $60,000, while the average work can sell for $2,500.

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