American Artists

• Colonial Portraiture

  Early American art was dominated by portraiture, reflecting a desire to document the founders of the new state. Artists like John Singleton Copley and Gilbert Stuart captured the likenesses of prominent figures, establishing a foundation for American artistic identity.

• Abstract Expressionism

  Emerging after World War II, Abstract Expressionism marked a shift in the global art world, with New York becoming a central hub. Artists such as Robert Motherwell and others explored non-representational forms, emphasising individual expression and emotional intensity.

• Pop Art

  In the mid-20th century, Pop Art emerged, challenging traditional notions of fine art by incorporating imagery from popular culture and mass media. Artists like Tom Wesselmann engaged with consumerism and celebrity culture, reflecting the changing social landscape of America.

• Land Art

  Emerging in the 1960s, Land Art saw artists creating large-scale interventions in the natural environment. Robert Smithson and others moved away from traditional gallery settings, engaging directly with the landscape to create monumental works.

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  Aaron Siskind

  1903–1991 · American

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  Abbott Handerson Thayer

  1849–1921 · American

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  Abraham Manievich

  1881–1941 · American

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  Ad Reinhardt

  1913–1967 · American

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  Adolph Gottlieb

  1903–1974 · American

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  Adrian Piper

  1948–present · American

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  Al Held

  1928–2005 · American

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  Albert Bloch

  1882–1961 · American

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  Albert Herter

  1871–1950 · American

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  Albert Pinkham Ryder

  1847–1917 · American

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  Alex Katz

  1927–present · American

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  Alexander Calder

  1898–1976 · American

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  Alexander Helwig Wyant

  1836–1892 · American

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  Alexander Pope

  1849–1924 · American

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  Alfred Heber Hutty

  1877–1954 · American

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  Alfred Jensen

  1903–1981 · American

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  Alfred Maurer

  1868–1932 · American

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  Alfred Stieglitz

  1864–1946 · American

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  Alice Aycock

  1946–present · American

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  Alice Baber

  1928–1982 · American

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  Alice Boughton

  1866–1943 · American

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  Alice Neel

  1900–1984 · American

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  Alice Pike Barney

  1857–1931 · American

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  Alison Knowles

  1933–2025 · American

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  Allan D'Arcangelo

  1930–1998 · American

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  Allan Kaprow

  1927–2006 · American

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  Allan McCollum

  1944–present · American

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  Allan Randall Freelon

  1895–1960 · American

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  Allen Ruppersberg

  1944–present · American

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  Alma Thomas

  1891–1978 · American

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  Alma Woodsey Thomas

  1891–1978 · American

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  Alonzo Chappel

  1828–1887 · American

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  Amy Feldman

  1981–present · American

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  Amy Sherald

  1973–present · American

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  Andres Serrano

  1950–present · American

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  Andrew Wyeth

  1917–2009 · American

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  Andy Warhol

  1928–1987 · American

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  Ann Hamilton

  1956–present · American

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  Anne Appleby

  1954–present · American

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  Anne Brigman

  1869–1950 · American

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  Anne Ryan

  1889–1954 · American

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  Anne Truitt

  1921–2004 · American

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  Anni Albers

  1899–1994 · American

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  Ansel Adams

  1902–1984 · American

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  Archibald Motley

  1891–1981 · American

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  Arthur Beecher Carles

  1882–1952 · American

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  Arthur Bowen Davies

  1862–1928 · American

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  Arthur Dove

  1880–1946 · American

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  Arthur Pinajian

  1914–1999 · American

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  Asher Brown Durand

  1796–1886 · American

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  Ashley Bickerton

  1959–2022 · American

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  Audrey Flack

  1931–2024 · American

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  Augusta Savage

  1892–1962 · American

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  Balcomb Greene

  1904–1990 · American

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  Barbara Jones-Hogu

  1938–2017 · American

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  Barbara Kruger

  1945–present · American

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  Barkley L. Hendricks

  1945–2017 · American

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  Barton Lidice Benes

  1942–2012 · American

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  Beatrice Wood

  1893–1998 · American

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  Beauford Delaney

  1901–1979 · American

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  Beeple

  1981–present · American

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  Ben Shahn

  1898–1969 · American

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  Benjamin Brown

  1865–1942 · American

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  Benjamin West

  1738–1820 · American

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  Benny Andrews

  1930–2006 · American

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  Betty Parsons

  1900–1982 · American

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  Betye Saar

  1926–present · American

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  Bill Bollinger

  1939–1988 · American

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  Bill Mayer

  1951–present · American

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  Bill Traylor

  1854–1949 · American

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  Bo Bartlett

  1955–present · American

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  Bob Dylan

  1941–present · American

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  Bradley Walker Tomlin

  1899–1955 · American

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  Brice Marden

  1938–2023 · American

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  Brion Gysin

  1916–1986 · American

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  Bruce Nauman

  1941–present · American

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  Burgoyne Diller

  1906–1965 · American

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  C-Note

  1965–present · American

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  Cadurcis Plantagenet Ream

  1838–1917 · American

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  Carl Andre

  1935–2024 · American

Showing the first 80 of 255 artists, alphabetically.

• What is America's greatest contribution to art?+

  America's most significant contribution is arguably Abstract Expressionism, which shifted the centre of the art world from Europe to New York after World War II. This movement, with figures such as Robert Motherwell, emphasised non-representational forms and individual artistic expression, marking a distinct departure from European traditions.
• Who are the most important American artists to know?+

  Robert Rauschenberg is a key figure, known for his innovative use of mixed media and his influence on Pop Art. Kara Walker is another important artist, whose work explores themes of race, gender, and power through silhouettes and installations. You can view works by both artists at major museums across the US.
• Which American artist is underappreciated?+

  Hannah Borger Overbeck, a ceramicist associated with the Arts and Crafts movement, is an underappreciated figure. Although not as famous as Robert Rauschenberg or Ellsworth Kelly, her contributions to American decorative arts are significant, showcasing a unique blend of craftsmanship and artistic vision.
• When did America develop a distinctive national style?+

  A distinctive national style began to emerge in the early 19th century, following the founding of the republic. While early American art was heavily influenced by European traditions, artists gradually incorporated indigenous themes and perspectives, leading to a more unique artistic identity.