Untitled (Plum Wing Formation), c.1980s, by American abstract artist Don Bowman (b.1934), is a signed 36 × 26 in. oil on paper acquired in New York City and executed using his signature free-flow oil technique.
Untitled (Plum Wing Formation) is a dramatic and elegantly balanced vintage abstraction by Don Bowman, renowned for his distinctive free-flow oil technique that creates feathered, translucent forms. This composition features layered wings of gray, slate, and plum that extend outward from a central ascending axis, producing a sense of lift, motion, and sculptural dimensionality. Soft tonal gradations and repeated rhythmic curves demonstrate Bowman’s mastery of guiding diluted oil across paper to achieve atmospheric precision. Signed at lower right and acquired in New York, this 36 × 26 in. work is a standout example of Bowman’s 1970s–80s period—highly collectible for its dynamic structure, refined palette, and unmistakably organic abstraction.
DETAILED ARTWORK DESCRIPTION
This striking vertical composition unfolds like a pair of abstract wings emerging from a central spine. Gentle gradations of slate, cloud gray, soft lavender, and deep plum overlap in rhythmic bands, creating a sculptural effect that appears both aerodynamic and botanical. The upward sweep of the forms suggests organic lift—fluttering feathers, unfolding petals, or ascending movement—while remaining fully non-representational.
Created in the 1980s, the work demonstrates Bowman’s celebrated free-flow oil method, in which heavily diluted oil paint is poured, pushed, and guided across heavyweight paper. The delicate feathering seen along each curved band is a hallmark of Bowman’s process: paint is allowed to travel naturally, forming soft ridges, diffused edges, and repeated arcs that cannot be replicated manually. These subtle textures speak to Bowman’s decades refining the balance between control and spontaneity.
Inspiration for this work aligns with Bowman’s fascination with natural movement—wind currents, bloom structures, wingbeats, or fluid organic geometry. Rather than depict any literal object, he captures sensation and energy through abstract form. The restrained palette of grays and plum creates a serene yet powerful atmosphere, enhancing the impression of upward lift and harmonic symmetry.
The work is pencil-signed “Don Bowman” at the lower right, conforming to signatures on documented oil-on-paper works from the same era.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY — DON BOWMAN (American, b.1934)
Don Bowman, born in 1934 in St. Louis, Missouri, is an American abstract painter best known for his innovative oil-on-paper abstractions and fluid color-field compositions. His early artistic aptitude led him to formal study at Lincoln University in Missouri, where he trained in commercial art, fine art, drawing, and design. This dual background—precision from commercial art and expressive sensitivity from fine art—shaped his lifelong approach to color, layering, and material exploration.
In the 1960s and 1970s Bowman worked in screen printing, illustration, mixed-media collage, and experimental painting before developing the unique free-flow oil technique that defines his mature work. Diluting oil paint and applying it to heavyweight paper laid flat, Bowman guides the pigment by tilting and manipulating the sheet, allowing gravity and capillary motion to create soft edges, feathered bands, and translucent layering. His compositions evoke organic forces—petals, wings, waves, atmospheric currents—while remaining rigorously abstract.
His work was exhibited in galleries in California, Missouri, and New York, and many pieces entered notable private and institutional collections during the late 20th century. Critics and collectors often connect Bowman’s aesthetic to lyrical abstraction, color field painting, and organic abstraction, noting the seamless blending of fluidity and discipline in his technique.
Bowman’s studio practice is defined by patience, precision timing, and a deep respect for the physical behavior of paint. Works like Untitled (Plum Wing Formation) reveal his gift for transforming simple pigments into structures that feel alive—poetic, rhythmic, and in continuous motion.
Don Bowman (American, b.1934)
Untitled (Plum Wing Formation), c.1980s
Oil on paper, 36 × 26 in.
Signed “Don Bowman,” lower right.
Elegant abstract composition featuring layered gray and plum wing-like forms created with Bowman’s signature free-flow oil technique. Very good vintage condition. Foxing on edge.
Provenance: Acquired in New York City; Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC.
CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
Artist: Don Bowman (American, b.1934)
Title: Untitled (Plum Wing Formation) (attributed)
Date: c.1980s
Medium: Oil on paper
Dimensions: 36 × 26 in.
Signature: Signed “Don Bowman,” lower right
Description:
A dramatic abstract oil-on-paper composition featuring feathered gray and plum forms that radiate like stylized wings, executed using Bowman’s free-flow oil method. The layered, translucent shapes create a soft, sculptural motion unique to his technique.
Authenticity:
The signature, materials, palette, and technique correspond with authenticated works by Don Bowman from the same period.
Condition:
Very good vintage condition with minor age-consistent toning. No tears or structural issues. Suitable for archival framing. Foxing on edge.
Provenance:
Don Bowman (Artist Studio)
Private Collection, New York City
Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC (current owner)
PROVENANCE CHAIN
Artist Studio — Don Bowman
Private Collection, New York City (acquired c.1980s)
Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC — Current Owner9. META BUSINESS SUITE LISTING
Untitled (Plum Wing Formation), c.1980s, by American abstract artist Don Bowman (b.1934), is a signed 36 × 26 in. oil on paper acquired in New York City and executed using his signature free-flow oil technique.
Untitled (Plum Wing Formation) is a dramatic and elegantly balanced vintage abstraction by Don Bowman, renowned for his distinctive free-flow oil technique that creates feathered, translucent forms. This composition features layered wings of gray, slate, and plum that extend outward from a central ascending axis, producing a sense of lift, motion, and sculptural dimensionality. Soft tonal gradations and repeated rhythmic curves demonstrate Bowman’s mastery of guiding diluted oil across paper to achieve atmospheric precision. Signed at lower right and acquired in New York, this 36 × 26 in. work is a standout example of Bowman’s 1970s–80s period—highly collectible for its dynamic structure, refined palette, and unmistakably organic abstraction.
DETAILED ARTWORK DESCRIPTION
This striking vertical composition unfolds like a pair of abstract wings emerging from a central spine. Gentle gradations of slate, cloud gray, soft lavender, and deep plum overlap in rhythmic bands, creating a sculptural effect that appears both aerodynamic and botanical. The upward sweep of the forms suggests organic lift—fluttering feathers, unfolding petals, or ascending movement—while remaining fully non-representational.
Created in the 1980s, the work demonstrates Bowman’s celebrated free-flow oil method, in which heavily diluted oil paint is poured, pushed, and guided across heavyweight paper. The delicate feathering seen along each curved band is a hallmark of Bowman’s process: paint is allowed to travel naturally, forming soft ridges, diffused edges, and repeated arcs that cannot be replicated manually. These subtle textures speak to Bowman’s decades refining the balance between control and spontaneity.
Inspiration for this work aligns with Bowman’s fascination with natural movement—wind currents, bloom structures, wingbeats, or fluid organic geometry. Rather than depict any literal object, he captures sensation and energy through abstract form. The restrained palette of grays and plum creates a serene yet powerful atmosphere, enhancing the impression of upward lift and harmonic symmetry.
The work is pencil-signed “Don Bowman” at the lower right, conforming to signatures on documented oil-on-paper works from the same era.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY — DON BOWMAN (American, b.1934)
Don Bowman, born in 1934 in St. Louis, Missouri, is an American abstract painter best known for his innovative oil-on-paper abstractions and fluid color-field compositions. His early artistic aptitude led him to formal study at Lincoln University in Missouri, where he trained in commercial art, fine art, drawing, and design. This dual background—precision from commercial art and expressive sensitivity from fine art—shaped his lifelong approach to color, layering, and material exploration.
In the 1960s and 1970s Bowman worked in screen printing, illustration, mixed-media collage, and experimental painting before developing the unique free-flow oil technique that defines his mature work. Diluting oil paint and applying it to heavyweight paper laid flat, Bowman guides the pigment by tilting and manipulating the sheet, allowing gravity and capillary motion to create soft edges, feathered bands, and translucent layering. His compositions evoke organic forces—petals, wings, waves, atmospheric currents—while remaining rigorously abstract.
His work was exhibited in galleries in California, Missouri, and New York, and many pieces entered notable private and institutional collections during the late 20th century. Critics and collectors often connect Bowman’s aesthetic to lyrical abstraction, color field painting, and organic abstraction, noting the seamless blending of fluidity and discipline in his technique.
Bowman’s studio practice is defined by patience, precision timing, and a deep respect for the physical behavior of paint. Works like Untitled (Plum Wing Formation) reveal his gift for transforming simple pigments into structures that feel alive—poetic, rhythmic, and in continuous motion.
Don Bowman (American, b.1934)
Untitled (Plum Wing Formation), c.1980s
Oil on paper, 36 × 26 in.
Signed “Don Bowman,” lower right.
Elegant abstract composition featuring layered gray and plum wing-like forms created with Bowman’s signature free-flow oil technique. Very good vintage condition. Foxing on edge.
Provenance: Acquired in New York City; Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC.
CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
Artist: Don Bowman (American, b.1934)
Title: Untitled (Plum Wing Formation) (attributed)
Date: c.1980s
Medium: Oil on paper
Dimensions: 36 × 26 in.
Signature: Signed “Don Bowman,” lower right
Description:
A dramatic abstract oil-on-paper composition featuring feathered gray and plum forms that radiate like stylized wings, executed using Bowman’s free-flow oil method. The layered, translucent shapes create a soft, sculptural motion unique to his technique.
Authenticity:
The signature, materials, palette, and technique correspond with authenticated works by Don Bowman from the same period.
Condition:
Very good vintage condition with minor age-consistent toning. No tears or structural issues. Suitable for archival framing. Foxing on edge.
Provenance:
Don Bowman (Artist Studio)
Private Collection, New York City
Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC (current owner)
PROVENANCE CHAIN
Artist Studio — Don Bowman
Private Collection, New York City (acquired c.1980s)
Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC — Current Owner9. META BUSINESS SUITE LISTING
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