Untitled (Desert Wind Forms) is a striking abstract mixed-media composition by Piet Althers, a fifth-generation Dutch artist renowned for his mastery of color, movement, and atmospheric space. In this 36 × 24 in. work, Althers layers acrylic, collage textures, and sweeping pastel strokes over soft gradients of sand, taupe, and mauve. Two elongated, aerodynamic forms streak across the composition like drifting dune shadows or wind-shaped desert currents. Rich accents of plum, ivory, charcoal, and metallic tones enhance the dynamic flow of this elegant European modernist work. Signed “Althers,” this vintage piece exemplifies the artist’s iconic fusion of delicate color, expressive gesture, and serene spatial depth.
This refined 36 × 24 in. mixed-media piece presents two sharp, elongated abstract forms slicing across a softly modulated sand-toned background. The palette—warm beige, pale ivory, lavender, plum, charcoal, and soft metallic hues—evokes desert light, geological layering, and atmospheric motion.
Althers’ technique blends acrylic, layered collage textures, and dry-media gestural strokes, creating both dimension and movement. The background features gentle, wave-like gradients resembling sand dunes or wind-curved fabric. In contrast, the foreground marks are bold and linear—threadlike strokes that sweep outward into elongated aerodynamic shapes. His characteristic “slipstream” movement is fully present here: a sense of energy captured in stillness.
This work belongs to Althers’ 1970s–80s atmospheric abstraction period, where he explored natural phenomena—wind, water, light, and motion—through nonrepresentational yet nature-infused forms. The composition feels both grounded and ethereal, as if capturing a fleeting moment when wind lifts the desert surface into shimmering motion.
The piece is pencil-signed “Althers” at the lower left.
Piet Althers, born in 1930 in Holland, is a fifth-generation artist from a long-established Dutch family of painters and sculptors. Immersed in fine art from childhood, he trained under the guidance of his father, mastering drawing, composition, and classical European techniques at an early age.
At twelve years old, Althers and his family relocated to Spain, a transition that profoundly shaped his artistic vision. There he absorbed the expressive tendencies of Spanish modernism and the influence of Mediterranean light, color, and gesture. His first solo exhibition in 1951 marked the beginning of a rich and prolific European career.
Althers traveled extensively throughout Europe, painting and exhibiting in Spain, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. In addition to painting, he achieved recognition in ceramics and tapestry design, fields that reinforced his sensitivity to surface texture and layering—qualities visible in his later mixed-media works.
The artist moved to the United States in 1980, where his luminous abstractions and floral works were celebrated by collectors for their delicate tonal harmonies and rhythmic movement. His mature style blends European refinement with sweeping modern expressiveness, often evoking natural forces through abstract form. Works such as Untitled (Desert Wind Forms) embody Althers’ lifelong commitment to beauty, motion, and atmospheric depth.
Piet Althers (Dutch–Spanish–American, b.1930)
Untitled (Desert Wind Forms), c.1970s–1980s
Collage, acrylic & mixed media on paper
36 × 24 in.
Signed lower left “Althers.”
Elegant abstract composition with dune-like gradients and elongated gestural forms in plum, ivory, and charcoal. A strong example of Althers’ atmospheric European modernist style.
Provenance: Acquired in NYC; Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC.
Artist: Piet Althers (b.1930, Holland)
Title: Untitled (Desert Wind Forms) (attributed)
Date: c.1970s–1980s
Medium: Collage, acrylic & mixed media on paper
Dimensions: 36 × 24 in.
Signature: Signed “Althers,” lower left
Description:
A refined abstract mixed-media composition featuring two elongated gestural forms over soft sand-toned gradients. Rendered with acrylic, collage textures, and expressive pastel-like strokes characteristic of Althers’ mature modernist techniques.
Authenticity:
Signature, materials, and stylistic elements correspond with documented works by Piet Althers.
Condition:
Very good vintage condition with minor age toning typical of mixed-media works on paper. No tears or structural issues. Suitable for archival framing.
Provenance:
Piet Althers (Artist Studio)
Private Collection, New York City
Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC (current owner)
Piet Althers (Artist Studio)
Private Collection, New York City
Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC — Current Owner
Untitled (Desert Wind Forms) is a striking abstract mixed-media composition by Piet Althers, a fifth-generation Dutch artist renowned for his mastery of color, movement, and atmospheric space. In this 36 × 24 in. work, Althers layers acrylic, collage textures, and sweeping pastel strokes over soft gradients of sand, taupe, and mauve. Two elongated, aerodynamic forms streak across the composition like drifting dune shadows or wind-shaped desert currents. Rich accents of plum, ivory, charcoal, and metallic tones enhance the dynamic flow of this elegant European modernist work. Signed “Althers,” this vintage piece exemplifies the artist’s iconic fusion of delicate color, expressive gesture, and serene spatial depth.
This refined 36 × 24 in. mixed-media piece presents two sharp, elongated abstract forms slicing across a softly modulated sand-toned background. The palette—warm beige, pale ivory, lavender, plum, charcoal, and soft metallic hues—evokes desert light, geological layering, and atmospheric motion.
Althers’ technique blends acrylic, layered collage textures, and dry-media gestural strokes, creating both dimension and movement. The background features gentle, wave-like gradients resembling sand dunes or wind-curved fabric. In contrast, the foreground marks are bold and linear—threadlike strokes that sweep outward into elongated aerodynamic shapes. His characteristic “slipstream” movement is fully present here: a sense of energy captured in stillness.
This work belongs to Althers’ 1970s–80s atmospheric abstraction period, where he explored natural phenomena—wind, water, light, and motion—through nonrepresentational yet nature-infused forms. The composition feels both grounded and ethereal, as if capturing a fleeting moment when wind lifts the desert surface into shimmering motion.
The piece is pencil-signed “Althers” at the lower left.
Piet Althers, born in 1930 in Holland, is a fifth-generation artist from a long-established Dutch family of painters and sculptors. Immersed in fine art from childhood, he trained under the guidance of his father, mastering drawing, composition, and classical European techniques at an early age.
At twelve years old, Althers and his family relocated to Spain, a transition that profoundly shaped his artistic vision. There he absorbed the expressive tendencies of Spanish modernism and the influence of Mediterranean light, color, and gesture. His first solo exhibition in 1951 marked the beginning of a rich and prolific European career.
Althers traveled extensively throughout Europe, painting and exhibiting in Spain, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. In addition to painting, he achieved recognition in ceramics and tapestry design, fields that reinforced his sensitivity to surface texture and layering—qualities visible in his later mixed-media works.
The artist moved to the United States in 1980, where his luminous abstractions and floral works were celebrated by collectors for their delicate tonal harmonies and rhythmic movement. His mature style blends European refinement with sweeping modern expressiveness, often evoking natural forces through abstract form. Works such as Untitled (Desert Wind Forms) embody Althers’ lifelong commitment to beauty, motion, and atmospheric depth.
Piet Althers (Dutch–Spanish–American, b.1930)
Untitled (Desert Wind Forms), c.1970s–1980s
Collage, acrylic & mixed media on paper
36 × 24 in.
Signed lower left “Althers.”
Elegant abstract composition with dune-like gradients and elongated gestural forms in plum, ivory, and charcoal. A strong example of Althers’ atmospheric European modernist style.
Provenance: Acquired in NYC; Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC.
Artist: Piet Althers (b.1930, Holland)
Title: Untitled (Desert Wind Forms) (attributed)
Date: c.1970s–1980s
Medium: Collage, acrylic & mixed media on paper
Dimensions: 36 × 24 in.
Signature: Signed “Althers,” lower left
Description:
A refined abstract mixed-media composition featuring two elongated gestural forms over soft sand-toned gradients. Rendered with acrylic, collage textures, and expressive pastel-like strokes characteristic of Althers’ mature modernist techniques.
Authenticity:
Signature, materials, and stylistic elements correspond with documented works by Piet Althers.
Condition:
Very good vintage condition with minor age toning typical of mixed-media works on paper. No tears or structural issues. Suitable for archival framing.
Provenance:
Piet Althers (Artist Studio)
Private Collection, New York City
Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC (current owner)
Piet Althers (Artist Studio)
Private Collection, New York City
Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC — Current Owner
