About
About Leon Berkowitz 
Berkowitz (1911-1987), along with Morris Louis and Kenneth Noland, was one of the founders of the Washington Color School group. From the 1950s to the 70s these artists were primarily concerned with color field painting: a form of non-objective, non-representational art that explored ways to use large solid areas of paint.
 

Berkowitz developed a singular method of applying numerous thin glazes of oil color which allowed him to achieve a subtle visual luminosity that defines his work. Berkowitz's paintings investigate ways color and light can convey spirit and the passage of time. For Berkowitz, color was a vehicle for light, and light was a vehicle for the spirit. 

 

Berkowitz's work has maintained its significance in the development of contemporary American art. Throughout his career, Berkowitz has received numerous awards and honors including a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities.

 

Berkowitz's work is represented in major collections including the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Phillips Collection, the Museum of Modern Art, the Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, the Wadsworth Atheneum, the High Museum and the James A. Michener collection.

Artworks
  • Leon Berkowitz, Big Bend No. 11 (Double Violet), ca. 1976
    Leon Berkowitz
    Big Bend No. 11 (Double Violet), ca. 1976
    Oil on canvas
    108 x 83 in
    274.3 x 210.8 cm
  • Leon Berkowitz, Merlin #2, 1984
    Leon Berkowitz
    Merlin #2, 1984
    Oil on canvas
    72 x 90 in
    182.9 x 228.6 cm
  • Leon Berkowitz, Merlin #2, 1984
    Leon Berkowitz
    Merlin #2, 1984
    Oil on canvas
    72 x 90 in
    182.9 x 228.6 cm
  • Leon Berkowitz, Sunrise, Sunset, 1979
    Leon Berkowitz
    Sunrise, Sunset, 1979
    Lithograph
    0 11/0 x 9 in.
    22.86 cm
    24/250 250
  • Leon Berkowitz, Seven Lights (1 of 7), 1975
    Leon Berkowitz
    Seven Lights (1 of 7), 1975
    Oil on canvas
    108 x 56 in
    274.32 x 142.24 cm
  • Leon Berkowitz, Seven Lights (2 of 7), 1975
    Leon Berkowitz
    Seven Lights (2 of 7), 1975
    Oil on canvas
    108 x 56 in
    274.32 x 142.24 cm
  • Leon Berkowitz, Seven Lights (6 of 7), 1975
    Leon Berkowitz
    Seven Lights (6 of 7), 1975
    Oil on canvas
    108 x 56 in
    274.32 x 142.24 cm
  • Leon Berkowitz, Seven Lights (7 of 7), 1975
    Leon Berkowitz
    Seven Lights (7 of 7), 1975
    Oil on canvas
    108 x 56 in
    274.32 x 142.24 cm
  • Leon Berkowitz, Untitled, 1953
    Leon Berkowitz
    Untitled, 1953
    Oil on canvas
    47 1/2 x 56 in
    120.7 x 142.2 cm
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