2008
Inspired by Abstract Expressionism and driven by deep curiosity, artist Michael Pauker has created an expansive oeuvre that is inclusive of abstract and figurative paintings, landscapes, sculptures, prints and collages constructed with scraps of aging historical documents, watercolor paints and found objects.
“As an artist, I am not a one-trick pony,” he has said. “Some artists find success doing one thing and stick just with it. But my curiosity is omnivorous. I’m driven by images I’ve never seen before, both abstract and figurative.”
Born in 1957 in New York, Pauker knew he wanted to be an artist from the age of 15. He earned his BFA from the State University of New York (SUNY), then in 1989, completed his MFA at Mills College (now Mills College at Northeastern University) in Oakland where he was awarded the City of Oakland Fellowship in Painting.
Since 1988, Pauker has lived and worked in the Bay Area, teaching art in various venues such as schools, colleges and institutions including the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, the state’s prison hospital, for several years. When he isn’t teaching, Pauker focuses on creating art — the mediums of which can change by the moment.
While he works in oil on canvas for most of his paintings, Pauker is also known for his “Miniature Collage” series. He has worked on this series for more than a decade. Other works include abstract drawings and figurative watercolors blended with collages of vintage paper, stamps and found objects — his Oesterreich II is an example of the latter.
Pauker has exhibited widely across the United States, Japan and Costa Rica, and his works are held in the public collections of many institutions including the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
Find authentic Michael Pauker art on 1stDibs.
"A Disturbance in the Force" Contemporary Large-Scale Surreal Figural Abstract
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
A striking, large-scale contemporary surreal figurative abstract by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b. 1957). Titled "A Disturbance in the Force" on verso. Signed "Michael ...
Canvas, Oil
"The Temptation of St. Anthony", Contemporary Surreal Figurative Abstract
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
A contemporary take on The Temptation of St. Anthony, a subject often depicted in a surreal style bordering on the bizarre by masters from the Renaissance to Mid-Century Modernism, by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b. 1957). Titled "The Temptation of St. Anthony" on verso. Signed "Michael Pauker" and dated 2007 on verso. Acquired with a collection of his work. Canvas size: 67"H x 54"W. Notable versions of The Temptation of St. Anthony include: Saint Anthony Abbot Tempted by a Heap of Gold - Sienese, 15th-century The Temptation of St Anthony - a widely-circulated engraving by Martin Schongauer The Temptation of Saint Anthony...
Canvas, Oil
"Sui Generis Redux" Contemporary Large-Scale Surreal Figurative Abstract w Face
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
A striking contemporary large-scale surreal figurative abstract, with a head of a man floating in a blue, yellow, and white space by Bay Area Figurative artist Michael Pauker (American, b. 1957). Titled "Sui Generis...
Canvas, Oil
"Selfie in Hell" Figurative Abstract
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
"Selfie in Hell", a large-scale figurative abstract evoking the style of Basquiat, where many faces and figures are layered in the chaotic space that is Paulker's hell, by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b.1957). Signed "Michael Paulker...
Canvas, Oil
"Goodbye to All That" - Contemporary Surreal Figurative Abstract Landscape
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
Contemporary large-scale surreal figurative abstract depicting a Miro-esque red form at the focal point, surrounded by limb-like shapes, knives, and a looming blue face set in a drea...
Canvas, Oil
"Cafe Society", Surreal Large-Scale Figurative Abstract
By Michael Pauker
Located in Soquel, CA
"Cafe Society", a large-scale figurative abstract evoking the style of Basquiat, where many faces, figures, and a blue bust with glowing eyes are layered in a surreal, dream-like space by Bay Area artist Michael Pauker (American, b.1957). Signed "Michael Paulker...
Canvas, Oil
Untitled Mixed Media Painting, Neo-Expressionist, Late 20th Century
By Jean Sanglar
Located in Miami, FL
Jean Sanglar was born in France in 1926. He draws with taste and talent from an early age, however, his family will only consider this a mere hobby. After studying law, he later took...
Mixed Media
The sorrows of your changing face -Daniel Erban, 20th Century, Outsider painting
By Daniel Erban
Located in Paris, FR
Acrylic paint on paper Signed Unique work
Paper, Acrylic
"The Lonely Crowd", Surrealist, Portrait, Mixed Media, Collage, Acrylic Painting
By John Baker
Located in Franklin, MA
John Baker’s “The Lonely Crowd” is a multi-colored acrylic painting on canvas with collage 40 x 60 inches. Blues, yellows and greens predominate while reds provide color accents. The...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Untitled, Contemporary Mixed Media on Canvas by Greg Kessler
By Greg Kessler
Located in Long Island City, NY
Greg Kessler, American (1966 - ) - Untitled, Medium: Mixed Media on Canvas, Size: 20 x 24 in. (50.8 x 60.96 cm)
Mixed Media
Personaje, figurative acrylic painting of man standing facing left
By Mike Rivero
Located in San Diego, CA
"Personaje" acrylic and marker on board figurative painting of man standing, by Southern California artist Mike Rivero. Painted in red, black, green, pink on a yellow background with horizontal white line on bottom portion. The colors of the figures are saturated, contrasted by a more muted palette in the background. This contrast place the figures in a protagonist’s role. Signed at bottom left and on reverse. Dated on reverse. Framed in blonde 1.75" wide frame (measures H 16", W 12" unframed). Inside the studio with Mike Rivero is quite an experience. Mike not only enjoys painting, he also enjoys sharing the knowledge of art that he has acquired over the years and his love of music. Mike was born with a natural affinity to be an artist, continuing to paint over time, and later studying with private mentors. Mike is inspired by the Bay Area Figurative Art...
Canvas, Acrylic
Melancholy - Large Format, Modern Figurative Oil Painting, New Expressionism
By Maciej Olekszy
Located in Hallein, AT
Maciej Olekszy was born in 1982, Poland. Graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Poznan, Poland in 2007. Faculty of Painting in the studio of Professor Jan Świtka. He made his de...
Canvas, Oil
