Avery 1968 by Doug Ohlson
Avery (1968)
Doug Ohlson's Avery: A Study in Chromatic Balance
Created in 1968, "Avery" represents Doug Ohlson's mature exploration of abstract expressionism through the lens of color field painting. This work emerges from a period when Ohlson had distanced himself from the gestural abstraction of earlier years, focusing instead on the emotional resonance of carefully juxtaposed color planes. The painting's title, while seemingly neutral, belies the complexity of its composition—an interplay of geometric forms that simultaneously advance and recede across the picture plane.
The 1968 dating places "Avery" at a crucial juncture in post-war American art, when color field painters were redefining abstraction through pure chromatic relationships. Ohlson's approach differs from his Washington Color School contemporaries through his insistence on structural armatures within the composition, creating a tension between flatness and architectural depth that would become his hallmark.
Ohlson in the Late 1960s: Color as Composition
By 1968, Doug Ohlson had established himself as a formidable presence in the second generation of Abstract Expressionists. Unlike the first generation's emphasis on spontaneous gesture, Ohlson belonged to a cohort that treated color as a structural element rather than an expressive tool. This distinction becomes evident in "Avery," where the artist employs color as both subject and compositional framework.
Ohlson's work during this period reflects the influence of his Washington, D.C. environment, where the political climate of the late 1960s infused abstract art with new urgency. While avoiding literal representation, paintings like "Avery" capture the era's tension through contrasting color relationships and carefully calibrated spatial ambiguity.
Technical Mastery in Avery
Composition and Spatial Dynamics
Ohlson constructs "Avery" through a series of interlocking color fields that create the illusion of spatial depth while maintaining the picture's fundamental flatness. The composition employs a grid-like structure that serves as both armature and disruption, with color planes appearing to float above or recede below the picture surface.
Chromatic Relationships
The painting's color palette demonstrates Ohlson's sophisticated understanding of hue relationships. Warm tones balance cool ones in a carefully calibrated proportion, with the artist using value contrasts to create visual vibration. This approach differs from the uniform color fields of artists like Mark Rothko, instead finding kinship with the structural color experiments of Josef Albers.
Print & Frame Details
| Artist | Doug Ohlson |
| Original Year | 1968 |
| Art Style | Abstract Expressionism |
| Subject Matter | Abstract Composition |
| Size | 30×40 cm (12×16") |
| Print Method | Framed Poster |
| Paper | Museum-quality archival paper |
| Frame | Solid wood frame with conservation glazing |
| Glazing | UV-protective acrylic |
| Shipping | Free worldwide shipping, 5–10 business days |
| Returns | 30-day return policy, no restocking fees |
Own This Abstract Masterwork
Bring Doug Ohlson's "Avery" into your space as a museum-quality framed print. Each piece includes premium framing and conservation glazing, with free worldwide shipping and a 30-day guarantee.
View Framed PrintDisplaying Avery in Contemporary Interiors
The 30×40 cm dimensions of this framed print make it particularly versatile for residential and commercial spaces. The artwork's balanced composition and neutral color palette allow it to complement both modern and traditional interiors. For optimal visual impact, consider positioning the print at eye level in a well-lit area, where the interplay of colors can be fully appreciated. The print's scale works especially well above console tables or as part of a curated gallery wall arrangement.
Each print comes with a handcrafted solid wood frame and conservation-quality glazing. The framing is designed to complement the artwork while providing museum-level protection.
Yes, we provide free worldwide shipping on all orders with no minimum purchase required. Delivery typically takes 5–10 business days depending on your location.
Our prints are produced using archival-quality paper and professional printing techniques to ensure color fidelity and longevity. The process preserves the original artwork's vibrancy for decades.
We offer a 30-day return window for all purchases. If you're not completely satisfied with your framed print, you may return it for a full refund or exchange.
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