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Summer Twilight by Edward Mitchell Bannister
Madame X (Madame Pierre Gautreau) by John Singer Sargent
Nocturne in Black and Gold – The Falling Rocket by James McNeill Whistler
Portrait of Charles Deering by John Singer Sargent
Cirque Calder by Alexander Calder
Two Dutch Hearts by Jim Dine
Four Dutch Hearts by Jim Dine
Abstract Composition in Purple, Blue, Pink, Black, and Gray by Mark Rothko
No. 37/No. 19 (Slate Blue and Brown on Plum) by Mark Rothko
Self-Portrait/Photogravure by Chuck Close
The Swimmer in the Econo-mist (painting 1) by James Rosenquist
Flag by Jasper Johns

American Artists

261 artists

🇺🇸 Back to Discover

American art began as a transplanted European tradition, evolving into a distinct voice by the late 19th century. Early American art was largely portraiture, driven by a desire to record the founders of a new nation. The 20th century saw the rise of movements like Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and Minimalism, establishing New York as a global art centre. American artists have consistently engaged with social and political issues, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression through diverse media, including photography, land art, and new media.

Key Movements

12 movements shaped american art.

Abstract Expressionism 1943–1965 (29)Realism 1840–1880 (20)Contemporary 1970–present (16)Pop Art 1955–1970 (15)Impressionism 1860–1890 (13)Minimalism 1960–1975 (13)Art Nouveau 1890–1910 (11)Modernism 1860–1970 (11)Expressionism 1905–1930 (7)Symbolism 1880–1910 (6)

Key Artists

Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol

1928–1987 · American

Keith Haring

Keith Haring

1958–1990 · American

Georgia O'Keeffe

Georgia O'Keeffe

1887–1986 · American

Jackson Pollock

Jackson Pollock

1912–1956 · American

Roy Lichtenstein

Roy Lichtenstein

1923–1997 · American

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Jean-Michel Basquiat

1960–1988 · American

Edward Hopper

Edward Hopper

1882–1967 · American

Mark Rothko

Mark Rothko

1903–1970 · American

Key Ideas

  • Colonial Portraiture

    Early American art was dominated by portraiture, reflecting a desire to document the founders of the new state. Artists like John Singleton Copley and Gilbert Stuart captured the likenesses of prominent figures, establishing a foundation for American artistic identity.

  • Abstract Expressionism

    Emerging after World War II, Abstract Expressionism marked a shift in the global art world, with New York becoming a central hub. Artists such as Robert Motherwell and others explored non-representational forms, emphasising individual expression and emotional intensity.

  • Pop Art

    In the mid-20th century, Pop Art emerged, challenging traditional notions of fine art by incorporating imagery from popular culture and mass media. Artists like Tom Wesselmann engaged with consumerism and celebrity culture, reflecting the changing social landscape of America.

  • Land Art

    Emerging in the 1960s, Land Art saw artists creating large-scale interventions in the natural environment. Robert Smithson and others moved away from traditional gallery settings, engaging directly with the landscape to create monumental works.

Museums in United States

172 museums.

New York City (23)

Washington D.C. (14)

Los Angeles (5)

San Francisco (4)

Cambridge (3)

Philadelphia (3)

Chicago (3)

New Haven (2)

Boston (2)

St. Louis (2)

Seattle (3)

Baltimore (2)

Dallas (3)

Tulsa (2)

Houston (2)

Minneapolis (2)

Princeton (2)

San Antonio (3)

Cincinnati (2)

Williamstown (2)

San Diego (2)

Milwaukee (2)

Detroit (1)

Portland (2)

Buffalo (1)

Providence (1)

Indianapolis (1)

Pittsburgh (1)

Cleveland (1)

Nashville (1)

Toledo (1)

Kansas City (1)

Worcester (1)

Bentonville (1)

Pasadena (1)

New Britain (1)

Richmond (1)

Hartford (1)

Raleigh (1)

Denver (1)

Northampton (1)

Chadds Ford (1)

Sarasota (1)

San Marino (1)

Oberlin (1)

Louisville (1)

Honolulu (1)

Ponce (1)

Omaha (1)

Fort Worth (1)

Tempe (1)

Columbus (1)

Manchester (1)

Wilmington (1)

Athens (1)

Lawrence (1)

Norfolk (1)

Ann Arbor (1)

Valparaiso (1)

Brunswick (1)

Des Moines (1)

Andover (1)

Allentown (1)

Wichita (1)

Pittsfield (1)

Palm Beach (1)

Muncie (1)

Dayton (1)

Atlanta (1)

Farmington (1)

Tarrytown (1)

Shelburne (1)

Ocala (1)

Canajoharie (1)

Waterville (1)

Davenport (1)

Potomac (1)

Ithaca (1)

Rochester (1)

Muskegon (1)

Phoenix (1)

Syracuse (1)

Lincoln (1)

St. Johnsbury (1)

Asheville (1)

Birmingham (1)

Greenwich (1)

Cody (1)

Lewiston (1)

Jacksonville (1)

Moline (1)

Bloomington (1)

Santa Fe (1)

Austin (1)

Madison (1)

Elkhart (1)

Cedar Rapids (1)

College Park (1)

Palm Springs (1)

St. Petersburg (1)

Mountainville (1)

Glens Falls (1)

Online (1)

Tucson (1)

Iowa City (1)

All American Artists

261 artists.

Showing the first 80 of 261 artists, alphabetically.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is America's greatest contribution to art?
    America's most significant contribution is arguably Abstract Expressionism, which shifted the centre of the art world from Europe to New York after World War II. This movement, with figures such as Robert Motherwell, emphasised non-representational forms and individual artistic expression, marking a distinct departure from European traditions.
  • Who are the most important American artists to know?
    Robert Rauschenberg is a key figure, known for his innovative use of mixed media and his influence on Pop Art. Kara Walker is another important artist, whose work explores themes of race, gender, and power through silhouettes and installations. You can view works by both artists at major museums across the US.
  • Which American artist is underappreciated?
    Hannah Borger Overbeck, a ceramicist associated with the Arts and Crafts movement, is an underappreciated figure. Although not as famous as Robert Rauschenberg or Ellsworth Kelly, her contributions to American decorative arts are significant, showcasing a unique blend of craftsmanship and artistic vision.
  • When did America develop a distinctive national style?
    A distinctive national style began to emerge in the early 19th century, following the founding of the republic. While early American art was heavily influenced by European traditions, artists gradually incorporated indigenous themes and perspectives, leading to a more unique artistic identity.

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