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Alma Thomas — Untitled
Alma Thomas

Untitled

1960

This watercolor composition features a striking vertical structure composed of vibrant prismatic colors set against a dominant red field. A narrow band of layered hues, including purple, green, yellow, and blue, creates a luminous core that contrasts sharply with the surrounding scarlet washes. The artist has employed loose, gestural brushwork that allows the paper to show through in places, creating a sense of atmospheric depth and movement. The interplay between the intense red saturation and the delicate chromatic center suggests themes of energy, light, or spiritual passage.

Medium
watercolor on paper
Overall

Notes

Contemporary Day Auction, Sotheby's, sale on 2026-05-15.

🔨 Auction Lot

Contemporary Day Auction

May 15, 2026

Estimate: $80,000$120,000

For Sale

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About this work

Alma Thomas, Untitled, 1960

This watercolor composition features a striking vertical structure composed of vibrant prismatic colors set against a dominant red field. A narrow band of layered hues, including purple, green, yellow, and blue, creates a luminous core that contrasts sharply with the surrounding scarlet washes. The artist has employed loose, gestural brushwork that allows the paper to show through in places, creating a sense of atmospheric depth and movement. The interplay between the intense red saturation and the delicate chromatic center suggests themes of energy, light, or spiritual passage.

Medium
watercolor on paper
Dimensions
overall: 67.9 x 56.8 cm
Year
1960
Seen at
Sotheby's, New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris

Related themes

Abstract Watercolor, Mid Century Modern, Red Field, Color Study, Vertical Composition, American Modernism, Prismatic Light, Gestural Abstraction, Chromatic Abstraction, Paper Works, Color Field Painting, Expressive Color

More works by Alma Thomas

Collected by

Sarah Greenspan, Art Institute of Chicago