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  • Most Popular Paintings
the collector's folio

Morris Louis Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Morris Louis our visitors look at most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Morris Louis · 1912 – 1962

Morris Louis: VAV

1960 · Tate Modern, London

Experience Morris Louis's 'VAV' (1960), a mesmerizing Color Field painting featuring vibrant, flowing hues and a unique staining technique. Explore its abstract beauty and the artist’s innovative approach.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #1: VAV
Art Movement
Color Field Painting
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 1 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Morris Louis: Ambi I

1960 · San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco · original 241 x 349 cm

Experience 'Ambi I' by Morris Louis – a mesmerizing Color Field painting of flowing acrylics that evokes atmospheric depth and movement. A landmark work showcasing his innovative veil technique.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #2: Ambi I
Art Movement
Color Field Painting
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 2 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17738 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Seal – Morris Louis

1959 · The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. · original 257 x 358 cm

‘Seal,’ created in 1959 by Morris Louis, exemplifies Color Field Painting with its expansive blue washes punctuated by darker hues. This masterpiece showcases Louis’s pioneering Veil method, resulting in an emotionally resonant artwork celebrated for its scale and textural subtlety.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #3: Seal
Art Movement
Color Field Painting
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 3 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Number 1-82

1961 · The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. · original 208 x 84 cm

Discover Morris Louis’ ‘Number 1-82,’ a vibrant Color Field masterpiece! Explore its bold horizontal bands, stark contrast & minimalist design – a key work of American art.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #4: Number 1-82
Art Movement
Color Field Painting
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 4 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17720 × 50 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$65884 × 208 cm Commission at original size

Number 99, Morris Louis

1960 · Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · original 251 x 361 cm

Experience 'Number 99' by Morris Louis – a vibrant Color Field masterpiece from 1960! Explore layered hues and innovative staining techniques at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #5: Number 99
Art Movement
Color Field Painting
Color Palette
Dark
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 5 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17738 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Dalet Tet

1959 · Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo

Explore Morris Louis's 'Dalet Tet,' a monumental Color Field painting of layered black and subtle hues. A captivating study in form, color, and the sublime – a masterpiece of abstract expressionism.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #6: Dalet Tet
Art Movement
Color Field Painting
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 6 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17730 × 33 cm Commission this artwork

Para III (1959) by Morris Louis

1959 · High Museum of Art, Atlanta

Explore "Para III" by Morris Louis – a vibrant 1959 Color Field painting showcasing dynamic stains & layered hues. A key work of Washington Color School abstract expressionism.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #7: Para III
Art Movement
Abstract Expressionism
Color Palette
Dark
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 7 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Morris Louis, Dalet Kaf (1959)

1959 · Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Fort Worth

Vibrant color field abstraction by Morris Louis (1959) featuring striking red, purple, and blue hues; explore this mid-century modern masterpiece today.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #8: Dalet Kaf
Art Movement
Color Field
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 8 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17738 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Where by Morris Louis

1960 · original 252 x 362 cm

Discover Morris Louis’ ‘Where,’ a captivating 1960 abstract expressionist masterpiece! Explore its vibrant stripes & unique resin technique at the Smithsonian.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #9: Where
Art Movement
Abstract Expressionism
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 9 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17738 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Broad Turning by Morris Louis, 1958

1958 · Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas · original 230 x 384 cm

‘Broad Turning’ by Morris Louis, created in 1958, is a seminal piece of Color Field Painting characterized by horizontal bands of layered acrylic resin (Magna) on canvas. Its subdued palette—primarily browns and ochres—captures the essence of natural elements like water and wind, reflecting Louis's pioneering approach to abstraction.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #10: Broad Turning
Art Movement
Color Field Painting
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 10 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17740 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Number 28 – Morris Louis

1961 · Walker Art Center, Minneapolis

Experience 'Number 28' by Morris Louis – a vibrant Color Field painting showcasing layered blues, greens, and reds. Explore its minimalist design and dynamic composition at WikiOO.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #11: Number 28
Art Movement
Color Field Painting
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 11 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Number 1-81

1961 · High Museum of Art, Atlanta

Experience the vibrant energy of Morris Louis's 'Number 1-81'! This Color Field masterpiece showcases layered, flowing bands of color—a bold exploration of form and emotion.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #12: Number 1-81
Art Movement
Color Field Painting
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 12 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17726 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Saraband by Morris Louis, 1959

1959 · Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York · original 256 x 378 cm

Morris Louis' 'Saraband' is a mesmerizing Color Field painting—a flowing cascade of vibrant hues evoking serenity and contemplation through layered acrylic washes. Explore its dynamic composition and unique stain technique.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #13: Saraband
Art Movement
Color Field Painting
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 13 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17738 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Gamma Lambda, Morris Louis

Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk · original 262 x 392 cm

“Gamma Lambda” by Morris Louis is a monumental Color Field painting characterized by expansive horizontal bands of color – primarily blue, green, and white – juxtaposed against a pristine white canvas. Employing Magna paint staining technique, Louis achieved a seamless surface devoid of brushstrokes, reflecting the influence of Cézanne and pioneering abstraction. Morris Louis Morris Louis: Gamma

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #14: Gamma Lambda
Art Movement
Color Field Painting
Color Palette
Pastels
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 14 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Delta Kappa by Morris Louis

1960 · Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas

Explore Morris Louis’ ‘Delta Kappa,’ a vibrant 1960 abstract expressionist masterpiece. Witness dynamic color fields & gestural brushstrokes in this iconic stain painting.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #15: Delta Kappa
Art Movement
Color Field Painting
Color Palette
Pastels
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 15 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17738 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Approach (1962) by Morris Louis

1962 · The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. · original 211 x 71 cm

Morris Louis' 'Approach' is a vibrant Color Field painting showcasing dynamic vertical bands of color—a captivating exploration of form, light, and space from the influential artist.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #16: Approach
Art Movement
Color Field Painting
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 16 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17719 × 54 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$58671 × 211 cm Commission at original size

High (1959) by Morris Louis

1959 · Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas

Own a stunning High by Morris Louis! This iconic 1959 Color Field painting offers vibrant hues & flowing lines. Hand-painted reproduction – elevate your art collection today.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #17: High
Art Movement
Color Field Painting
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 17 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Number 1, 1957, Morris Louis

1957 · Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Buffalo
View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #18: Number 1
Art Movement
Abstract Expressionism
Color Palette
Earthy
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 18 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Phi by Morris Louis, 1961

1961 · Tate Modern, London

'Phi', by Morris Louis (1961), embodies Color Field painting’s essence: expansive hues arranged in horizontal bands to evoke emotion. Utilizing Magna paint's satin finish, Louis captures movement and subtle layering, reflecting influences from Cézanne and Speicher.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #19: Phi
Art Movement
Color Field Painting
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 19 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Delta Lambda (1961)

1961 · Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · original 260 x 449 cm

Morris Louis' 'Delta Lambda' is a mesmerizing Color Field painting featuring flowing, layered hues converging on a stark white canvas. Explore its dynamic composition and innovative technique.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #20: Delta Lambda
Art Movement
Color Field Painting
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 20 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17741 × 24 cm Commission this artwork

Morris Louis, Partition (1962)

1962 · Tate Modern, London

Experience the tranquil flow of Morris Louis's Color Field masterpiece, Partition (1962), featuring serene horizontal bands of muted color for a calming focal point.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #21: Partition
Art Movement
Color Field Painting
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 21 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17777 × 13 cm Commission this artwork

Alpha (1960)

1960 · Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Buffalo

Morris Louis's 'Alpha' (1960) is a seminal Color Field painting—a vibrant cascade of layered acrylics evoking tranquility and movement. Explore its dynamic composition, innovative staining technique, and influence on abstract art.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #22: Alpha
Art Movement
Color Field Painting
Color Palette
Neutrals
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 22 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Airborn, Morris Louis

1959

Explore Morris Louis's 'Airborn,' a mesmerizing Color Field painting featuring flowing washes of vibrant hues—reds, oranges, yellows—that evoke flight and capture the essence of abstract expressionism.

View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #23: Airborn
Art Movement
Color Field Painting
Color Palette
Pastels
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 23 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17732 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Beth Rash – Morris Louis

1959
View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #24: Beth Rash
Art Movement
Abstract Expressionism
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 24 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Blue Column, 1960, Morris Louis

1960 · The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. · original 203 x 55 cm
View the most popular artwork of Morris Louis ranked #25: Blue Column
Art Movement
Color Field
Color Palette
Dark
Technique
Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made
To order, by a trained painter
Popularity
No. 25 of 115 artworks by Morris Louis
Delivery
Worldwide, about 5 weeks
from$17717 × 59 cm Commission this artwork
Same size as the original$47555 × 203 cm Commission at original size
The artist

Morris Louis

1912 – 1962

Portrait of Morris Louis
Quick facts
  • Museums on APSTate Modern, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Toledo Museum of Art, Fogg Museum
  • Movementscolor field, color field painting
  • NationalityUnited States
  • Born1912, Baltimore, United States
  • Gift suitabilitycorporate gift
  • Corpus themesabstract expressionism, color field, geometric abstraction, washington color school, innovation
  • Copyright statusUnder copyright
  • Mediumsacrylic on canvas
Biography

Early Life and Education

  • Born: Morris Louis Bernstein, November 28, 1912, Baltimore, Maryland
  • Parents: Louis Bernstein (furniture salesman) and Cecelia Luckman Bernstein.
  • Education: Attended public schools in Baltimore; Maryland Institute of Fine and Applied Arts (now MICA), 1929-1932. Did not complete a degree.
  • Early influences included Eugene Speicher and Paul Cézanne.
  • Showed an early interest in art, encouraged by his family despite limited opportunities in Baltimore.

Development as an Artist & Key Influences

  • 1930s: Worked various odd jobs to support himself while painting (vegetable peeling, laundry work, Gallup Poll research).
  • 1934-1936: Participated in the Public Works of Art Project mural project under Sam Swerdloff.
  • 1936-1937: Moved to New York City; experimented with techniques at the Siqueiros Workshop.
  • Magna Paint Discovery (1948): A pivotal moment – Louis pioneered the use of Magna paint, a newly developed oil-based acrylic paint created for him by Leonard Bocour and Sam Golden. This allowed for greater fluidity and transparency in his work.
  • Influence of Helen Frankenthaler: In 1953, Louis and Kenneth Noland visited Frankenthaler's studio and were deeply impressed by her stain paintings (particularly "Mountains and Sea"). This inspired their experimentation with pouring and staining techniques.

The Veil Paintings & Color Field Innovations

  • Mature Veil Paintings (1954): Characterized by overlapping, superimposed layers of transparent color poured onto and stained into sized or unsized canvas.
  • Technique: Extremely diluted paint was applied to an unprimed, unstretched canvas, allowing it to flow over the inclined surface, creating translucent color veils. This eliminated brushstrokes and emphasized flatness.
  • Color Field Painting: Louis became a central figure in Color Field painting, simplifying pictorial space and emphasizing flat planes of intense color. He was part of the Washington Color School movement.
  • Series & Styles: Beyond the Veil paintings, he explored series like florals, columns (1960), unfurleds (1960-61) – featuring rivulets of opaque color – and stripe paintings (1961-62).

Major Achievements & Historical Significance

  • Pioneering Color Field Painting: Louis is recognized as a key innovator in Color Field painting, alongside artists like Kenneth Noland and Helen Frankenthaler.
  • Influence on Abstract Expressionism: His work expanded the boundaries of Abstract Expressionism by focusing on color and flatness rather than gesture or composition.
  • Washington Color School: A significant contributor to this influential movement, which emphasized a reductive approach to painting.
  • Destruction of Works: Notably, Louis destroyed many of his paintings between 1955 and 1957, reflecting a critical self-assessment of his work.
  • Legacy: His emphasis on color, flatness, and the materiality of paint continues to influence contemporary artists.

Later Years & Death

  • Louis continued painting prolifically until his death.
  • Death: Died September 7, 1962, in Washington, D.C., at the age of 49.
  • Memorial Exhibition (1963): A significant exhibition was held at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum shortly after his death.
  • Retrospective Exhibitions: Major retrospectives followed at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (1967), and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. (1976).

Questions & Answers

Where are Morris Louis's artworks grouped by technique?

To find all works by Morris Louis in a given medium, use the artist's All Medium page.

How do I find works by Morris Louis on a specific theme?

The By Keywords page of Morris Louis groups the artist's artworks by their keywords.

What are the birthplace and birth year of Morris Louis?

Morris Louis was born in Baltimore in 1912.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Sept. 1, 2026
Collector's quiz
  1. What was Morris Louis's birth name?

  2. Which artistic movement is Morris Louis most closely associated with?

  3. What innovative material did Louis pioneer the use of in the 1950s?

  4. Where was Morris Louis living when he and Kenneth Noland visited Helen Frankenthaler's studio?

Keep exploring

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one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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