Leon Polk Smith

American, 1906 - 1996

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The image shows bold, curving shapes creating three distinct sections on the canvas. The top and bottom display vibrant red-orange forms contrasting against a large dark center. The abstract design resembles an inverted 'M' at the top and a rounded mound at the bottom, suggesting landscape horizons or flowing fabrics. The simplicity of the abstract forms utilizes bold color and form to challenge the viewer's perception of familiar objects.
Leon Polk Smith, Stretch of Black III, 1961, oil on canvas, Gift of Eleanor Ward, 1971.89.1

Stretch of Black III

Leon Polk Smith · 1961 · oil on canvas ·  Accession ID  1971.89.1
The image shows an arrangement of geometric shapes, circles divided into two colors: green and orange. There are two columns, each with four circles, forming a grid across the canvas. Each circle is split in half vertically, with the upper half being orange and the lower half green. The design resembles a simplified pie chart or stylized yin-yang symbols. The repetitive shapes and bold colors draw connections to objects like traffic lights or billiard balls.
Leon Polk Smith, Untitled, 1973, opaque watercolor and graphite on wove paper in spiral bound pad, Gift of Leon Polk Smith Foundation, 2017.137.6.1

Untitled

Leon Polk Smith · 1973 · opaque watercolor and graphite on wove paper in spiral bound pad ·  Accession ID  2017.137.6.1
There are two vertical columns of semicircular shapes mirrored along the center axis. The shapes are in alternating colors of orange, green, and black on a beige background.
Leon Polk Smith, Untitled, 1973, opaque watercolor nd graphite on wove paper in spiral bound pad, Gift of Leon Polk Smith Foundation, 2017.137.6.2

Untitled

Leon Polk Smith · 1973 · opaque watercolor nd graphite on wove paper in spiral bound pad ·  Accession ID  2017.137.6.2
The image consists of circular shapes divided into segments with distinct color blocks, creating geometric patterns. The left side displays rows of orange, green, and black semicircles, while the right side features red and green semicircles paired together in an interlocking pattern. The arrangement of shapes in the artwork reflects balance and rhythm through color and symmetry.
Leon Polk Smith, Untitled, 1973, spiral bound pad containing two drawings in opaque watercolor and graphite on wove paper, Gift of Leon Polk Smith Foundation, 2017.137.6.1-2

Untitled

Leon Polk Smith · 1973 · spiral bound pad containing two drawings in opaque watercolor and graphite on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2017.137.6.1-2
The image shows three squares with rounded corners, each divided diagonally into two triangles. The squares are arranged in a descending diagonal line across the canvas. The triangles are colored in a vibrant yellow hue.
Leon Polk Smith, Untitled, 1972, collage of yellow paper on heavyweight wove paper with graphite additions, Gift of Leon Polk Smith Foundation, 2017.137.5

Untitled

Leon Polk Smith · 1972 · collage of yellow paper on heavyweight wove paper with graphite additions ·  Accession ID  2017.137.5
The image shows two overlapping ellipses segmented into three distinct color sections: blue, white, and black.
Leon Polk Smith, Constellation, Milky Way, 1970, acrylic on canvas, Gift of the Leon Polk Smith Foundation, 2012.26.1

Constellation, Milky Way

Leon Polk Smith · 1970 · acrylic on canvas ·  Accession ID  2012.26.1
The image shows a large black shape in the center overlapping a white triangular background shape. The composition has a minimalist and abstract appearance.
Leon Polk Smith, Tamarind Institute, Untitled, 1968, lithograph (aluminum) in black on J. Green paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1984.34.826

Untitled

Leon Polk Smith, Tamarind Institute · 1968 · lithograph (aluminum) in black on J. Green paper ·  Accession ID  1984.34.826
The image shows a large, angular triangle shape in teal set against a red background. The design resembles a paper plane or arrowhead pointing upwards. The clean lines and contrasting colors create a bold visual statement in this abstract artwork.
Leon Polk Smith, Tamarind Institute, Untitled, 1968, lithograph (aluminum) in red and blue-green on white Arches paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1984.34.824

Untitled

Leon Polk Smith, Tamarind Institute · 1968 · lithograph (aluminum) in red and blue-green on white Arches paper ·  Accession ID  1984.34.824
The image displays a large circle with a bold orange segment and a blue rectangular piece inserted into it. The contrast between the colors and shapes creates a visually intriguing abstract composition.
Leon Polk Smith, Tamarind Institute, Untitled, 1968, lithograph (aluminum) in yellow and blue on Copperplate Deluxe paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1984.34.832

Untitled

Leon Polk Smith, Tamarind Institute · 1968 · lithograph (aluminum) in yellow and blue on Copperplate Deluxe paper ·  Accession ID  1984.34.832
A large circle is divided into three triangular segments with a sharp peak at the top. The abstract composition uses dark green, black, and blue colors. The segments together form a geometrical pattern within the circle.
Leon Polk Smith, Tamarind Institute, Untitled, 1968, lithograph (aluminum and stone) in green, blue andblack on Copperplate Deluxe paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1984.34.829

Untitled

Leon Polk Smith, Tamarind Institute · 1968 · lithograph (aluminum and stone) in green, blue andblack on Copperplate Deluxe paper ·  Accession ID  1984.34.829