Kenneth Shopen Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Kenneth Shopen Art Value Price Guide

Aug. 04, 2026
Kenneth Shopen - Abstract Expressionist Watercolor
Est: $200 - $10,000
Dynamic mid-century abstract watercolor by Kenneth Shopen, titled "Water Birds," dated 1952 and signed lower left. This vibrant composition blends gestural brushwork and layered color washes in the style of Abstract Expressionism, with suggestive imagery that evokes birds in motion amid a swirling, atmospheric landscape. Original exhibition or gallery label remains affixed to the verso. Framed dimensions: 35" x 29". Kenneth Shopen (1902-1967) was an American modernist painter active in Illinois and Vermont, known for his bold compositions and expressionist style. Working primarily in watercolor and oil, Shopen captured dynamic movement and emotion through abstract form. He exhibited regionally throughout the mid-20th century, contributing to the postwar modern art scene in Chicago and beyond.
Esquis Auction Services
Jun. 18, 2024
Kenneth Shopen, Untitled (Nudes in Repose)
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Kenneth Shopen Untitled (Nudes in Repose) c. 1935 oil on canvas 34.125 h x 40.125 w x 1 d in (87 x 102 x 3 cm) Signed to lower edge 'K Shopen'. This work will ship from Chicago, Illinois.
Wright
May. 08, 2024
Kenneth Shopen, Illinois, Vermont (1902 - 1967), female portrait / portrait in profile, etching / ink on paper, 11"H x 8 1/2"W (largest)
Est: $100 - $200
Kenneth Shopen Illinois, Vermont, (1902 - 1967) female portrait / portrait in profile etching / ink on paper Signed lower right. Biography from the Archives of askART: Born in Elgin, Illinois on September 11, 1902, Kenneth George Shopen was the son of a watchmaker. He began as a staff writer for the Elgin Daily News in 1920 but a year later he enrolled at the University of Illinois as an English major. He graduated in 1925 and then entered the School of the University of Illinois on a full-time scholarship. After graduation Shopen was hired as a part-time art teacher at Chicago's Latin School for Boys. This led to another position at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1931 where he remained for the next fourteen years. He was active in the Art Institute's annual exhibitions between 1931 and 1949. Also in the 1930s he took part in various groups dedicated to the art of etching and he exhibited watercolors at the Brooklyn Museum and at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. In 1931, 1941 and 1943 Shopen showed his works at the Carnegie Institute's international exhibitions. The U.S. War Department hired Shopen as an artist and teacher in June of 1945 in France and Germany. Naturally he was able to tour the major art centers in Europe, including Paris, Munich and Vienna where he could see old and new masters first-hand. Later Shopen became associate professor at the University of Illinois in Chicago, where he chaired various committees on grants and scholarships, curricula, and others. He was given numerous one-man shows in the Chicago area. In the summer Shopen taught at Dartmouth College and lectured at Vassar College. During the early years of television Shopen appeared on the "Impact" program, discussing the latest developments in art. In addition, Kenneth Shopen served as art critic for the Chicago Daily News (up to 1956). He retired to Norwich, Vermont where he died on 13 Nove
Ripley Auctions
Sep. 22, 2023
KENNETH SHOPEN (AMERICAN, 1902-1967)
Est: $100 - $200
Kenneth Shopen American, 1902-1967 Untitled, 1941 Watercolor, signed lower left Colorful naive streetside scene of a row of houses with farm equipment in the foreground, matted and framed.
Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers
Dec. 01, 2022
SHOPEN, Kenneth (American, 1902-1967). Water Birds. 1952. W...
Est: $200 - $400
SHOPEN, Kenneth (American, 1902-1967). Water Birds. 1952. Watercolor on paper, signed and dated lower left. 19 ¼ x 26”; framed and matted, 29 ¼ x 35 ¼”. Title and label on verso.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
May. 10, 2022
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967) Room in a "B" Hotel, 1945
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967) Room in a "B" Hotel, 1945 watercolor on paper signed Kenneth Shopen, dated, and inscribed Biarritz (upper left) 14 x 10 inches. Provenance: R.H. Love Galleries, Chicago (label verso)
Hindman
Mar. 23, 2022
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967) Untitled (Abstract)
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967) Untitled (Abstract) oil on masonite signed Shopen (lower right) 36 x 48 inches. Provenance: R.H. Love Galleries, Chicago, on behalf of the Estate of the Artist Exhibited: Chicago, R.H. Love Galleries, Action Abstraction by Kenneth Shopen, January 20-February 18, 1989.
Hindman
Sep. 16, 2018
Kenneth Shopen, (American, 1902-1967), Not Rain But Violets, 1950, oil on canvas, 24" x 30"
Est: $600 - $800
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967) Not Rain But Violets, 1950 oil on canvas signed and dated lower left 24" x 30"
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Jun. 04, 2016
Kenneth Shopen, (American, 1902-1967), Oak Street Beach, 1934, oil on canvas, 29" x 39.5"
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967) Oak Street Beach, 1934 oil on canvas signed and dated lower left 29" x 39.5" Provenance: R.H. Love Galleries, Inc., Chicago, Illinois (label on verso) Property from the Collection of Governor Jim Thompson, Chicago, Illinois Treadway Toomey Auctions, Oak Park, Illinois, December 7, 2013, Lot 468
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Oct. 03, 2015
After Kenneth Shopen (1902-1967) Abstract Painting
Est: -
Framed Behind Glass Acrylic On Paper With Black Ground Done In The Manner Of Listed Artist Shopen. No Signature Present. Overall Measurements 20.25" X 23.75"
EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Jul. 25, 2015
Attributed to Kenneth Shopen (1902-1967): Untitled
Est: $100 - $200
Attributed to Kenneth Shopen (1902-1967): Untitled Mixed media on wove paper, signed 'K. Shopen' lower left. 11 x 15 in. (sheet), unframed.
STAIR
Mar. 08, 2014
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967) "Arabesque," watercolor, 19.75" x 25", signed upper right, R.H. Love Galleries (Chicago, Illinois) label on verso, framed
Est: $200 - $300
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967) "Arabesque," watercolor, 19.75" x 25", signed upper right, R.H. Love Galleries (Chicago, Illinois) label on verso, framed
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Dec. 07, 2013
Kenneth Shopen
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967) "Oak Street Beach," 1934, oil on canvas, 29" x 39.5", signed and dated lower left, R. H. Love Galleries, Inc. (Chicago, Illinois) label on verso, framed Property from the Collection of Governor Jim Thompson, Chicago, Illinois
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Aug. 12, 2013
KENNETH SHOPEN (American. 1902-1967)
Est: $150 - $200
"Head Study". Signed "K. Shopen" and dated 1955 l/r. Ink on Paper. Sight measuring 18 1/2" by 11 1/4". Framed behind glass. (Cond: some waviness to paper top margin, light toning)
Auction Gallery of the Palm Beaches
May. 20, 2012
Kenneth Shopen, "Arabesque," c. 1950, watercolor
Est: $300 - $500
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967) "Arabesque," c. 1950, watercolor, 19.75" x 25", signed upper right, titled on R. H. Love Galleries (Chicago, Illinois) label on verso, framed
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
May. 22, 2011
Kenneth Shopen
Est: $200 - $400
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967) "Woman Dressing," c. 1935, charcoal drawing, 11.5" x 9", signed lower center, framed
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Jan. 21, 2010
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967) Portrait of an Artist at His Easel. Signed "K. Shopen" l....
Est: $100 - $200
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967) Portrait of an Artist at His Easel. Signed "K. Shopen" l.r., inscribed "a member of the Vt. marble Proctor family in Ken's class at UVM, summer '42" in pencil on the reverse. Pen and ink on paper, sheet size 11 1/2 x 9 1/4 in., unframed.
Skinner
Nov. 18, 2009
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967) Portrait of an Artist at His Easel. Signed "K. Shopen" l....
Est: $200 - $400
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967) Portrait of an Artist at His Easel. Signed "K. Shopen" l.r., inscribed "a member of the Vt. marble Proctor family in Ken's class at UVM, summer '42" in pencil on the reverse. Pen and ink on paper, sheet size 11 1/2 x 9 1/4 in., unframed.
Skinner
Sep. 27, 2009
***SHOPEN, KENNETH
Est: $250 - $350
(1902-1967 American) Coastal lighthouse scene, framed watercolor, approximate image size 18 3/4'' x 24 1/4'', frame 32'' x 38'', signed and dated 1945 in lower left corner.
Bunte Auction Services
Jun. 20, 2009
KENNETH SHOPEN (1902-1967): MISC. WORKS ON PAPER
Est: $75 - $125
Including watercolor, ink and a print, 12 signed and 3 dated 1933, 1940 and 1943; together with 2 unsigned watercolors, the largest: 11 1/2 x 15 1/4 in.
STAIR
Jun. 20, 2009
KENNETH SHOPEN (1902-1967): MISC. SKETCHES
Est: $100 - $300
In pencil, ink or charcoal, 10 x 7 in. to 14 1/2 x 11 1/2 in., 5 signed; 1 signed and dated and 1 dated 1935, together with seven unsigned works on paper.
STAIR
Jan. 31, 2008
KENNETH SHOPEN (American 1902-1967) "SCHOOL
Est: $500 - $1,000
KENNETH SHOPEN (American, 1902-1967) "SCHOOL BOYS".Oil on canvas scene shows five boys in an art class. They are shown with watercolors and brushes and have partially finished paintings in front of them. Signed lower right "K. Shopen 39". Housed in its original carved and gray painted frame which retains an original Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Second Biennial Exhibition of Contemporary American Paintings 1940 label with artist and title. SIZE: 27" x 45". CONDITION: Very good. 9-91021
James D. Julia
Jan. 31, 2008
KENNETH SHOPEN (American 1902-1967) ART CLASS.
Est: $400 - $800
KENNETH SHOPEN (American, 1902-1967) ART CLASS.Large oil on masonite classroom scene shows ten boys seated at small red and gray tables painting with watercolor paints. A teacher is seen overlooking the classroom and a wall map is seen against the back wall. Signed lower right "K. Shopen 1939". Housed in a good carved wood frame. SIZE: 40" x 48". CONDITION: Some scratches and chips, several chips where nails penetrated masonite to affix to frame at edges. 9-91020
James D. Julia
Jan. 10, 2008
Kenneth Shopen, (American, 1902-1967), The Kiss
Est: $300 - $500
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967) The Kiss watercolor on paper signed "Kenneth Shopen, 1948" (lower left) 19 x 24 1/2 inches.
Hindman
Dec. 02, 2007
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967) "Arabesque,"
Est: $800 - $1,100
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967) "Arabesque," c. 1948, watercolor, 19.5" x 25.5", signed, R.H. Love label on verso
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
Oct. 31, 2007
KENNETH SHOPEN, American, 1902-1967, Two head studies., Inks on paper, 13¾" x 11". Unframed and unmatted.
Est: $100 - $200
KENNETH SHOPEN American, 1902-1967 Two head studies. Both signed lower right "K. Shopen". One dated '57, the other '51. Inks on paper, 13 3/4" x 11". Unframed and unmatted.
Eldred's
Oct. 08, 2007
Kenneth Shopen O/C Dry Dock Boat
Est: $500 - $700
Kenneth Shopen, 1902-1967, Chicago, Illinois, oil on canvas, "Dry Dock Boat," signed lower right "K. Shopen," 20" x 24", possibly original wooden frame.
The Cobbs
May. 06, 2007
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967), "Arabesque",
Est: $800 - $1,200
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967), "Arabesque", c. 1948; watercolor, 19.5" x 25.5", signed; R.H. Love label verso.
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers
May. 23, 2004
Kenneth Shopen (American, 1902-1967)
Est: $500 - $700
"Positions", c. 1964; ink drawing, 13.5" x 19.5", signed and dated; titled verso
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers