Robert Natkin (1930-2010), was a celebrated American abstract painter known for his vibrant, textured works that fused Color Field painting, Abstract Expressionism, and lyrical abstraction. Born in Chicago, he studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and was influenced by Klee, Bonnard, and de Kooning. After moving to New York in the 1950s, he distanced himself from traditional Abstract Expressionism, developing a distinctive style featuring soft hues, layered patterns, and expressive textures.

He created several notable series—including Apollo, Intimate Lighting, and Field Mouse—each reflecting different thematic and stylistic explorations of abstraction. His work emphasized emotion, atmosphere, and decorative richness, positioning him as a joyful counterpoint to Minimalist tendencies.

Natkin’s art was widely exhibited and collected by major institutions like MoMA, the Whitney, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Often compared to Matisse and Kandinsky, he was also a thoughtful writer and theorist who championed painting as a deeply personal and intuitive act, eschewing rigid artistic classifications.