One After Another: Series and Studies
One After Another: Series and Studies investigates the role of seriality in artistic practice across more than two centuries of American art. Drawn entirely from PAFA’s permanent collection, this exhibition brings together sketchbooks, preparatory studies, serial prints, and suites of drawings to reveal how artists develop ideas over time.
Whether used for training, observation, material experimentation, or formal investigation, repetition emerges as a fundamental creative strategy. By presenting works in series rather than as isolated objects, the exhibition invites visitors into the often hidden processes through which artists revise and transform their ideas.
Featured Artwork: Violet Oakley (1874-1961), Study for the Scenes from the Life of Christ window (never completed), early 20th century, Watercolor on paper. Gift of the Violet Oakley Memorial Foundation, 2013.23.4.3.
Featured Artists
- Edna Andrade
- Alexander Calder
- Mary Cassatt
- Arthur Dove
- Winslow Homer
- Robert Motherwell
- Violet Oakley
- Peter Paone
- Howardena Pindell
- William Trost Richards
- Christian Schussele
- Andy Warhol
New Artists Featured
Because of the light sensitivity of works on paper, new works will be rotated into the exhibition in January 2027.
Featured artists will include:
- Laura Coombs Hills
- Charles Demuth
- Anna Huntington Stanley
- Alice Oh
- George Segal
- Frank Stella
Works on View | Fall 2026
Study for the Scenes from the Life of Christ window (never completed)
Early 20th century, Watercolor on paper.
Gift of the Violet Oakley Memorial Foundation, 2013.23.4.3.
The Bicentennial Tapestries:
Trois spirales (Three Spirals), 1975
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Berman, 1976.12
Morning at Rough Point, Newport, 1877
Watercolor on paper
Gift of Dorrace H. Hamilton in memory of
Samuel M.V. Hamilton, 2008.5.19
Works on View | Fall 2026–Spring 2027
Electric Chair, 1971
Silkscreen on paper
Henry C. Gibson Fund and Anonymous Gift
2006.16.1-10
Works on View | Spring 2027
Purple Irises, 1920s
Pastel 27 1/2 x 23 in.
(69.85 x 58.42 cm.)
Museum Purchase, 2018.12
Sinjerli Vairation Squared with Colored Ground III, 1981
Offset lithographic and screenprint
on Arches Cover Paper
Bequest of Bernice McIlhenny Wintersteen, 1986.31.4.6
Explore More Exhibitions
We're so excited you're planning to visit PAFA!
Make time for art — visit us Thursday to Sunday.
Before reserving your tickets, please review helpful information about museum hours, accessibility, building access, and special admission programs.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at visitorservices@pafa.org — we’d love to help!