Julian Schnabel's exploration into velvet paintings is another facet of his diverse artistic endeavors, highlighting his innovative approach to materials and thematic expression. Renowned for his Neo-Expressionist works, Schnabel's foray into painting on velvet serves as an intriguing chapter in his prolific career. This medium allowed him to experiment with texture and surface in ways that significantly departed from traditional canvas painting or his well-known plate paintings. Schnabel's velvet paintings are characterized by their rich tactile quality and the depth they lend to the painted subjects, contributing to the overall emotional and visual impact of the work​ (Encyclopedia Britannica)​​ (Wikipedia)​.

These paintings on velvet are part of Schnabel's broader engagement with unconventional materials, including broken crockery, wax, and antlers, which he employed across his oeuvre to challenge and expand the possibilities of painting. His work often merges abstract and figurative elements, creating complex, layered compositions that are as much about the act of painting itself as they are about the subjects depicted. The use of velvet, with its luxurious and somewhat anachronistic connotations, adds a particular depth and intensity to the imagery, further complicating the interplay between medium and message in his art​ (Wikipedia)​.

Schnabel's commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional painting surfaces is indicative of his position within the Neo-Expressionist movement, which emerged as a response to the minimalist and conceptual art trends of the previous decades. His work, whether on plates, velvet, or other materials, demonstrates a relentless pursuit of emotional expressiveness and a desire to engage the viewer in a direct, visceral manner. This approach has not only defined his practice but has also positioned him as a significant figure in the transition of painting into the contemporary era​ (Encyclopedia Britannica)​​ (The Art Story)​.