Ford Beckman (1952–2014) was an American Postwar & Contemporary painter, born in Columbus, Ohio. He rose to prominence in the New York art scene in the late 1980s, known for his "Black Wall Paintings" and "Pop Paintings", which featured overpainted or collaged screenprints of clowns. His work explored the human condition between life, disappearance, and hope, often blending abstraction with symbolic imagery.

In 1991, Beckman shifted toward abstract expressionism, using yellow, black, and white in dynamic, non-geometric compositions. He applied paint by dripping it onto canvas—reminiscent of Jackson Pollock’s technique—creating energetic, organic forms. This period included the "La Roma" series, inspired by his friendship with Cy Twombly, produced in Twombly’s studio in Gaeta.

Beckman lived in New York and New Canaan, Connecticut, before moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he died in 2014 at age 62 from a heart attack. He was deeply committed to his faith, viewing his art as a celebration of that belief.

His works are held in major public collections including:

• Whitney Museum of American Art, New York

• Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles

• San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

• Saatchi Collection, London

• Panza Collection, Italy

• Essl Collection, Vienna

He was represented by galleries such as Craig Cornelius Gallery, Tony Shafrazi Gallery, and Galerie Brennecke, and his art has been exhibited internationally.