In 1890s Arkhipov resorted to the joining of different genres in his paintings: “The Radonitsa” (1892), “After break of ice” (1894–1895) and others. Arkhipov exposed his painting “On the Oka River” at the 18th exhibition of the Society of Travelling Art Exhibitions (TPKhV). After this exhibition Arkhipov achieved fame; he became a member of this Society.

In 1904 Arkhipov became one of the founders of the Union of Russian Artists (SRKh). The painting manner of Arkhipov changed at that time: from careful depicting of all details to free impressionistic strokes. Arkhipov succeeded to combine impressionism and art of the Itinerants in order to attain dramatic effect: Laundresses (1890s and 1901), The North village (1902), Guests (1914) etc.

Arkhipov’s favorite motif was image of young peasant woman, in warm colors with predominant red color.

In 1912 Arkhipov traveled a lot; he visited France, Germany, Italy, and the North of Russia. He painted many landscapes of the Russian North: Boat wharf in the North (1903), In the North (1912) and others.

After 1917 style and theme of Arkhipov’s painting did not change. His peasant women in red preserved folk traditions. However dominant red color gained revolutionary’s support. The painter combined traditionalism and political loyalty. He joined the Association of the artists of Revolutionary Russia (AKhRR). The peasant portraits Peasant of Ryazan province (1925), Peasant woman in green apron (1927) were painted in his recognizable style.

In 1927 Arkhipov painted the portrait of M. I. Kalinin; he tried to paint in official style, but failed.

In 1918–1920 Arkhipov lectured in the State Free Art Studios; in 1922–1924 — in the Higher State Artistic and Technical Workshops (VKhUTEMAS). In different time his students were F. S. Bogorodsky, S. V. Gerasimov, B. V. Ioganson, V. V. Meshkov, A. A, Plastov, K. F. Yuon.

In 1927 Arkhipov was awarded title of the People’s Artist of the RSFSR in connection with the 40th anniversary of the labor activity of the artist.

Works by Abram Arkhipov are in many museum collections, including the State Tretyakov Gallery, the State Russian Museum, and other museums of Russia.