5.3 Abstract Landscapes and Late Career Developments

Willem de Kooning's late career saw a dramatic shift from intense figurative works to serene abstract landscapes. This change, influenced by his move to rural East Hampton, marked a new phase in his artistic journey.

De Kooning's abstract landscapes featured vibrant colors, bold brushstrokes, and complex compositions. These works showcased his evolving interests, focusing on the pure experience of painting and challenging traditional notions of landscape art.

Willem de Kooning's Late Career Shift to Abstract Landscapes

Shift to abstract landscapes

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• In the late 1950s and early 1960s, de Kooning gradually transitioned from his earlier figurative works to more abstract landscapes
  • Some paintings still featured recognizable elements of the figure, but the landscapes became increasingly abstracted over time
  • Focus shifted to color, gesture, and the interplay of forms rather than representational content
• De Kooning's move to rural East Hampton, Long Island in 1963 significantly influenced his shift towards abstract landscapes
  • Natural surroundings of his new environment (rolling hills, expansive skies, coastal vistas) inspired him to explore the landscape as a subject
  • Often worked outdoors, directly observing and responding to the light, colors, and forms of the landscape
• Abstract landscapes marked a departure from the intense psychological and figurative content of his earlier works (Women series)
  • Landscapes were more serene, contemplative, and focused on the pure experience of painting itself
  • Shift reflected de Kooning's evolving artistic interests and desire to engage with the act of painting on a more fundamental level

Elements of abstract compositions

• De Kooning's abstract landscapes characterized by dynamic interplay of color, line, and form
  • Vibrant, expressive colors used in unexpected combinations create a sense of energy and movement (bright yellows, deep blues, earthy reds)
  • Bold, gestural brushstrokes convey the artist's physical engagement with the canvas and the painting process
  • Complex, layered compositions feature multiple planes and forms intersecting and overlapping, creating a sense of depth and space
• Abstract landscapes incorporate a sense of space and depth, despite their non-representational nature
  • Achieved through overlapping forms, variations in color and tone, and interplay of positive and negative space
  • Paintings suggest a sense of landscape without directly depicting recognizable elements, inviting viewer interpretation based on personal experiences and associations
• Compositions are often open and expansive, with a sense of freedom and improvisation
  • De Kooning allowed the painting process to guide the development of the work, embracing chance and spontaneity
  • Paintings often lack a clear focal point, encouraging the viewer's eye to move across the surface and explore various elements and relationships within the composition

Early vs late de Kooning

• Earlier works (Women series) characterized by strong figurative presence and psychological intensity
  • Featured distorted, fragmented figures conveying a sense of inner turmoil and existential angst
  • Aggressive, jagged brushwork reflected the emotional and psychological content of the paintings
• Later abstract landscapes more serene, contemplative, and focused on the pure experience of painting
  • Greater sense of harmony and balance, with a more subtle interplay of color and form
  • Fluid, lyrical brushwork conveyed a sense of freedom and improvisation
• Earlier works explored complexities of the human condition (relationships between sexes, individual's struggle for identity and meaning)
  • Later abstract landscapes, while still emotionally charged, more concerned with the act of painting itself and artist's direct engagement with the medium
  • Landscapes can be seen as a meditation on the beauty and mystery of the natural world, as well as an exploration of the possibilities of abstract painting

Impact of late career developments

• Shift to abstract landscapes had significant impact on de Kooning's legacy and influence
  • Demonstrated his versatility as an artist and ability to continue innovating and evolving throughout his career
  • Expanded possibilities of abstract painting and challenged traditional notions of what constitutes a landscape
• Abstract landscapes widely celebrated, securing de Kooning's place as one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century
  • Exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide, continuing to inspire and engage new generations of viewers
  • Significant impact on the art market, with many abstract landscapes achieving record prices at auction
• Late career developments influenced subsequent generations of artists working in various styles and mediums
  • Inspired artists to explore possibilities of color, gesture, and form in their own work
  • Encouraged artists to embrace the act of painting itself and trust in the intuitive, improvisational aspects of the creative process
  • De Kooning's legacy helped shape the course of abstract painting in the latter half of the 20th century and beyond, cementing his status as a key figure in the history of modern art