11.2 Action Painting and Color Field Painting

Abstract Expressionism shook up post-WWII American art. The New York School artists ditched realism for big, emotional canvases that spoke to the soul. They wanted to express feelings through paint, not just copy what they saw.

Two main styles emerged: Action Painting and Color Field Painting. Action painters like Pollock threw paint around, while Color Field artists like Rothko used big blocks of color to create mood. Both aimed to stir up emotions in viewers.

Abstract Expressionism and the New York School

Origins and Characteristics of Abstract Expressionism

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• Abstract Expressionism emerged as a dominant art movement in post-World War II America
• New York School refers to the group of artists who pioneered Abstract Expressionism in New York City
• Gestural abstraction characterized by spontaneous, expressive brushstrokes and dynamic compositions
• Artists favored large-scale canvases to create immersive visual experiences
• Emphasized emotional expression and intuitive creativity over representational forms
• Non-representational art focused on conveying feelings and ideas through abstract forms and colors
• Reflected the cultural and psychological climate of post-World War II America

Key Artists and Their Contributions

• Jackson Pollock developed the innovative drip painting technique
• Willem de Kooning explored figurative abstraction with aggressive brushwork
• Mark Rothko created contemplative color field paintings with large blocks of color
• Barnett Newman employed "zip" lines to divide monochromatic canvases
• Franz Kline produced bold, black-and-white abstract compositions
• Robert Motherwell incorporated collage elements into his abstract works

Impact and Legacy of Abstract Expressionism

• Shifted the center of the art world from Paris to New York City
• Influenced subsequent art movements (Pop Art, Minimalism)
• Expanded the possibilities of non-objective painting
• Challenged traditional notions of artistic skill and representation
• Garnered international recognition for American art
• Continues to inspire contemporary artists and shape art discourse

Action Painting

Techniques and Characteristics of Action Painting

• Action Painting emphasizes the physical act of painting as a crucial element of the artistic process
• Artists engage in spontaneous, gestural movements to create dynamic compositions
• Drip painting technique involves pouring or splashing paint onto canvas laid on the floor
• Automatism encourages unconscious, unplanned mark-making to tap into the artist's subconscious
• Large-scale canvases allow for expansive, all-over compositions
• Embraces accidents and chance occurrences as part of the creative process
• Focuses on the immediacy of expression and the artist's physical presence in the work

Jackson Pollock's Innovative Approach

• Developed the revolutionary drip painting technique in the late 1940s
• Used unconventional tools (sticks, hardened brushes) to apply paint
• Moved around the canvas, dripping and splattering paint from various angles
• Created intricate webs of color and line that covered the entire surface
• Emphasized the importance of rhythm and movement in his painting process
• Iconic works include "Lavender Mist" (1950) and "Blue Poles" (1952)
• Influenced subsequent generations of artists and expanded the possibilities of abstract art

Willem de Kooning and Gestural Abstraction

• Combined elements of abstraction and figuration in his paintings
• Known for his aggressive, energetic brushwork and bold color choices
• Explored themes of the human figure, particularly in his "Woman" series
• Embraced ambiguity and constant revision in his artistic process
• Created dynamic compositions with layers of paint and vigorous gestures
• Notable works include "Woman I" (1950-52) and "Excavation" (1950)
• Contributed to the development of Abstract Expressionism through his unique approach to gestural abstraction

Color Field Painting

Characteristics and Techniques of Color Field Painting

• Color Field Painting emphasizes large areas of flat, solid color
• Artists create expansive, often symmetrical compositions
• Focuses on the emotional and spiritual impact of color relationships
• Minimizes gestural marks and emphasizes smooth, even application of paint
• Aims to create a meditative, immersive viewing experience
• Often employs soft-edged forms and subtle color gradations
• Explores the interaction between different hues and color intensities

Mark Rothko's Contemplative Approach

• Created iconic compositions featuring rectangular blocks of color
• Developed a unique technique of layering thin washes of paint
• Emphasized the importance of scale and viewer interaction with the artwork
• Explored themes of tragedy, ecstasy, and the sublime through color
• Notable works include "Orange and Yellow" (1956) and the Rothko Chapel murals
• Sought to evoke profound emotional responses through his color harmonies
• Influenced subsequent generations of artists interested in the expressive potential of color

Barnett Newman's "Zip" Paintings

• Developed the "zip" technique, using vertical lines to divide monochromatic canvases
• Created large-scale paintings with minimal compositional elements
• Explored concepts of the sublime and transcendence through abstract forms
• Emphasized the viewer's physical and spiritual engagement with the artwork
• Notable works include "Vir Heroicus Sublimis" (1950-51) and the "Stations of the Cross" series
• Contributed to the development of Minimalism through his reductive approach
• Challenged traditional notions of composition and spatial relationships in painting