Woman of Abstract Expressionism

I am absolutely thrilled and deeply honored to be part of the inspiring *Women of Abstract Expressionism* project curated by Jeanne Oliver.

In this immersive journey, five artists—including myself—will take on the "apprentice" role, diving into the world of Abstract Expressionism. Through discussions and hands-on technique videos, we will dedicate five weeks to exploring the life and work of the trailblazing woman of the Expressionist movement.

The extraordinary artists we're studying include Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell, Elaine de Kooning, Lee Krasner, and Grace Hartigan—true icons.

EARLY REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Early registration: 16 Sept. 16th, 2024 @ 8:00 a.m. ($98.00)

Standard registration: October 11th, 2024 @ midnight ($198.00)

Lessons will be live on October 11th at 5:00 a.m. Mountain

The artist I studied was Elaine de Kooning, and I went down the most thrilling rabbit hole you can imagine. Elaine de Kooning was an American artist and writer deeply rooted in the Abstract Expressionist movement. Her work is marked by dynamic brushwork and energy that blur the lines between abstraction and figurative work.

In her portraits, Elaine did more than capture a likeness; she tapped into the very soul of her subjects. Instead of focusing on meticulous details, she embraced a loose, gestural style that pulsed with motion and emotion. Elaine's use of color was another characteristic of her style. She often used bold, vivid hues, layering them to create depth and texture. The interaction between light and shadow in her work was subtle yet powerful, adding to the dynamic quality of her paintings.

In the first lesson, we will study Elaine's portrait of Bernice Sobel. We will examine the overall composition, color palette, energetic brush strokes, and how she captured her subject's expression and the essence of her personality. To fully embrace Elaine's work, it was important to work in oils and use the paint colors available to artists during the 1950s and 1960s.

In the second lesson, I will apply what I learned from the master copy to my own work. Looking at many of Elaine's portraits and still life, I loved how she loosely painted florals and plants, and I want to bring that feeling to this lesson. I gathered flowers from local flower growers, created a still life, photographed it, and used it to inspire the painting.

Elaine de Kooning was more than just a part of the Abstract Expressionist movement; she was a driving force within it, painting with a vigor that made her work pulse with life. Her art is about breaking boundaries—her dynamic brushstrokes and raw energy blur the lines between abstract and figurative, creating something truly alive.

She was often overshadowed by her husband, Willem de Kooning, but Elaine was a significant figure in her own right. Her work reflected a keen interest in capturing the essence of her subjects, whether they were people, landscapes, or abstract forms while maintaining an element of spontaneity central to the Abstract Expressionist ethos.

Elaine de Kooning's most profound lesson is finding and trusting your artistic voice. She didn’t just blend in with the Abstract Expressionist movement—she carved out her own space while staying true to her unique style. For us as artists, it’s about holding tight to our vision, even as we draw inspiration from the world around us. Your individual perspective is your greatest strength.

Elaine’s life and work remind us that art is a balance—a fusion of technical skill and daring creativity. She shows us how to stay open to new ideas, while fiercely honoring your own vision, creating art that feels deeply personal yet speaks to something bigger.

I would love to know how studying a master artist has inspired your personal artwork. Leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you.

love,

Renee