Frankenthaler an American abstract expressionist known for her vibrant field paintings

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Written by: Landon Wells | Posted on: | Category: Art and Design | Art and Design

Helen Frankenthaler was an American abstract expressionist painter known for her vibrant and fluid color field paintings. She was born on December 12, 1928, in New York City, to a wealthy, cultured family. Growing up, she was exposed to the world of art and creativity, and this would play a significant role in shaping her future as an artist.

"My life has been ennobled by the seriousness of my art education."

Frankenthaler's interest in art began at a young age, and she began taking formal lessons in painting and drawing at the Dalton School in New York. She also attended the Bennington College in Vermont, where she studied under painter Paul Feeley. Throughout her life, she remained grateful for her education, stating in an interview, "My life has been ennobled by the seriousness of my art education."

In the 1950s, Frankenthaler joined the illustrious New York School of artists and became a prominent figure in the abstract expressionist movement. She developed a technique called "soak-stain," where she poured thinned paint onto her canvases, allowing them to soak into the fabric. This method resulted in luminous, ethereal paintings, which were highly praised by art critics.

"The paintings that really excite me have an internal logic that is just that, a combination of the intuitive, the accidental and the disciplined."

One of Frankenthaler's most significant accomplishments was her contribution to the Color Field movement. She was one of the few women artists to gain recognition in a male-dominated art world, and her use of color and space in her work has inspired generations of artists. She once said, "The paintings that really excite me have an internal logic that is just that, a combination of the intuitive, the accidental and the disciplined."

She continued to push boundaries and experiment with different techniques throughout her career, including printmaking and sculpture. She collaborated with several notable artists, such as Morris Louis and Jackson Pollock, and her work has been exhibited in numerous prestigious galleries and museums worldwide.

"One must act in painting as in life, directly- and forever."

In addition to her contributions to the art world, Frankenthaler was also an advocate for women artists and their struggles in the industry. She actively supported and mentored other women artists, often stating, "One must act in painting as in life, directly- and forever." She was a strong believer in the power of persistence and dedication in achieving success.

Despite facing skepticism and criticism for being a female artist in a male-dominated field, Frankenthaler persevered and received numerous accolades for her work. She was the recipient of the National Medal of Arts, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women's Caucus for Art, and was also inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

"In painting, I want to say something that will be like a song on the lips."

Aside from her remarkable accomplishments in the art world, Frankenthaler also had a deep appreciation for nature and its influence on her work. She often retreated to her home in Connecticut, where the peaceful surroundings and beauty of the landscape inspired her paintings. She once stated, "In painting, I want to say something that will be like a song on the lips."

"There are no rules. That is how art is born, how breakthroughs happen. Go against the rules or ignore the rules. That is what invention is about."

Helen Frankenthaler's life and career have been nothing short of groundbreaking and awe-inspiring. Her passion for art, dedication to her craft, and fearless experimentation have solidified her place as one of the most influential and respected artists of the 20th century. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence artists today, and her impact on the art world will be revered for generations to come. As she famously said, "There are no rules. That is how art is born, how breakthroughs happen. Go against the rules or ignore the rules. That is what invention is about."

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