Styles & Periods

• Artists
• Styles & Periods
• Associations
• Glossary
• Projects
• Purchase Guides

Color-Field Painting

Color Field painting emerged as part of a new direction in art, Post-Painterly Abstraction, that arose in the 1950s as a reaction to Abstract Expressionism. Instead of the dense, painterly brushstrokes favored by the Abstract Expressionists, Color Field painters developed open, abstract compositions. Broad expanses of color were used to give extreme clarity to paintings, and the texture of the paint was undermined to emphasize hues and shapes. The range of artists working in this manner is broad, and includes Sam Francis, Helen Frankenthaler, Barnett Newman, and Mark Rothko. Rothko’s work centers on the impact of broad shapes and expressive colors. While these paintings are formally simple, their expression is emotionally and psychologically complex. Color-Field painting’s ties to Abstract Expressionism and its influence on Minimalism make it an important bridge between the two styles.

Feeling inspired? Try out these fine products…

At Least 39% Off Professional Water Colours by Winsor & Newton Tip-top quality at rock-bottom prices	Up to 50% Off Monet Pro Monterey Stretched Cotton Canvas by Masterpiece Artist Canvas Economical, and Archival quality!	From $4.49 Kids Story/Drawing Book by Strathmore The perfect solution for long trips
Up to 55% Off B-100 Fine Camel Hair Round Brush Canister by Dynasty Ideal for the classroom	Up to 40% Off #110M Technical Vellum by Borden & Riley It's crack resistant, durable and archival.	From $466.71 Deluxe Lobo Wood Easel by Best Ideal for mixed media paintings