Elan Sok, Blog Post 1

Helen Frankenthaler

I first became familiar with Frankenthaler's paintings through an art history class. When the image was first put up on the projection I immediately thought it to be watercolor. I was amazed to learn her work was done in oil paint and was even more intrigued by her process. Frankenthaler thins out the oil paint to mimic the properties of watercolor and worked to soak and stain the canvas with her pigment. The after effects create a wash of natural, organic forms which the artist preferred. Frankenthaler was inspired by the styles of artist like Pollock to leave her medium accumulated on top of her working canvas. I appreciate the transparency of the colors and the movement and direction created within her work. The transparency allows one to see the layers and creates an effect not typically seen with oil paint. 

Elan Sok