Western Art - Washington Color School - The Realm of Western Painters

The History1967/68, the color concept set apart the
The color painters residing in Washington DCWashington Color School paintings from all the
started one of the most dominant artother painting genres worldwide.
movements of the late 20th century, WashingtonThe Artists & the Artworks
Color School, during 1960s. In fact, theThis school of art works gained popularity in the
Washington Color School originally refers to aUK, the US, and Canada during 1950s. The six
group of six key painters, who participated in thepainters mentioned above were the artists, who
exhibition 'Washington Color Painters,' held at thecontributed optimally to the field. The 'Beginning,'
Washington Gallery of Modern Art, Washington, inmagna on canvas by Kenneth Noland is a historic
1965. The group included six key painters, namelywork in his signature style of abstraction blended
- Howard Mehring (1931-78 - Color Field Painterwith concentric rings or target painting. Another
& Washington Color School), Morris Louismasterpiece, painting 'Where' by Morris Louis,
(1912-62 - American Abstract Expressionist),housed in the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture
Thomas 'Tom' Downing (1928-85), Gene DavisGarden, Washington, is laden with the artist's
(1920-85, Washington Color School), Kennethtypical style and use of color. Some of the
Noland (born 1924 - American Abstractionist), andfantastic paintings by these artists are exhibited
Paul Reed (born 1919 - Washington Color Schooleven today at various museums all across the US.
& Color Field Painting). These artists mainlyKreeger and Hirshhorn Museums especially have
concentrated on creating the Abstract Art worksthe most wondrous of Abstract creations by the
in the purview of Color Field Painting.Washington Color School painters. Sam Gilliam
(born 1933), Anne Truitt (1921-2004), Mary
Heavily inspired from Modern Painting andPinchot Meyer (1920-64), Leon Berkowitz
Abstract Expressionism, the artworks of this(1919-87), Jacob Kainen (1909-2001), and Alma
school artists had vibrant color combinations, andThomas (1891-1978) were the other artists
were created on big canvases. Most of themassociated with the field.
were Color Field Paintings with uncomplicated orConclusion
plain compositions, having bold patterns. Flat orAlthough the prime of Washington Color School is
solid planes were created with the help of colors.over, it certainly has left an impressive impact on
Right from geometric designs to bold stripes andthe Washington DC art scene. Many of these
Stain Paintings, these painters nearly every timepainters later taught at prestigious art universities
offered colorful spectra to viewers. In the yearin and around Washington.