Willem De Kooning chronology

2001-04-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

As I learn more about de Kooning, I am able to form a firmer opinion about him and his works. As his life progress my opinions of him changed from pity to admiration to sadness. De Kooning is a dynamic person with full life experiences to mold him as he is to the world -- a complex artist. Typical? Maybe.

2001-04-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Elaine de Kooning (Willem's wife), was a good painter in her own right. She set aside her work to help de Kooning establish his career. Though differences surfaced later, she came back later to help her estranged husband in his time of need. In respect, de Kooning's [aintings influenced other painters, such as Jackson Pollock's black-on-white heads of 1951 (think de Kooning's Women). Even his wife was influenced by him.

2001-04-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

There are some good information to be found on brittannica.com. Besides websites, I do alot of reading from biographies on de Kooning.

2001-04-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

As I read more about de Kooning. I understand the deeper depth of this man. His paintings are not something to stare at because it is beautiful or interesting, but provide a road to his personality. In researching his Women series paintings, I begin to see his influence from Picasso and the strengths and weaknesses of his character. Willem de Kooning biography by Thomas B. Hess is a good read for a rainy Saturday.

2001-04-11T03:45:00.000-07:00

Surrealism not only liberated the imagination but also helped to free artists as diverse in intention but help as de Kooning, Pollock and Barnett Newman from many of the conventions of traditional painting. De Kooning mastered the art of ambiguity and allusion in New York.

2001-04-10T18:51:00.000-07:00

De Kooning achieves the integration of figure and ground, form and color. The female figure, although still the theme of the painting no longer dominates its composition. By the late 1960’s landscape assumes a new and more prominent role: de Kooning makes Women a landscape. He works only during the day, in order to take advantage of natural light.

2001-04-01T23:14:00.000-07:00

Willem de Kooning's famous Women paintings of the early 1950s describe women's characterrization. They were demonic figures painted in harsh, thick colors. The six painting series were innovative in joining figurative painting and abstract art. De Kooning, along with Jackson Pollock and others are giving glimpses of life on canvas, expressing feelings and emotions in the from of shapes and colors. They also have the penchant for unhealthy and dangerous habit of drinking.

2001-04-01T21:04:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday on March 24th, I found many interesting books on Willem de Kooning at the Architecture Library. The library has other resources for obtaining information regarding my research topics, such as its online research and archives. I found more than a dozen great websites using iwon.comsearch engine. Some of the sites provided de Kooning's paintings which were useful in seeing his works and understanding his visions. Actually seeing the painting help to put into perspective de Kooning's artistic drives and ambition.

2001-03-28T17:41:00.000-08:00

1938
Under the influences of Gorky, de Kooning embarks on a series of sad, strating male figures, such as "Two Men Standing," "Man," and "Seated Figure (Classic Male)." He also creates Lyrically colored abstractions, such as "Pink Landscape" and "Elegy." He also meets Elaine Fied, his future wife.