Portrait of the artist Helen Frankenthaler

The beauty of Provincetown, Massachusetts inspired many works by one of the most renowned American artists of the 20th century: Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011). A series of works that the abstract expressionist painter created on Cape Cod is on view in an exhibit called "Abstract Climates," at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, Long Island. Correspondent Rita Braver talked with co-curator Elizabeth Smith, and with the artist's step-daughter, Lise Motherwell, about Frankenthaler's unique style.

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[barrymoore]

Frankenthaler's works are some of the most immediately appealing examples of Abstract Expressionism, and I appreciate how her technique informed that of another great colorist, Morris Louis.

[greyclouds]

I just love this channel!!!Sunday morning show is a God send!Thanks for all the great shows!

[carolbenson]

This is the first time ever that I just can't see this is art.

[mehrdadmohajer]

I enjoy her remarkable Works😘. Well done und thank you🌷

[noellerilleau]

Few people grasp the freedom expressed in this form of painting.... or LIVING

[Temple]

Imagine being stuck on a desert island with only these abstracts to gaze at.A worse fate than washing up on the island of Doctor Moreau.

[hd-xclz]

Meh. Frankenthaler would loathe having her paintings reduced to pictured situations such as feeling a cool breeze on hot summer day. But today very few gallery people know how to talk about abstraction, lost is interest in the meaning of process for Frankenthaler's generation, and how it shaped their use of color and line. Instead, too many gallery people (sellers and tour guides) make use of the same trite color descriptions that commercial wall paint companies use in an effort to rope in customers who "don't get" color field abstraction, rendering each color patch as a sign/symbol for an everyday experience... which only leaves non-art people more befuddled.

[Lynne-]

“Something takes over. You’re lost in it.”🦋

[bigboy-rt]

If you get to know, or marry, the right people then your career gets an uplift.

[TaylorMade]

Artists do not "try". They either do or not do.

[Omega]

I Truly Love other Abstract Artists" It's like only we get and understand each other 💁

[ghoulape]

I’m sorry but some part of it feels like Helen’s
relationships were career driven.

[corey-bird]

Meanwhile I’m uploading my fiction for free. 🙄

[zebredpooding]

Ugh turpentine and kerosene...imagine the smell!!!

[amandamartinez]

it's art, but it looks like something a 2 year old could do. Guess different strokes for different folks

[fisherdickens]

I never have understood how Frankenthaler or Pollok's or similar supposed artists' work is considered art. I've tried, but to me, it's just not art.