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The Museum of Modern Art

In the Studio: Postwar Abstract Painting

Step inside New York City artist studios in the years following War II to discover the intentionality behind abstract painting. This course offers an immersive, hands-on exploration of approaches that defined painting of that era. By deconstructing the materials and processes of artists Jackson Pollock, Yayoi Kusama, Mark Rothko, and others you will move into the mindset of the maker. Through a unique combination of studio demonstrations of artist’s techniques and behind-the-scenes look at paintings in The Museum of Modern Art’s world-class collection, you will develop a sophisticated studio practice. You’ll also gain a transferable set of skills centered on how ideas evolve through close observation and creative problem solving. Whether you are a student of fine art, a professional looking to unlock new modes of thinking, or a lifelong learner curious about painting, this course provides the intellectual and technical toolkit to transform a blank canvas into a powerful vehicle for expression.

Status: Creative Design
Status: Social Impact
BeginnerCourse27 hours

Featured reviews

KG

5.0Reviewed Apr 17, 2019

I have thoroughly enjoyed doing this course. It has proved useful in boosting my confidence in studying, as well as providing me with inspiration for my own work, both in painting and ceramics.

AA

5.0Reviewed Oct 4, 2019

Well-designed course; interesting material, including optional readings. The studio demonstrations and accompanying exercises were very helpful to my own art work. Excellent overall; thank you.

MM

5.0Reviewed May 19, 2018

I enjoyed every class, as an artist from Egypt, It was great to have an experince to study about NY art school with MOMA's videos. I hope MOMA will issue more and more courses later.

B

5.0Reviewed Sep 8, 2020

I’ve learnt so much about Abstract Expressionism and have a huge new appreciation for these artists. This course was a great tool and distraction during lockdown, would highly recommend.

CG

5.0Reviewed Feb 25, 2019

This is the best art class I have ever taken. It offers a perfect mix of studio art/painting techniques and art history. Instructor Corey D'Augustine is fantastic. Thoroughly enjoyed this course!

AD

5.0Reviewed Apr 29, 2018

This course was very well structured, and the instructor's personal and often humorous approach was informative and engaging, covering very complex subject matter in an accessible way.

DB

5.0Reviewed Jul 26, 2020

Beyond my expectations! Encouraged by in studio where I discovered I could be successful experimenting with all the different artists. The knowledge, insight, and fascinating experience was joyous!

YR

5.0Reviewed Feb 25, 2021

This course provided great tools for examining and understanding the artists covered. I'm able to take these tools and the lexicon I learned and apply them to other artists and their practices.

ET

5.0Reviewed Jun 9, 2020

Fantastic! Cory was both educational and pleasant to watch. His instruction was concise but not dogmatic, and he really helped me appreciate some of the artists I was less familiar with!

DC

5.0Reviewed Jun 7, 2020

Really enjoyed this course, first course I have taken in this area of study. The course has given me an understanding of the artists covered and can't wait to see the artists paintings in person.

SS

5.0Reviewed Sep 26, 2021

Informative, clear and interesting analysis of key Postwar American Abstract Painters. Relevant and accessible reference material and module quizzes that reinforce key concepts and ideas. Thanks.

MB

5.0Reviewed Mar 28, 2020

This course was very informative and interesting. I loved the in studio sessions which gave you an opportunity to practice a technique that you had just learned about. Super fun course!

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 656

Callie Gauzer
5.0
Reviewed Feb 25, 2019
Amy
5.0
Reviewed Oct 4, 2019
Donald Bruce Charles
5.0
Reviewed Jun 7, 2020
Nikka
5.0
Reviewed Jul 19, 2017
Karl Deacon Greene
5.0
Reviewed Apr 18, 2019
Cheryl Kirsten
5.0
Reviewed Feb 18, 2019
Peter Rigby
5.0
Reviewed Jun 19, 2017
Luis G Galvez
2.0
Reviewed Mar 27, 2018
Marie Chew
5.0
Reviewed May 16, 2020
Yasmin Drummond
5.0
Reviewed May 17, 2020
Sarrah Shapley
5.0
Reviewed Sep 26, 2021
Maureen Walsh
5.0
Reviewed Apr 14, 2021
Kate Garrison
5.0
Reviewed Jun 18, 2017
Diane Beaver
5.0
Reviewed Jul 27, 2020
Nina Merrick
5.0
Reviewed Jul 27, 2020
Maura Satchell
5.0
Reviewed Jul 14, 2017
Catherine Forrest
5.0
Reviewed Feb 22, 2020
Niki Banffy-Nesbitt
5.0
Reviewed May 24, 2020
Elizabeth Merriman
5.0
Reviewed Nov 5, 2019
Arvydas Gaiciunas (Retne)
5.0
Reviewed Jan 10, 2019