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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: Aesthetics
Status: Creative Design
BeginnerCourse27 hours

Featured reviews

KG

5.0Reviewed Apr 16, 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.

CG

5.0Reviewed Feb 24, 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!

DD

5.0Reviewed Sep 9, 2023

Excellent course with a good combination of artists and meaningful details of their work. Truly enjoyed learning about this period at my own speed. Thank you for having it available for no cost.

SS

5.0Reviewed Sep 25, 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.

MM

5.0Reviewed May 18, 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.

DJ

5.0Reviewed Jun 21, 2020

This is the best online art course I have ever done. The practical element of it was invaluable. Thank you MoMA and Corey D'Augustine for putting it together and making it available for free!

B

5.0Reviewed Sep 7, 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.

II

5.0Reviewed Jun 20, 2017

Superb introduction to postwar abstract painting - a must for any person seeking to understand the historical context and techniques used to create the masterpieces from this period.

DC

5.0Reviewed Jun 6, 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.

YR

5.0Reviewed Feb 24, 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.

PC

5.0Reviewed Dec 30, 2019

This course gave me a new outlook on abstract painting. The "In the Studio" videos with Corey d'Augustine were illuminating and it was great fun to create my own abstract paintings.

M

5.0Reviewed Apr 16, 2021

Cory D'Auguestine is so adept in both his analysis and executions in the studio. I wish there were more courses like this. Cory Introduced working in the manner of artists that I always admired.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 656

Callie Gauzer
5.0
Reviewed Feb 24, 2019
Amy
5.0
Reviewed Oct 3, 2019
Donald Bruce Charles
5.0
Reviewed Jun 7, 2020
Nikka
5.0
Reviewed Jul 18, 2017
Karl Deacon Greene
5.0
Reviewed Apr 17, 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 13, 2021
Kate Garrison
5.0
Reviewed Jun 18, 2017
Diane Beaver
5.0
Reviewed Jul 26, 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 23, 2020
Elizabeth Merriman
5.0
Reviewed Nov 5, 2019
Arvydas Gaiciunas (Retne)
5.0
Reviewed Jan 9, 2019