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Acrylic On Canvas
WallArt
Color Field Painting
1958
230.0 x 384.0 cm
Dallas Museum of ArtHand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. ( Buy Print
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Broad Turning
Reproduction Size
Morris Louis’s “Broad Turning,” created in 1958, stands as a cornerstone of Color Field painting—a movement that fundamentally shifted the trajectory of American art after World War II. More than just pigment on canvas; it's an immersive experience designed to evoke contemplation and capture the essence of natural phenomena like flowing water or wind.
The artwork’s horizontal orientation immediately establishes a sense of expansive calm. Bands of color cascade across the canvas, eschewing any central focal point—instead, the viewer's gaze wanders organically across the varying hues. Measuring 230 x 384 cm (approximately 9 ft. 10 in. x 15 ft. 7 in.), “Broad Turning” commands attention and creates an illusion of depth despite its flattened perspective.
Louis’s masterful use of color is central to the piece's impact. Primarily earthy tones—browns, ochres, yellows, and subtle hints of red and green—blend seamlessly together. The technique employed was revolutionary: Louis poured diluted Magna paint onto the canvas, allowing it to spread and merge naturally without visible brushstrokes. This process, dubbed “veil painting,” resulted in translucent layers that shimmered with reflected light.
"Broad Turning" emerged during a period of artistic experimentation following Abstract Expressionism, where artists sought to transcend representational imagery and prioritize pure visual sensation. Louis drew inspiration from Helen Frankenthaler’s staining technique—a method that similarly aimed for spontaneity and textural richness. The painting reflects the broader ethos of Color Field painting: an exploration of color as emotion and experience.
The flowing colors in “Broad Turning” can be interpreted as symbols of movement, transformation, and perhaps even a connection to primal forces. They invite viewers into a meditative state, fostering feelings of tranquility and wonder. Louis’s work continues to resonate with audiences today because it captures the sublime beauty of nature—a timeless pursuit that speaks to our deepest desires for harmony and contemplation.
This artwork is housed at Dallas Museum of Art, Texas.
1912 - 1962 , United States of America
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