JOAN MITCHELL

Though I am intrigued and inspired by all art media, I have an undeniable affinity toward painting, specifically Abstract Expressionism. I've always been fascinated by the work of Joan Mitchell, one of few female artists (along with Helen Frankenthaler, Lee Krasner, and Grace Hartigan) whose work was recognized during an artistic period defined by male bravado.

I developed a deep appreciation of her work during my undergraduate painting studies and an internship at the Joan Mitchell Foundation. The painterly print of these leggings immediately set me on course to yet another Mitchell-inspired outfit.

As a young girl, Mitchell (1925-1992) excelled in figure skating. After an injury rendered her unfit to skate, she turned to painting as her mode of expression. Many critics have compared her visceral brushstrokes to the imprint of skates on the ice.

Though many Abstract Expressionist artists denied any kind of representation, Mitchell openly portrayed landscape through her large, colorful canvases.

As a fixture at the Cedar Tavern, along with Willem de Kooning, Franz Kline, Mark Rothko, and Jackson Pollock, Mitchell was really at the core of Abstract Expressionism before she moved to Vétheuil, Monet's home, for the duration of her life.

The Joan Mitchell Foundation now exists to support art education for underprivileged youths and provide teaching jobs and grants to working artists. Find out more about the Foundation and its programs here.

To balance out the Mitchell-esque print of the leggings and tee, I simply added a few bright solids and neutral accessories.

This Burton snowboarding under armor has to be the warmest, most versatile thing in my wardrobe. Though I do not participate in any winter sports, I can definitely appreciate a good warm layer in the winter months!

I'm wearing an H&M sweater dress, Burton Dry Ride thermal leggings and crewneck, a vintage braided leather belt, AE scarf, Marc bag, and Zigi SoHo suede boots.

[Mitchell images from stevenalexanderjournal.blogspot.com, kimmco.typepad.com, writingaboutart.wordpress.com, and benandalice.com, respectively.]

VISIBLE BRUSHSTROKES

If you read this blog frequently, you've probably noticed that I'm very partial to painting as an artistic medium. Having been trained primarily as a painter during my undergraduate studies, I have a deep understanding and appreciation for the use of paint on canvas. I'm of the opinion that painting techniques can be applied to almost any area of life, the most obvious being personal style. [Click images to enlarge.]

If I had to describe my wardrobe in one word, it would be "painterly". I enjoy the contrast between colors and textures, and arranging a composition out of multiple elements. I like to think of each outfit as a work of art!

This outfit is unmistakably painting-inspired, due to the print of the tunic. The bold primaries and visible brushstroke print evoke some of my favorite paintings which literally take the action of painting itself as their subject.

Joan Mitchell, Yves.

A very active De Kooning.

Lichtenstein's graphic take on the painter's mark.

I also wore this tunic/sweater combination in my first ever outfit post on Artfully Awear.

This is my second favorite pair of boots. My favorite green engineer boots have not yet made it onto the blog which is quite a travesty!

I'm wearing a Moth sweater from Anthropologie, Blue Tassel tunic, DKNY leggings, and Franco Sarto boots.

[painting images from stevenalexanderjournal.blospot.com, xradiograph.com, and mikeettner.com, respectively.]