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.