Customer Reviews

Hans Hofmann

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This convenient volume explores Hans Hofmann's abstract canvases--especially during the 1950's and the 1960's. The reproductions are printed in glorious colors with easy-to-read text alongside. Plenty of visual surprises are found in many of Hofmann's paintings. Interesting note here: many of the illustrated paintings in this book are in the collection of the University of Berkeley Museum of Art in California. Hofmann's paintings turned triumphant in the late 1950's and his work even got better towards the end of his life at age 85.

This work helps to clarify the importance of Hans Hofmann's works and why he is considered one of the most important art teachers of the 20th century. This work is especially important to any artist wanting to become the best they can become in their field. The ideas presented by Hofmann can take a lifetime to "master", but well worth the effort. His ideas are more than just "theory", they are a basic understanding of how to enliven a flat pictorial space and how to infuse oneself in one's work.

If you are a painter and want to add to your knowledge of American Abstract Expressionism, this is a good read and appropriately illustrated. Hoffman was never a big name for me as a Brit. art student in the 60's. Now, nearly 50 years later I'm interested in what he said and did. Here is fodder for those of us who have ditched style, approval, reward and all that jazz. Read and learn and colour it Hoffman.