Willem de Kooning is the old master of Abstract Expressionism, whose ferocious women and seemingly spontaneous brushwork have been primary influences on American and European artists of the postwar era. Still fervently painting at age 79, he continues to produce canvases of piercing beauty, which serve as a brilliant finale to this book on one of the great masters of contemporary art. About the Modern Masters series: With informative, enjoyable texts and over 100 illustrations - approximately 48 in full color — this innovative series offers a fresh look at the most creative and influential artists of the postwar era. The authors are highly respected art historians and critics chosen for their ability to think clearly and write well. Each handsomely designed volume presents a thorough survey of the artist's life and work, as well as statements by the artist, an illustrated chapter on technique, a chronology, lists of exhibitions and public collections, an annotated bibliography, and an index. Every art lover, from the casual museumgoer to the serious student, teacher, critic, or curator, will be eager to collect these Modern Masters. And with such a low price, they can afford to collect them all. AUTHOR: Harry F. Gaugh teaches art history at Skidmore College. He has written articles on de Kooning, Kline, Estes, and many others, and curated the 1980 traveling exhibitions of Frank Kline's color paintings. 115 illustrations