‘The Woman Who Painted the Seasons’

AN ART HISTORY MUSTREAD

Joining the historical fiction works of “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” by Tracy Chevalier, 1999, and Irving Stone’s “Lust for Life,”1934, is Penny Fields-Schneider’s 2024 thoroughly researched work, “The Woman Who Painted the Seasons” — an unforgettable journey that brings to life the tragedies and triumphs of Lee Krasner, a long overlooked pioneer of America’s abstract expressionist movement.

Krasner is also the woman who should be given much credit for the success of her famous husband, Jackson Pollock.

Krasner wanted, more than anything else, to be an artist. She pursued that dream fearlessly with passion and determination.

She became Hans Hoffmann’s top student in her 20s, as well as a pioneer in what would become known as “ abstract CELEBRATING THE ARTS G

expressionism.” Among her peers were legends in art history — Willem de Koonig, Franz Kline and Jackson Pollock.

Fields-Schneider’s book reminds us that Krasner accomplished this feat in the mid-20th century when female artists continued to face a relentless struggle for recognition.

“The Woman Who Painted the Seasons” offers a visually rich and engaging portrayal of Krasner’s remarkable life. This book captures the experiences of an artist who defied all odds, from her artistic journey to her complicated relationships.

Fields-Schneider highlights Krasner ’s unwavering support for her troubled husband, Jackson Pollock, in his rise to fame as America’s most renowned modern artist.

And, adding icing to the cake, it brings to the forefront the 1960s feminists who fought to correct gender inequality in the art world and other workspaces, advocating for Krasner’s work.

In a world that too often underestimated her, Krasner’s story is one of passion, resilience and an unyielding pursuit of artistic expression.

Hill Country Council for the Arts develops and enriches an environment that supports and promotes appreciation, awareness, education and access to all the arts. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and visit our website often, www.hccarts. org; send inquiries to [email protected].