The Paintings of Joan Mitchell Paperback – June 30, 2002

To my eternal shame, Joan Mitchell was only vaguely known to me, until I recently saw one of her paintings at a friends house - I was absolutely fascinated. I wanted to learn more about this wonderful artist, and chose "The paintings of Joan Mitchell" from the various books Amazon had on offer, as well as the documentary by Marion Cajori, "joan Mitchell, portrait of an abstract painter" .Both proved to be excellent choices.The book is not just a beautifully executed catalogue of a major exhibition in 2003/2004 of Mitchell's work ( with excellent reproductions!) but the extensive well-written and scholarly essay by Jane Livingston provides a wonderful introduction to Mitchell as a artist and a person. Cajori's documentary was made shortly before Mitchell's death, and provides extra depth and color to the book.I was especially touched by Mitchell's repeated refusal to "explain" her works; as an abstract painter, she prefers to let her glorious colorful paintings speak for themselves, and to leave it to the individual viewers to decide what her art means to them

Great reference to American Abstract Impressionism and Joan Mitchell.

This week we mark the anniversary of Joan Mitchell's death to oropharyngeal/pulmonary cancer (10/30/1992). We turn to a splendid book put together & written by three impressive ladies. Joan Mitchell, not often found in general art books, none-the-less imposes a powerful presence in the tapestry of american art. Overshadowed by masculine icons the likes of Pollack, de Kooning, Kline. Mitchell brought a strong feminine bravura to the abstract expressionist genre. This lovely book celebrates the Whitney museum's 2002 - 2004 exhibtion. The paintings presented here sweep through the decades from her establishing herself during the 1950's - 60's through her mature visual paraphrasing of the 80's. Delicate energetic masterpieces are beautifully brought forth in 88 full page color plates. An embodying text follows her life from marginalized artist to a forefront figure strong in both expression and lifestyle.

I love her work. The photos and background information are wonderful.

The survey is quite well done. The plates and narrative are both outstanding, providing a nice overview of the artist and her work. Included in the plates were close-up shots which were particularly helpful in translating the substance of the work and the technique that the artist used to achieve her unique style. My knowledge of Joan Mitchell prior to ordering this book was quite limited. I feel that this book successfully filled a sorely missing gap in my art world.

Two layout flaws really took from my enjoyment of this book. First, when a single painting is reproduced on two facing pages the middle of the painting is lost. Second, when there is a blown up detail of a painting opposite the full picture of the work it is a detraction. I have to lay a sheet of white paper over the detail to enjoy the reproduction on the facing page.These are terrible graphic design choices. Other than that I like the story of Mitchell's life and the choice of paintings that are in the book.

Joan Mitchell's work, and adventure in abstract painting. Very creative and very interesting life. I showed a few of her paintings to our grandson and he is already painting like a master, inspired. Joan, to much in the background in American art. Great photos, good binding, and just an overall fun and inspiring book to read and have.

This is one of those books that satisfies both visually and intellectually. The reproductions of Mitchell's works are excellent: full page and wonderful color reproduction, and the articles about her life, artistic development and references to the plates as the story progresses are very interesting and for artists, very instructive. I bought a used copy that was still in its wrapper! Very satisfied with this purchase...

I absolutely love this book. The first time I saw a Mitchell painting at the Tate Modern I was mesmerized. This beautifully put together product shows all of her work as well as revealing more about the artist.This book will be one of my favourites, often gazed at and absorbed.

Great artist and good quality images but looses a fifth star because the two-page pictures are compromised by book's tight gutter.

Gave this to a serious arty friend of mine as a present - she said she really enjoyed it.

Excellent introduction (should one need it) to the work of a very influential painter. Lots of good quality colour plates.

great, thanks