What element of art does Helen Frankenthaler primarily use in her work?

Helen Frankenthaler is renowned for her pioneering use of color in her artworks, particularly through the development of her signature technique known as the "soak-stain" method. This approach involved pouring thinned paint onto raw canvas, allowing the colors to saturate and interact directly with the surface, creating luminous effects and soft transitions.

Her innovative manipulation of color not only defines her style but also emphasizes the emotional and expressive qualities of her works. Instead of relying on traditional brushwork, Frankenthaler’s process elevates color to the forefront, allowing it to dominate her compositions. This distinctive focus on color aligns her with the Color Field movement, which celebrates color as a primary element of artistic expression.

The use of line, texture, and form in her work is certainly present, but they serve more as support to the primary impact that color has in her pieces. Thus, understanding Frankenthaler’s emphasis on color provides deeper insight into her contributions to modern art and her lasting influence on subsequent generations of artists.