What is the thematic context of Broad Turning?

color exploration, frankenthaler inspiration, american abstraction, veil technique, legacy art

Home
Print on canvas
Morris Louis
Broad Turning

Preview

AR preview

Buy Hand Made Painting

Switch to Digital Image

Send

WhatsApp
Telegram
Facebook
X (Twitter)
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Reddit

Link copied!

Details

Guide

Add to favorites Remove from favorites

Download

Similars

X-Ray

Diaporama

Stats

Morris Louis

Broad Turning

Acrylic On Canvas
WallArt
Color Field Painting
1958
230.0 x 384.0 cm
Dallas Museum of Art

‘Broad Turning’ by Morris Louis, created in 1958, is a seminal piece of Color Field Painting characterized by horizontal bands of layered acrylic resin (Magna) on canvas. Its subdued palette—primarily browns and ochres—captures the essence of natural elements like water and wind, reflecting Louis's pioneering approach to abstraction.

Explore Morris Louis (1912-1962), a pioneer of Color Field painting! Discover his innovative veil paintings, vibrant hues & lasting impact on abstract art.

The artwork displayed on this page is protected by copyright law, which means we cannot legally create or sell an identical reproduction. This protection is enforced under international agreements such as the Berne Convention and by national laws, including those outlined by the U.S. Copyright Law - Title 17.

This method fully complies with copyright regulations because it does not involve copying or duplicating the protected artwork. Instead, it is a creative reinterpretation - a new painting that is influenced by the original but not identical to it.

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. ( Buy Hand Made Painting Switch to Digital Image)

Medium
Size
Frame
Options

Print on Cotton Glossy Canvas

Print on Matt Cotton Canvas

Print on Matt Archival Canvas

Print on Matt Archival Canvas with Outer Frame and Acrylic Glass

Canvas Rolled in a tube Free

Stretched

Framed

Framed with Antique Wood Gesso

Corner sample of the WhiteWrap canvas edge finish, stretched on solid wood bars

White $1

Corner sample of the BlurSideWrap canvas edge finish, stretched on solid wood bars

Blurside $1

Corner sample of the ExtendedWrap canvas edge finish, stretched on solid wood bars

Extended $1

Corner sample of the P118B picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick

P118B $10

Corner sample of the P118H picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick

P118H $10

Corner sample of the P118W picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick

P118W $10

Corner sample of the P438Z picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5.5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick

P438Z $10

Corner sample of the P508JH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick

P508JH $12

Corner sample of the P508YH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick

P508YH $12

Corner sample of the P805H picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick

P805H $10

Corner sample of the P805Z picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick

P805Z $10

Corner sample of the P919BZ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick

P919BZ $10

Corner sample of the P919G picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick

P919G $10

Corner sample of the P919XJ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 7 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick

P919XJ $10

Corner sample of the P959ZH picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick

P959ZH $10

Corner sample of the P968JZ picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 6 cm wide and 4 cm thick

P968JZ $12

Corner sample of the W106C picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick

W106C $8

Corner sample of the W218G picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick

W218G $10

Corner sample of the W218JH picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick

W218JH $8

Corner sample of the W218Y picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick

W218Y $10

Corner sample of the W307PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick

W307PJ $10

Corner sample of the W316G picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick

W316G $10

Corner sample of the W316PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick

W316PJ $8

Corner sample of the W316Y picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick

W316Y $10

Corner sample of the W398PJ picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick

W398PJ $8

Corner sample of the W4111J picture frame: solid wood, 6.5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick

W4111J $10

Corner sample of the W500HY picture frame: solid wood, 7 cm wide and 5 cm thick

W500HY $15

Corner sample of the W500JH picture frame: solid wood, 7 cm wide and 5 cm thick

W500JH $15

Corner sample of the W692G picture frame: solid wood, 8 cm wide and 4 cm thick

W692G $12

Corner sample of the W849H picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick

W849H $8

Corner sample of the W940BG picture frame: solid wood, 7.5 cm wide and 4.5 cm thick

W940BG $15

Corner sample of the W953PJ picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick

W953PJ $8

Corner sample of the H24-GOLD picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 10 cm wide and 6 cm thick

H24-GOLD $30

Corner sample of the H24-SILVER picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 10 cm wide and 6 cm thick

H24-SILVER $30

Corner sample of the H36-GOLD picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 15 cm wide and 6.5 cm thick

H36-GOLD $45

Corner sample of the H36-SILVER picture frame: carved wood with gesso, 15 cm wide and 6.5 cm thick

H36-SILVER $45

Framed

Description from JS

Standard custom

Standard

custom

CM INCH

INCH

Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.

choose size

Loading sizes...

width

height

Type the width and the height you need, to fit your frame or your wall. A print can only be cut, never made bigger than the picture, so a size with a different shape loses a part of the image. We send you a digital mockup to approve before we print anything. The picture shown on this page does not show the real cut — only the mockup does.

No Glossy Varnish

Add Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture) + $15

No Artwork Nameplate

Engraved bronze plaque displaying artist name and translated painting title. Size: 9x2 cm. + $10

Transparent acrylic plaque with black UV-engraved artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $30

Black acrylic plaque featuring white engraved text with artwork informations and QR code. Size: 10x15 cm. + $30

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

This elegant plaque features the artist's name and the title of the artwork, finely engraved for a timeless presentation.

It is made from bronze with a refined, elegant finish. The text is precisely laser-engraved for a sharp and permanent result. Measuring 9x2 cm, the plaque is compact yet easy to read. It's built to be durable and scratch-resistant, offering a professional, museum-quality look. Mounting is simple thanks to the included adhesive backing.

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

The plaque includes essential engraved details such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used-like oil on canvas or watercolor-a brief description of the piece, and a QR code that links to the complete artwork information.

It is crafted from clear acrylic, offering a sleek, modern appearance. The text is UV-engraved in black to ensure strong visual contrast. With a size of 10x15 cm, it ensures optimal readability. It comes equipped with two metal hooks for secure wall mounting. The plaque is designed to be weather-resistant, making it suitable for various environments, and it includes interactive features that work seamlessly with smartphone scanning.

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

This elegant plaque includes engraved information such as the artist's name, the title of the artwork, the date it was created, the type of media used (like oil on canvas or watercolor), a short description of the artwork, and a QR code for quick access to more information.

The plaque itself is made from refined black acrylic with a premium finish. The text is laser-engraved in white for high contrast and readability. Its size is 10x15 cm, designed to be easy to read. It comes with two metal hooks for professional mounting. The design is sleek and fits any interior style. It is also weather-resistant and durable, with built-in digital integration for mobile compatibility.

Need It Urgently? + $30

Worldwide Delivery () in 2 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. (21 October)

Free Worldwide Express Shipping

High-Quality Linen Canvas

Full Shipping Insurance

Customs Tax Refund Guarantee

True Color Matching Guarantee

100-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Bulk Discount Offer

$ 69

Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM

Broad Turning

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Reproduction Frame

-

For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a kit, disassembled. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.

Professional assembly required - this is not a DIY product.
The kit must be assembled and the canvas stretched by an experienced professional framer, using wood glue (not supplied), a canvas stretching plier and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries. Incorrect assembly or uneven canvas tension can permanently damage the artwork and is not covered by our warranty.

All solid wood bars are included, precisely cut to size.
Assembled with the screws provided, plus wood glue for the corner joints, which is not supplied and must be sourced by your framer.
Professional tools are required and not included: a canvas stretching plier (tensioner) and clamps to hold the bars square while the glue dries.

Important:
The corner joints require wood glue, the bars must be held with clamps until the glue is fully dry, and tightening the canvas on the assembled frame requires a canvas stretching plier. None of these are included in the kit. Please arrange an experienced professional framer before ordering this size.

Assembly guide is provided here

Nameplate

-

Protective Varnish

Glossy Varnish (enhances colors, protects against light/moisture)

-

Urgent

Delivery in less than 3 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. No compromise on quality.

-

Express Shipping

Worldwide Delivery () in 4/5 weeks. (28 October).

Included

Total Price

$ 69

Quick Facts

Medium: Acrylic resin (Magna) on canvas
Title: Broad Turning
Notable elements or techniques: Veil painting; staining technique
Dimensions: 230 x 384 cm
Artist: Morris Louis
Movement: Color Field Painting

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:

What artistic movement is Morris Louis’s ‘Broad Turning’ associated with?

Cubism

Impressionism

Color Field Painting

Question 2:

The painting utilizes a technique known for its spontaneity and avoids visible brushstrokes. What is this technique called?

Glazing

Sgraffito

Pouring

Question 3:

What dominant color palette characterizes ‘Broad Turning’?

Bright reds and yellows

Pale blues and greens

Earthy tones – browns, ochres, yellows

Question 4:

‘Broad Turning’ exemplifies a flattened space perspective. Why is this significant in relation to Color Field painting?

It emphasizes realism and detail.

It prioritizes emotional expression over spatial accuracy.

It aims to create an immersive visual experience.

Question 5:

‘Broad Turning’ shares similarities with staining techniques pioneered by Helen Frankenthaler. What distinguishes this method from traditional painting?

It involves layering multiple colors in thin coats.

It utilizes a solvent-based medium for precise blending.

It allows pigment to penetrate the canvas fibers.

Broad Turning – A Symphony of Color and Fluidity

Morris Louis’s “Broad Turning,” created in 1958, stands as a cornerstone of Color Field painting—a movement that fundamentally shifted the trajectory of American art after World War II. More than just pigment on canvas; it's an immersive experience designed to evoke contemplation and capture the essence of natural phenomena like flowing water or wind.

Composition and Scale

The artwork’s horizontal orientation immediately establishes a sense of expansive calm. Bands of color cascade across the canvas, eschewing any central focal point—instead, the viewer's gaze wanders organically across the varying hues. Measuring 230 x 384 cm (approximately 9 ft. 10 in. x 15 ft. 7 in.), “Broad Turning” commands attention and creates an illusion of depth despite its flattened perspective.

Color Palette and Technique

Louis’s masterful use of color is central to the piece's impact. Primarily earthy tones—browns, ochres, yellows, and subtle hints of red and green—blend seamlessly together. The technique employed was revolutionary: Louis poured diluted Magna paint onto the canvas, allowing it to spread and merge naturally without visible brushstrokes. This process, dubbed “veil painting,” resulted in translucent layers that shimmered with reflected light.

Historical Context and Influences

"Broad Turning" emerged during a period of artistic experimentation following Abstract Expressionism, where artists sought to transcend representational imagery and prioritize pure visual sensation. Louis drew inspiration from Helen Frankenthaler’s staining technique—a method that similarly aimed for spontaneity and textural richness. The painting reflects the broader ethos of Color Field painting: an exploration of color as emotion and experience.

Symbolic Resonance and Emotional Impact

The flowing colors in “Broad Turning” can be interpreted as symbols of movement, transformation, and perhaps even a connection to primal forces. They invite viewers into a meditative state, fostering feelings of tranquility and wonder. Louis’s work continues to resonate with audiences today because it captures the sublime beauty of nature—a timeless pursuit that speaks to our deepest desires for harmony and contemplation.

Materials Used

Canvas
Acrylic Paint (Magna)

This artwork is housed at Dallas Museum of Art, Texas.

Questions & Answers

In which year and which movement was "Broad Turning" made?

"Broad Turning" was made in 1958, within the Color Field Painting movement.

What technique was used for "Broad Turning", and when was it created?

"Broad Turning" was made in 1958, in acrylic on canvas.

How do the colors of "Broad Turning" relate to each other?

The colors of "Broad Turning" by Morris Louis show a strong color unity harmony. Harmony describes how the colors relate to each other.

Related Artworks

Beethoven Frieze: — Gustav Klimt, Art Nouveau

Gustav Klimt Beethoven Frieze:

Vav — Morris Louis, Color Field Painting

Morris Louis VAV

Ambi I — Morris Louis, Color Field Painting

Morris Louis Ambi I

Hammer And Sickle (special Edition) — Andy Warhol, Pop Art

Andy Warhol Hammer and Sickle (Special Edition)

Seal — Morris Louis, Color Field Painting

Morris Louis Seal

Number 99 — Morris Louis, Color Field Painting

Morris Louis Number 99

Dalet Tet — Morris Louis, Color Field Painting

Morris Louis Dalet Tet

Morris Louis Dalet Kaf

Number 1-81 — Morris Louis, Color Field Painting

Morris Louis Number 1-81

Saraband — Morris Louis, Color Field Painting

Morris Louis Saraband

Artist Biography

Early Life and Education

Born: Morris Louis Bernstein, November 28, 1912, Baltimore, Maryland
Parents: Louis Bernstein (furniture salesman) and Cecelia Luckman Bernstein.
Education: Attended public schools in Baltimore; Maryland Institute of Fine and Applied Arts (now MICA), 1929-1932. Did not complete a degree.
Early influences included Eugene Speicher and Paul Cézanne.
Showed an early interest in art, encouraged by his family despite limited opportunities in Baltimore.

Development as an Artist & Key Influences

1930s: Worked various odd jobs to support himself while painting (vegetable peeling, laundry work, Gallup Poll research).
1934-1936: Participated in the Public Works of Art Project mural project under Sam Swerdloff.
1936-1937: Moved to New York City; experimented with techniques at the Siqueiros Workshop.
Magna Paint Discovery (1948): A pivotal moment – Louis pioneered the use of Magna paint, a newly developed oil-based acrylic paint created for him by Leonard Bocour and Sam Golden. This allowed for greater fluidity and transparency in his work.
Influence of Helen Frankenthaler: In 1953, Louis and Kenneth Noland visited Frankenthaler's studio and were deeply impressed by her stain paintings (particularly "Mountains and Sea"). This inspired their experimentation with pouring and staining techniques.

The Veil Paintings & Color Field Innovations

Mature Veil Paintings (1954): Characterized by overlapping, superimposed layers of transparent color poured onto and stained into sized or unsized canvas.
Technique: Extremely diluted paint was applied to an unprimed, unstretched canvas, allowing it to flow over the inclined surface, creating translucent color veils. This eliminated brushstrokes and emphasized flatness.
Color Field Painting: Louis became a central figure in Color Field painting, simplifying pictorial space and emphasizing flat planes of intense color. He was part of the Washington Color School movement.
Series & Styles: Beyond the Veil paintings, he explored series like florals, columns (1960), unfurleds (1960-61) – featuring rivulets of opaque color – and stripe paintings (1961-62).

Major Achievements & Historical Significance

Pioneering Color Field Painting: Louis is recognized as a key innovator in Color Field painting, alongside artists like Kenneth Noland and Helen Frankenthaler.
Influence on Abstract Expressionism: His work expanded the boundaries of Abstract Expressionism by focusing on color and flatness rather than gesture or composition.
Washington Color School: A significant contributor to this influential movement, which emphasized a reductive approach to painting.
Destruction of Works: Notably, Louis destroyed many of his paintings between 1955 and 1957, reflecting a critical self-assessment of his work.
Legacy: His emphasis on color, flatness, and the materiality of paint continues to influence contemporary artists.

Later Years & Death

Louis continued painting prolifically until his death.
Death: Died September 7, 1962, in Washington, D.C., at the age of 49.
Memorial Exhibition (1963): A significant exhibition was held at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum shortly after his death.
Retrospective Exhibitions: Major retrospectives followed at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (1967), and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. (1976).

Morris Louis

1912 - 1962 , United States of America

Quick Facts

Full Name: Morris Louis
Nationality: American
Date Of Birth: 1912
Date Of Death: 1962
Place Of Birth: Baltimore, United States of America
Notable Artworks:
- High
- Number 1-36
- Where
- Number 1-68
- Gamma Tau
- Third Element
- Delta Theta
Artistic Movement Or Style: Color Field painting
Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Helen Frankenthaler
- Jackson Pollock
- Cézanne
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
- Kenneth Noland
- Washington Color School