Elaine De Kooning

About

Post-World War II-era painter associated with Abstract Expressionism and Figurative Expressionism.

Before Fame

She grew up in Brooklyn and frequently visited New York museums with her mother, who also taught her how to draw.

Trivia

She taught at numerous universities, including Yale, Carnegie Mellon, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Family Life

She was married to fellow Abstract Expressionist artist Willem de Kooning.

Associated With

She was commissioned by The White House to paint the official portrait of President John F. Kennedy.