Abstract Expressionism conveys its emotion as artists typically paint rapidly, with force on large canvasses to express what they are feeling at that moment in time. Typical of Abstract Expressionism, the artist expresses himself purely through the use of form and color with no actual object represented in the piece.

With Abstract Expressionism, the painting is done by gesture instead of geometry. Sometimes paint is applied quickly with large brushes and other times paint is flung at the canvas or other paint receptor. Artists who worked in this genre insisted upon spontaneity to make the artwork come alive. The Abstract Expressionist's work is supposed to be drawn from his or her unconscious mind and thus lack structure and continuity.

Abstract Expressionism started in earnest in the 1940's and became increasing popular in the 1950's. The point of Abstract Expressionism is not to define a particular style but to espouse a particular attitude. Rather than depicting any type of realism, these artists insisted on improvisation and staying in the moment as a work was being created.

Earmarked by a spirit of revolt and a belief in freedom of expression, the Abstract Expressionists divided themselves into two basic groups with some doing action painting and others color field painting. Pollock and de Kooning typified the action painters while Rothko lead the color field painting movement.

Abstract Expressionism was preceded by Surrealism where it is credited with getting its roots. The movement of Abstract Expressionism was popular until the 1960's when a new art movement, Pop Art took hold.