Elaine de Kooning, born in Brooklyn in 1918, was a renowned American painter known for her key participance in New York’s abstract expressionist movement. From a young age, she was fascinated by the art world, encouraged by her mother to explore her interest in drawing and painting through regular museum visits.

She began her studies at Hunter College in Manhattan, then attended the Leonardo Da Vinci Art School and the American Artists School.
In 1938, she met the painter Willem de Kooning, who became not only her mentor early in her career but also her husband, significantly influencing her work.

Abstract expressionism is characterized by the use of bright colors, broad strokes, and energetic brushwork. However, Elaine de Kooning stood out by merging abstract approaches with figurative motifs. Much of her career was dedicated to portraits, including numerous self-portraits throughout her life, as well as portraits of other artists and political figures such as J.F.K., whose commission was the most significant of her career.