“Atmospheric Effects I,” created by Alma Woodsey Thomas in 1970, is a notable work belonging to the Color Field Painting movement and is classified within the abstract genre. The artwork features pronounced vertical bars of color that blend harmoniously to create a striking visual effect.
In the piece, Thomas employs a deep blue background that occupies the central and right sections. On the left, a gradient of color transitions from a narrow, bright red stripe to a yellow one, contrasted against a muted olive green vertical segment. The colors intermingle subtly, giving the impression of fluidity and depth, characteristic of Color Field paintings. The abstract nature of the work, along with the use of bold, saturated hues, evokes a sense of tranquility and contemplation, which is a testament to Thomas’ nuanced understanding of color and composition.