Color field is an art movement that emerged in the 1950s, characterized by large areas of solid color applied to a canvas. The term was first used to describe the work of Mark Rothko and Barnett Newman, who were both known for their abstract paintings with simple geometric shapes and vast expanses of color.
The phrase "color field" refers specifically to the area or region of pure color that is spread across the surface of a canvas in these types of paintings. The artists used this technique to create an immersive experience for viewers, allowing them to become absorbed in the colors and shapes before them. Color field painting was also influenced by the ideas of abstract expressionism, which emphasized emotion, spontaneity, and gesture in art.
Overall, "color field" is a term that describes both an art movement and a specific element within these paintings - large areas of pure color used to create a sense of depth, atmosphere, and emotional impact.