In the 1960s, Helen Frankenthaler's art continued to evolve and expand in scope, solidifying her role as a pivotal figure in the post-war American art scene. During this decade, Frankenthaler began experimenting with acrylic paints, moving away from the oil paints she had used in her earlier work. This transition allowed her to explore larger washes of bright color, as seen in works like "Canyon" (1965). The use of acrylics opened up new possibilities for her, enabling her to achieve vibrant, saturated hues that intensified the emotional impact of her compositions (The Art Story). Her work during this period was also recognized internationally. In 1966, she represented the United States Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, further establishing her presence on the global stage. The following year, she exhibited at the International and Universal Exposition in Montreal, showcasing her growing influence and the wide-ranging appeal of her work. This era marked a significant phase in Frankenthaler's career as she continued to refine her technique and explore the boundaries of abstract painting (Art in Context). However, Frankenthaler's journey was not without its challenges. Despite her innovative contributions to the art world, she often faced gendered critiques that sought to diminish her accomplishments by comparing her unfavorably to male contemporaries like Jackson Pollock. Critics sometimes described her work in terms that emphasized its supposed femininity, neglecting the originality and depth of her artistic vision. Despite these obstacles, Frankenthaler remained committed to her unique approach, exploring a range of colors and techniques that distinguished her work from that of her peers (Art UK). In response to the artistic movements of the time, Frankenthaler continued to resist the prevailing trends of serial painting and smaller canvases. She insisted on working on a large scale, believing that this was where her art found its fullest expression. Her refusal to conform to commercial pressures demonstrated her dedication to her creative integrity, underscoring her role as a trailblazer in the art world (Art UK). Throughout the 1960s and into the 1970s, Frankenthaler's exploration of color and form, along with her innovative use of the soak-stain technique, contributed significantly to the development of Color Field painting. Her work during this period underscored her continued influence on contemporary art, highlighting her ability to capture the essence of her experiences through abstraction (The Art Story) (Buffalo AKG Art Museum).