Joan Mitchell's La Grande Vallée series, created between 1983 and 1984, represents one of the most significant and poignant periods in her illustrious career as an abstract expressionist painter. This suite of 21 paintings is imbued with deep personal significance for Mitchell, reflecting a period of mourning and remembrance, inspired by the loss of her sister and a narrative shared by a friend about a childhood paradise​ (Encyclopedia Britannica)​.

Mitchell, an uncompromising figure in the post-World War II abstract expressionism movement, garnered acclaim for her dynamic and expressive canvases, which conveyed her profound emotional and sensory experiences through vigorous brushwork and vibrant color. As a pioneering female artist in a field dominated by men, Mitchell's work stood out for its raw intensity and the emotional depth of her abstract landscapes​ (Artsy)​.

The paintings within the La Grande Vallée series are characterized by their pastoral themes and a shift towards a more contemplative and meditative subject matter, as Mitchell, later in her career, was inspired by the serene environment of the French countryside where she lived. This body of work reflects her evolving style, showcasing a transition from the energetic and forceful expression of her early New York works to a more nuanced and masterful exploration of color and form, influenced by her surroundings and experiences in France​ (Artsy)​.

One notable aspect of the series is its foundation in memory and the imagined, drawing inspiration from a friend's recounting of a young man's dream of an idyllic valley on his deathbed. This narrative thread binds the series, lending it an ethereal and contemplative quality that contrasts with the vigorous and dynamic compositions of her earlier work​ (Artsy)​.

A retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art highlighted Mitchell's significant contribution to abstract expressionism, featuring an extensive examination of her work and its impact on the art world. The exhibition catalog includes essays that delve into the nuances of her career and the creation of La Grande Vallée, shedding light on Mitchell's artistic journey and the evolution of her style over the decades​ (David Zwirner)​.

Through La Grande Vallée, Joan Mitchell invites viewers into a deeply personal landscape of memory and emotion, offering a vivid testament to her skill in translating complex feelings into compelling visual form. This series not only encapsulates the essence of her artistic philosophy but also marks a pivotal moment in her career, embodying the graceful evolution of her approach to abstract painting.