Latest posts by michael wilson (see all)
- JORDAN RIVER - February 5, 2019
- Inspired Art - August 2, 2018
- Waiting for Inspiration - July 31, 2018
- The Bridge between Painting and Photography - July 31, 2018
In this brief article I will suggest several styles or directions to you. I think this will be helpful to get you started. If you already are painting abstracts this might suggest a new direction for you to discover. The most well-known abstract ‘living’ artist today is Gerhardt Richter. He is best known for his drag paintings. This is a method of applying paint to one end of a canvas or board in fairly random gobs and then dragging these across horizontally with a wide, flat squeege. With his very practiced eye, he produces some wonderful effects. These effects are part by accident and part by planning. Not knowing the exact outcome is what makes this process so intriguing. I have found this to be an excellent way to free oneself from repeating realism.
A second method for abstract painting is what I classify as free form shapes applied by brush. There are many YouTube videos of this style. Artists seem to be attracted especially to this means of expression. Large and small shapes are created in swirling patterns giving the canvas a very free-form, spontaneous effect. The challenge in this type of painting is having some good fundimentals in color harmony. However, color can be quite forgiving when one color is juxtaposed adjacent to another. Often sharp, contrasting lines are added to this type of abstract expression. This type of art reminds me of good jazz. There is nothing recognizable, it is definitely spontaneous and relies on sub-conscious responses. Some artists would say it is an effort to express an inner feeling or a composite of inner feelings. Hans Hoffman was one of the first to paint in this fashion.
A third example of abstract art seems to stem from the cubist movement begun by Braque, Picasso and Juan Gris. Also the tightly constructed work of Marcel Duchamp. These are typically more thought out compositions. They may even have recognizable elements. Objects, colors and shapes are in defined planes. Abstract paintings such as these often appear geometric or architectural. If you have painted realistic scenes of buildings and landscapes and are wanting to express yourself more freely, this type of transitional abstract painting may be an excellent springboard for you.
These are three to consider. There are of course many. Starting out with one of these will no doubt help you to define your own vernacular and your own special means of expression. Emulating another style provides a direction and by studying the abstract artists of the past gives us an opportunity to choose our personal path.