For over four centuries all of art representation was figurative and scenic. It was highly formulaic and it was not considered ‘good’ art if brush strokes were detected. All of this thankfully changed during the French Impressionist period. The range of subject matter increased dramatically and now brush strokes became not only visible but seemed to show the vigor and intensity of the painting. Of course the public was slow to appreciate this dramatic departure from the careful studio paintings of the past.
The impressionists paved the way for Miro, Matisse, Braque and of course Picasso. Then Kandinsky came on the scene, which brings me to my subject of Beginning abstract oil paintings. He was not originally a painter but once he began to paint the process consumed him. At his height of production he was producing over two hundred paintings a year. Because of the war years he was compelled to always be moving his studio locations and yet he continued to explore and discover breakthrough methods of painting. His work should be studied by anyone interested in seriously painting abstracts.
When you do study his work it will by degrees come over you just how technically perfect are his paintings. The patterns, the balance, the colors are all very carefully thought out. If one can successfully compose a painting will not succeed as a whole unless it is painted with technical skill and Kandinsky’s skill was unmatched. His use of the brush and his great skill with the brush is clearly demonstrated in every painting. This virtuosity came as a result of painting often and much. The beginner painter and even more advanced students must realize and face the harsh truth that only with copious practice can these kinds of results be achieved. In my view he was more skilled than, say Picasso in terms of sheer ability with the brush.
It is not unlike the young violinist who must practice a piece over and over until the music is mastered. There is however great joy in the mastering. It is the same with painting. As one develops the technical skills, a steady hand and mastery of the brush – a distinct pleasure will arise at being able to execute what the heart and mind envision.