About Abstraction

“IMPROMPTU”  my watercolor that was juried into the CWA Open show in 2011.

I am preparing for my Abstract Workshop on July 20 and 21 at the University Art Center in Sacramento so I have been thinking a lot about abstracts.  Here are two very different abstracts that I am working on sitting on the shelf in my studio.

WORKS IN PROGRESS

SO HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS ON ABSTRACT PAINTINGS:

How often have we heard “My kid could do that!”  Sure a little kid can fling paint, but the chances of a little kid creating a really good abstract painting are pretty slim.

So what attributes does a successful abstract painting possess?

It could be compelling

It could be mysterious

It creates a mood…calm, serene, edgy, anger, sad,  or joyous.

It can cause the viewer to think, but it does not have to tell a story.

It is unified with color harmony, it is NOT every color in the rainbow.

It is built on a solid foundation of design principles.

So how do you paint an abstract?  There are about as many different processes used to create an abstract painting or collage as there are artists creating them.  There is no right or wrong way to paint an abstract.  There are however things to keep in mind as you work on your painting. 

Balance - choose from symmetrical, asymmetrical or radial

Focal Point

Color harmony

Movement

Pattern

Rhythm

Variety

Depth or not

Unity.

I would love to hear your thoughts on abstracts, please leave a comment.