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A five-year old could do that
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Message
Posted
There appear to be quite a few YouTube videos on creating “a beautiful abstract painting”. The one or two I have watched even the first thirty seconds of usually involve dolloping five or six different colours on the surface and then smearing them around somehow. The only difference seems to be the particular colours used and the smearing technique; squeegee, roller etc. They’re awful and not worth the digital memory they occupy.
In an idle few minutes recently I was wondering how we judge, evaluate, appreciate abstract works; is it just a variation of “I know what I like”? A favourite of mine has always been Eight Red Rectangles by Kashmir Malevich. I find it very exciting although it’s hard to say why.
I have a book (Abstract Art, by Alexander Pohribny (whoever he might be)), and he describes this painting as “...a feeling of pure non-being...” and that he (Malevich) has “...shed the fetters of utilitarianism.” Eh?
Nevertheless I have seen contemporary abstract works that I can stand in front of for ages and others that don’t hold me for more than a few seconds. I sometimes struggle to get beyond “I know what I like”.
Posted
Like you John I really like some abstract paintings - and others I don't (though I guess that applies to all art) - I do seem to prefer ones that have been at least partly inspired by the natural world/scenery - colours/shapes/textures etc - I generally do not like the ones that have a lengthy complicated title/explanation as to what it is supposed to be (usually something totally "woolly")! Many years ago I saw a beautiful very large abstract painting at a student (probably graduate) show at the Edinburgh College of Art - no idea what it was meant to be but I loved the colours and it made me think of deep sea photography - loved it and still remember it about 20 years later. (and no I didn't buy it as unfortunately it was huge)
Posted
Years ago abstract painting was something somebody else did, not me. How times have changed. I now paint in the abstract/semi abstract style and find it quite challenging. I always base them on places I know, mainly North Devon around Exmoor, Combe Martin and Woolacombe, where I grew up as a child. I sometimes use a photo reference of the moors and the sea, but only for the shapes, and colours.
I admire John Blockley’s work, it’s free and his mark making is brilliant, some time back we had a workshop and discussion at the Nottingham Society of Artists, where I’m a member. It was fascinating how he evolved.
Ellen
Posted
Thank you, Alan I’ll have a look. John Blockley’s later work in acrylics are some of his best works for abstract paintings. We also discussed Paul Klee, a German born artist, he painted various paintings on the same theme, ‘Red Balloon’.
Just had a quick glance at Michael Morgan, you can see that he was inspired by John Blockley. They’re fabulous.
Ellen
Edited
by Ellen Mooney
Posted
Try Clyfford Still. I accidentally saw the Abstract Expressionism exhibition at the RA when it was on. The enormous, seemingly single coloured paintings with 'bits' in them actually had textures and subtle nuances of colour that created a subtle composition and thereby an energy. It was amazing to see and experience. Probably more obvious in real life.
Posted
Just had a look at Clyfford Still, Gudrun. What a feast of colour. What I find most difficult in starting an abstract painting is stopping it from becoming a ‘normal’ seascape or landscape. I know the area of North Devon and Exmoor like the back of my hand so I’ve recently stopped using photo references, relying on my memory. It starts off as abstract then I begin to paint it like it really is, it’s so frustrating. I did succeed on one of them though, I posted it on the gallery, ‘Watching the tide roll in’. I was quite happy with that one.
Ellen
Edited
by Ellen Mooney
