Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Abstraction Continued



In the previous post I asked what your feelings about abstract art are. Can abstract expressionism be as high an art form as the portraits of Renaissance masters or the still-life paintings of the Dutch? While a common misconception is that abstract art is for artists that don't have the skill to paint otherwise. The reality is that it is a choice and a difficult one. To build up a painting day by day and yet maintain the brushstrokes or the colors that you initially liked is a true challenge. I am firmly for abstract art and let me
show you why.

First of all, I can't get enough of Gerhard Richter as I stated in a previous forum at our main page.
This is an artist whose ingenuity results in a massive collection of art. His technical skill can not be disputed as displayed in his portraiture

Betty

1988
102 cm x 72 cm
Oil on canvas
Saint Louis Art Museum Collection

But he made the choice to also create other pieces that focus on color, paint, brushstroke, and composition rather than subject matter.



1977 Abstract Painting
200 x 200 cm. Oil on Canvas.

This use of color, varying texture and opposing brushwork creates something spectacular and as much art as his more formal work. One of my favorite traits of Richter is his way of softening brush stokes in a way that seems to create a glowing blur of motion as if the image was running through the frame.

Another German abstract artist is Renata Bernal. Her work is a showcase for heavy paint and brush work. Bernal has layers upon layers of heavy oil paint that build up the surface creating a texture you wish you could reach out at touch. Her use of de-saturated color and sweeping motion is also stunning.


A modern artist working on abstract paintings as well as abstract instillation is Mark Pomilio who focuses on line rather than varying color to create his imagery. His pieces are beautiful and almost simplistic while being very intricate. The line work is definitely gripping and when in an instillation it's absolutely grand.



"Form +Function: Mathematics in Contemporary Art," Sept. 2006 - Jan. 2007, Noyes Museum, Oceanville, New Jersey.

A few sights I found that are dedicated to this sometimes slighted art form are Abstract Artist, Abstract Artist .Org , and American Abstract Artists. These sights promote, support, and feature abstract artists. A few current artists I stumbled upon while on theses sights are Paul Seftel, Scott J. Morgan, and Stan Gregory.

If you enjoyed what you read or would like to talk more about abstract work stop by our main page and take a look at our forum where we have some discussion about abstract work. Join the buzz, view art events near you, enjoy all things art. Be sure to also follow us on Twitter too!
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Thursday, November 3, 2011

Abstraction

Figures on a Beach. 1931. Picasso


Hello again! Sorry for all the hellos but I don't know if I get leave behind this simple greeting because it seems to add some formality that I feel is needed to get started. That being said, let's start looking at abstract art. I want to pose just a few questions and then tomorrow we can really look at some images.
The other day I had a dentist appointment with a man who is a very good dentist and a very horrible art appreciator. During the visit he both scoffed at Picasso and said "Bob Ross is very good." I'm not knocking Bob Ross, I grew up watching (and adoring) Bob Ross, but his work isn't in the same league as Picasso!

As a painter looking into abstract art I find this way of thinking sad. The lack of curiosity into what the brush strokes look like, how design and composition take the place of images we know. I understand that Picasso falls into the Cubist movement, but my poor dentist can only see something he can't understand. After this he then asked me, "Can it takes days to create an abstract painting?" I almost laughed, taken back by this blunt, but innocent, question. I responded that it can even take weeks or months; this seemed incomprehensible to him.
So what are your thoughts on abstract art? Is it an artless art or a treasure we should hold on to? The American Abstract Artists seem to think it's worth while. Next time I'll go over some more contemporary artists and hopefully we can get into some better discussion.



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