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!