UNDERSTANDING ABSTRACT ART #75

Title    “Fractured Earth – the drawing” 

(Drawing - Ink and Watercolour on watercolour paper on board)

Size:  90x65cm (Exterior dimensions)

ABOUT THIS PAINTING:

This drawing stands alone and is not part of the Rockscape Series that I have discussed in earlier posts. It is however like the Rockscape Series in that it is inspired by the volcanic rocks on the foreshore of the coastline on the Sunshine Coast.  The photograph of the rock used for my drawing was taken at Mooloolaba Beach.

As you can see, my drawing is rendered in a realistic way and the natural formations of the actual rock provide the abstract look which I prefer for my art.   Rockscapes fascinate me. These rocks are volcanic and have become fractured by the natural cooling process thousands of years ago.  The patterning is thought to be the result of the surface drying before it consolidated.  They have weathered the ravages of time.

Symbolically these rocks tell of the Earth’s early beginnings, and represent for me the qualities of endurance and strength.  These qualities are traditionally seen as masculine. Ink and watercolour are the main mediums used and they represent qualities associated with the feminine.  Water (as in the ocean) symbolically suggests fluidity, softness and spirituality which are also linked to the feminine. 

This drawing brings masculine and feminine qualities together and serves to symbolically provide balance and harmony to an imbalance that is occurring in the natural environment on this planet at this time.  It is no secret that our beautiful blue Pacific Ocean is beset by pollution.  Scientific reports show that the magical and bountiful deep blue is turning into a barren desert.   My drawing here (and also the Rockscape Series) serve to draw attention to the fact that although the coastline along the Sunshine Coast is still beautiful, our ocean and coastline may not be the same for future generations to enjoy.  What we now take for granted is under threat and we all need to be aware and responsible for our Earth’s care.

Artistic techniques used in the painting:

The drawing is on four sheets of watercolour paper adhered to board.   I randomly applied black ink over four discarded watercolour paintings.  When dried I arranged the sheets to form a single surface.  I wanted to experiment with black and this process yielded a surface which was weathered by circumstance over time, just like the rock in the photo.

I then used white ink and a bamboo pen to draw a realistic copy of the fractures and fissures of the rock face.  I applied fluoro ink in parts of this drawing to create interesting effects and highlights on the white ink.

The entire surface was then covered with a matt gel to create a consistent cover and unify the four original surfaces. 

This drawing is experimental and I stress that every artist should explore the different affects created by the application and mixing of unrelated media.  In this case there are elements of randomness but also quite a high degree of control.

Why don’t you try an experimental painting – it can lead to a very rewarding conclusion and is fun.  Just let go of the ego and of control and let it just happen.  It’s very freeing.

http://www.buderimartstudio.com

UNDERSTANDING ABSTRACT ART #74

“Beau”

 (Watercolour on paper) 

Size: 44x55cm (approx)

ABOUT THIS PAINTING

 I have four daughters and two are married with children.  I have painted portraits of all my grandchildren.  The surrogate child of one of my other daughters was a pet Pomeranian dog called “Beau”.

It is well known that for some people grief can be as strong for the loss of a pet as it is for a lifelong human companion.  So when Beau died at the age of 14 years, I did a portrait of him for my daughter who does not have children. 

We all know that animals have personalities and this becomes very evident when one paints the likeness of a pet.  Below is a photo of Beau.  You must agree that I have captured the personality quite well.  

Although this blog is about Understanding Abstract Art, I include this painting so as to show that even though I prefer painting in an abstract way, I do have the ability to paint in a representational way particularly if the subject calls for this style.

Artistic techniques used in the painting:

This painting of “Beau” falls into the genre of portraiture. Note the difference in approach between my abstract portraits reviewed in posts #70 and #71 and this one.  All the paintings of my grandchildren (including Beau) are done in a representational style because I feel that it provides a token of remembrance.

I chose watercolour for this portrait because of Beau’s personality.   He was a fun and loving companion.  Also his very appealing looks which went with his nature.  I chose the medium of watercolour paint because I felt it best captures these endearing attributes.  Of course this is purely a subjective decision.

A painter has many choices when starting a portrait (even a portrait of a dog).  The artist can choose to depict the whole body, or alternatively, just paint the face.  What is included in the portrait should always be intentional and indicate something about the subject and their personality.  Because Beau was small and white I chose to focus on his face.  This was the most defining aspect of him and captured his loving personality.

I painted this portrait in a medium/large size because Beau was a small dog with a big presence.

The tone is high to med-tone showing high contract between his features and his white fur.  I have also used a limited pallet to enhance this tonal affect.

The form is quite flat.  This is indicative of my general style even when the subject matter is representational. 

The composition is static and balanced.  The medallion design strategy is used.  This gives a feeling of importance to the subject otherwise one would see just a little ball of white fluff.

Isn’t he endearing?  Don’t you love him?

http://www.buderimartstudio.com 

UNDERSTANDING ABSTRACT ART #73

“A Mortal Flower” 

(Oil, Pastel & Fibreglass Resin)

Size:  100x77cm

THE IDEA  and TECHNIQUES BEHIND THE PAINTING:

This painting “A Mortal Flower” typifies a style I experimented with but due to health concerns I decided not to continue this approach.  The painting is oil on a plywood board.  The oil paint was applied and then turpentine was sprinkled onto it causing it to run and separate.  I then drew the face using pastels.  There was no likeness to anyone in particular.  I applied fibreglass resin over the whole painting.  However due to the combustible nature of the resin and also the fumes, I decided to discontinue this style even though it was popular.  Also after doing one or two paintings using this technique, I became bored with the process.  This painting has no real meaning.  Also there is not much technique involved and the faces become repetitive.  I prefer to paint something that offers a challenge or says something of meaning, regardless of whether it is popular or not.  I only painted two of this type – the other being “Soft Glances” which is reviewed in Post #55.

I wonder just how you feel about this painting?

I urge painters to experiment with as many different types of media as possible and by so doing, one learns how to achieve specific affects when they are required.  A painter learns only by experience and not by reading about it.  Painting is a very hands on discipline.

So, what is art?  In my opinion true art should say something just like literature.  However, many of the general public tend to look at art from a purely decorative point of view.  If it looks pretty or is a nice scene then its “good” art.  I suppose all are true - it really depends on the viewer.  Just like a conversation, there is the speaker and the listener.  What the speaker is trying to say has to be interpreted by the listener – the listener has to be receptive for the information to be heard.  With art this also applies but so often the viewer does not reflect or the time to contemplation.  They just look, make a quick judgement and move on.  This says something about the modern human – are we becoming self absorbed and insensitive perhaps?  Are our eyes closed to subtleties?   Don’t we have the time?  Every action or re-action says something.  It’s all art – the art of living.  It’s about being conscious in the Now.

http://www.buderimartstudio.com 

UNDERSTANDING ABSTRACT ART #72

“The Fractured Earth #1”

Rockscape Series

(Watercolour and Gouache on paper) 

Size: 98x83cm (framed)

ABOUT THIS PAINTING

 I am fortunate to live in a very lovely part of the world.  The coastline of the Sunshine Coast, Australia can boast of sandy beaches and blue clean surf.  Also the coast has a temperate climate and sunny days hence its name. 

History is recorded in the rocks that form some parts of this coastline.  These weathered volcanic rocks, seen at Point Cartwright, are where I frequently walk.  I photographed these abstract shapes that have formed naturally eons ago.  They represent to me the span of time that this great land mass, (Australia), has been nurturing life.

When looking at this present coastline, one must realize that over the last 800,000 years there has been much change.  In fact geological studies reveal that about 120,000 years ago, Point Cartwright and her sister headlands were small islands.  The sea level we now experience has existed for the last 6,000 years carving the present rockscape of honeycomb weathered Landsborough sandstone.  The patterning is thought to be the result of the surface drying before it consolidated.

However science is showing us humans that the oceans and the coastal regions are in trouble.  This concern for the natural environment is the reason I painted the Rockscape Series.  This series, based on the photos I have taken of the rock formations at Point Cartwright, have inspired the series of ten watercolour and water media paintings called “The Fractured Earth – Rockscape Series”.  This is the first in the series - #1.  

Artistic techniques used in the painting:

The photo that inspired the painting discussed this week, is seen below.  It is a rockscape.

 

I originally sought to paint the photo accurately but with this particular painting during the art making process, I took artistic licence.  This process allowed me to maintain the abstract format that I favour for many of my paintings.   Seen here below is my rough drawing for the painting.

All ten paintings in the series are on full size sheets of watercolour paper and are framed in uniform.  Some of the other paintings in this series are reviewed in posts #19, 67 and 69.

Water colour painting is often very traditional and representational.  In this series I have tried to keep to the traditional application but have varied the subject matter to be abstract.  The size of these paintings also deviates from the traditional in that I have used full size sheets.

I would argue that the genre would fall into “Landscape” because of it being a Rockscape.  The abstract composition is however not as abstract as one would initially think because, the painting is consistent, in part, with the photo.

The composition is static, flat and balanced – typical of my Abstract Expressionistic approach.  The form is flat with fairly large planes of colour for a watercolour painting.  The tone is low to medium because there is not a lot of contrast.

A Triadic Colour scheme is used throughout.  Orange is the main colour.  Its compliment is Ultra Blue.  The Supporting Triadic Colours are Manganese Blue and Mauve (made from Permanent Violet and Rose Madder).  The Analogous Colours used here are Red Orange and Cad. Yellow.  Black (made from Prussian Blue and Perm. Rose) and White are also used.

Most of my paintings address abstract themes and the rationale behind them is discussed in more detail my 3 min. video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ2MzRmoKBA

I welcome your comments and value your interaction.

http://www.buderimartstudio.com