UNDERSTANDING ABSTRACT ART #8

Title “The Stage is Set” (Acrylic) 184x122cm

ABOUT THIS PAINTING:

This is one of the largest paintings I have done. I think that a painter has a preferred size in which they feel comfortable painting. That size for me is ideally 90x120cm or 90x90cm. A number of factors govern this… I can only physically handle this size comfortably, and it is the largest size I can transport in my car. So practical matters govern this preferred size. But there are other factors that are at work too. I feel restricted when I paint small canvases and I think that the statements that I want to make suit a larger scale. I would paint larger if I did not have to transport the painting eg a mural. But I also like to be able to pick up the canvas and let the paint run or turn the canvas while I work. I am sure that other artists have preferred sizes that they stick to also.

Artistic techniques used in the painting:

The painting grew from a still life which I set up in my studio. Parts of the objects are still visible, for instance the handle of a teapot (centre) and a cushion (red/black/white image).

This was the first time that I used gradation in a painting. The grey is not made from black and white but is derived from the palette range I was using. This is what keeps the painting alive. I have used black and white within the composition but in the grey mix, blue-green dominates and enlivens the effect.

The composition is balanced because of the diamond shape which takes up the centre of the whole surface. Also the visual “weight” is at the bottom edge of the canvas, with the dark grey and the red/black/white image or approximately equal value. A thin horizontal band is suggested just above the centre which divides the plane into a square. This gives the composition balance and a feeling of congruence.

The title “The Stage is Set” alludes to the anticipation one feels when one is awaiting a performance to commence. There is a feeling of suspended mystery and receptivity at that moment. It is this that I am trying to capture for the viewer.

UNDERSTANDING ABSTRACT ART #7

Title “Alchemy of Sorry” (Mixed drawing materials and Gold Leaf)

100x100cm (framed in perspex)

THE IDEA BEHIND THE DRAWING:

This painting was inspired by effect that the word “Sorry” had on those indigenous people who were the “Stolen Generation” and also the overall population of people in Australia.

The drawing is limited to only three colours – black, red and gold which are also the colours on the Indigenous Flag. The use of gold leaf represents the transformation in the psyche of the population after the word “Sorry” was stated by our Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd. Alchemy is the changing of base metal into gold. This drawing marks a significant turning point in the history of Australia.

I have used this drawing at this time because this week (on 26^th January) is Australia Day. I think it is significant at this time to reflect on the different aspects of being an Australian. I am a 4th generation Australian from Scottish/English background. I am proud of my forebears and what they have contributed to making this country a wonderful place to live. I am also proud of being Australian.

Artistic techniques used in the painting:

Tonal values are easily seen with drawing materials such as charcoal and carbon. This drawing is very abstract, however one can see that I have off set the tonal values, dark against light, to create contrast and drama. Moreover, because this drawing is set in a square, harmony is created. When I use the word “harmony” usually I would mean “balance” however in this case I also mean “peace”.

The black border with a line of patterning on the right side of the drawing creates rhythm. Imagine if these features were not there… the drama in the overall composition would be lost. Movement is created by the two large and two small white areas which keep the viewer’s eyes traveling around the picture. The line patterning throughout the body of the work, imply aboriginal markings. A thin red line surrounds the gold circle; this contrasts with the uneven random patterns that make up the body of the artwork.

The title uses the word “Alchemy” which implies that peace and harmony will be inspired by a symbolic image that is balanced and harmonious, in a similar way as the word “Sorry” has had a significant effect on this nation’s psyche.

UNDERSTANDING ABSTRACT ART #6

“Red Dominance” (Acrylic) 92x108cm

ABOUT THE PAINTING

This painting won First Prize in the American Bicentennial Festival of Art. It is now held in the Griffith University Art Collection. You can read the meaning behind the painting and other antidotal information by going to:- http://artworkscatalogue.griffith.edu.au/web/pages/gal/Display.php?irn=161&QueryPage=%2Fweb%2Fpages%2Fgal%2FQuery.php

Artistic techniques used in the painting:

The flat plane of red in this painting is typical of my abstract style. In this case the overall red area is off set by the blue streak in lower-centre left and russet-brown and white image lower-centre right. This expanse of red dominates the canvas causing the viewer’s eye to travel across it and finally be drawn to the ambiguous inconclusive image that is only partially visible. This allows for varied interpretations by the viewer as to what this equivocal image represents. Also because it is only partly visible, it should lead the eye to it and out of the canvas but because of the flat plane of red – the viewer’s eye is held on the painting. The overall painting is not unbalanced because of the strength of the red. The flatness of the acrylic paint creates a stillness – allowing the viewer to contemplate on the abstract nature of the painting.

The title gives a clue to its meaning and is discussed at length in the web link. The painting is typical example of Abstract Expressionism.

UNDERSTANDING ABSTRACT ART #5

Title “Rains” (Acrylic) 90x90cm

The idea behind the painting:-

This painting deals with climate change. It was started during the Brisbane floods of 2011and depicts a watery rainscape with optimism that new life will again return in abundance. One year has past since this disastrous event. Australia is a desert country with weather events such as occasional devastating floods. However, the climate is tending to become more extreme with these weather events occurring more regularly than in the past. These are indications that the earth is becoming out of balance and so humans need to not lose sight of our responsibility in keeping our natural environment healthy.

Artistic techniques to achieve this:-

The composition of this painting is balanced. The predominantly horizontal emphasis suggests the rising levels of water during the flood.

The colours are optimistic but sombre, suggesting the resilience of humanity when faced with adversary, and one year on from this event, this has proved correct.

The point of focus is the red structure. This draws the eye to the horizontal emphasis and the square of the canvas reinforces the balance of the overall image.

This painting conveys an overall feeling of wateriness. The paint has dribbled down the canvas. This vertical dribble is off set by the horizontal emphasis and leads the eye around and down the painting. Also the pink and white colours give a shimmery effect which alludes to the subject title - “Rains”.

UNDERSTANDING ABSTRACT ART #4

Title “UP” (Mixed Media - Acrylic with Silver Leaf on canvas) 90x90cm

THE IDEA BEHIND THE PAINTING:

“Up” is what it’s like growing up in heart of Surfers Paradise which is a resort town on the eastern coast of Australia. I lived in Orchid Avenue, in the centre of all the excitement and very close to the beach. Life in the 60’s was more balanced than it is today, and great fun…..

The painting is meant to engender positive feelings and a sense of well being. The title gives the viewer a clue to the overall feeling of the painting…an UP feeling of fun. It also alludes to positive health – both mental and physical.

I thought it would be a good painting with which to start the New Year. May 2012 be filled with positive and uplifting energy.

ARTISTIC TECHNIQUES TO ACHIEVE THIS:-

This painting’s composition is created within a square canvas. This gives a feeling of balance. The viewer’s eye moves up (along the silver splash), along the horizontal band near the top, and then around this square. This movement around the image suggests dynamic excitement. The centre of the painting is rather still and gives a sense of stability.

The colours used are bright and uplifting – up-beat – warm colours give a feeling of fun and joy. The use of Silver Leaf gives a feeling of opulence – another positive.

The painting is done in acrylics – flat planes of seductive colour that give energy and movement – there is nothing stagnant about this image.. An emphasis on the repetition of pattern together with the symmetry of the horizontal line at the top, leads the viewer to extrapolate beyond the bounds of the picture into the future. Repetition (seen across the top) also provides rhythm and movement to the overall painting.