If you had asked me a few years ago if I had any interest in abstract art, I would’ve told you confidently that it’s not my thing at all. More than that, abstract art seems too chaotic, pointless, and lacks a true display of artistic talent in my estimation. As the famous quote goes –
Modern art = I can do that + yeah but you didn’t
Maybe, if you splatter enough paint on canvases and put enough colors next to one another, you’ll come out with a winner eventually. It might just boil down to high creative output and luck. And then, art snobs will stand in front of a work the right person called a masterpiece and try to ascertain the deeper meaning. Honestly, it all seemed silly and pretentious. But, then I started intently studying art about five years ago. I did a deep dive into art I readily loved, but I also started studying artists that were never my favorite. I knew they were celebrated in the art world, but I just didn’t get it. Through study, I gained a new appreciation for art I didn’t understand and even didn’t like. Then slowly, I found myself intrigued by abstract art and wanted to dip my artistic toe in those creative waters that felt foreign to me.
With just some paint splotches and scribbles, I learned quickly that there is an art to creating abstract art. It isn’t luck or at least only luck. A knowledge of form, shape, line, color, value, and composition undergirds the apparent chaos. In fact, after studying abstract artists, I learned that a lot of their earlier work is more traditional as they focus on the foundations of good art and then they start to break free to find their voice.
While I don’t ever see abstract art being my primary focus, it is fun to play around with abstracts based on what I’ve learned over the years. I particularly like playing with abstract landscapes, using greens, blues, and whites combined with loose landscape shapes to make studies and finished works. I also find it’s a great opportunity to warm up, focusing on colors and shapes instead of getting in the weeds of the details.
A few weeks ago, between being sick in bed with two viruses I acquired two weeks apart, I really wanted to get back to painting but I didn’t feel like I could focus on a commission piece or even a landscape or still life for a future sale. I just wanted to play with paint and get back into a rhythm. I gathered up a few panels in sizes and finishes I don’t normally use and put them on the counter in the middle of my studio and see where it would lead.
I looked back through some sketchbooks where I’ve made pages of abstract studies to see what pops out at me, what works, and what doesn’t. I feel like I want to revisit some of those shape and color combinations, but I used them as a loose guide to get started.
I painted the initial layers with acrylic paint so they would dry quickly. I then went in with oil paints and then finished with oil sticks. As the paintings dried, I added on more little bits of paint from my palette when I finished other painting sessions. As I said earlier, I don’t see abstracts ever being my main focus, but I had a great time painting these.
I love the texture and “yumminess” of the paint layers and how my favorite color palette of blues and greens is evident. It was a nice way to use up panels that have been sitting in my stash for a long time and to experiment without any stakes. I could make a big mess or a few things I like. In the end, I like what I created and I look forward to painting more when the mood strikes me.
Here are the works I made. Most of them are between 5 x 7 and 6 x 8. It was nice doing some little ones, but I would like to do some larger works in the future. I think they will have a greater visual impact.
I might keep one or two, but most of these paintings will go in my next original art sale. I have a pretty nice stack of original paintings and I’ll schedule a sale soon.
When did you last try to appreciate creative work that wasn’t your style?
16 Responses
This is my first abstract:
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I always thought anyone could do abstract art…until I tried to do one. It’s much more difficult than it looks. Congratulations for getting out of your comfort zone. Love the colors and the interplay of the patterns.
I also traveled that path, first loving mostly only the Impressionists & not understanding modern art at all. Through years of museum visits and reading about artists & art movements I’d say probably half the art in my home is now modern, a lovely tension. Intoxicating to see how artists responded to things in their life and the world at the time.
Is there anything that you can’t do??? You are a very talented and creative person.. my “art” consists of bad stick figures!!!
A LOT of art is learning a new skill and practicing it. YOU have artistic ability because you are a human and we ALL have it. The first time I tried crochet, and pottery and glass mosaic and weaving and quilt making I was bad at all of them. But if you line them up, you can see a progression of skill. Many of us try art, see the first attempt as “bad” and determine “I’m just not artistic” when really, it’s more true to say “if I keep doing this, I will get better at it”. Marion’s paintings are an example of hours and hours dedicated to a practice not inherent “talent” the rest of us don’t have.
Well said, Susan!
I love the colors, textures and movement in your new paintings!
I’m so happy to see these new pieces, your abstract pieces on society 6 are some of my favorites of yours but I would love to have an original piece. Looking forward to your next sale, I’ll definitely be hoping to score one. Also, some large abstracts would be awesome.
Oh my gosh I absolutely LOVE these!!!
I absolutely love these Marian.
I think it’s the first abstract art I ever really liked.
Loved what you’ve done. I never had an interest in doing abstract until about a year ago when my daughter requested one. I hadn’t been able to figure out why she never commented on my pieces, so finally asked. Her response was that while my paintings were very nice but not the kind of art she was attracted to. So, I ventured out & found I actually enjoyed it. I too don’t think it will ever be my primary interest but enjoyed the challenge.
love it , I love to use a pallet knife no need to wash brushes.
the one looks like a lion and Lamb so there you have your Easter painting
I love your abstract art! The color palette is definitely you and even the movement looks “familiar”. It is just a different approach to expressing your creativity. I am a senior now, but I grew up with mid-century abstract art/sculpture. My father studied art in college before WWII. When he and my mom moved to South Florida in 1950, he opened a custom woodshop making high cabinetry and furniture. At home you would likely find him carving wood sculptures and drawing abstract art, primarily using colored pencil and graphite. We went to local art galleries almost every weekend. He lived in Finland as a young child.
Never really understood abstract art, but I appreciate your work and your comments. Now I feel better informed and definitely interested! Thank you!
I love abstract art and always have. Being able to appreciate color and movement without being “told” what to see is what I like most. It’s also really helped me narrow down my color taste and personal palette without being tied to a particular art style. I love all your art though, you’re so talented!
I enjoy loose abstract art precisely because it allows me to work intuitively and because the end result is so open to interpretation. These pieces you’ve shared are beautiful. I hope you keep exploring! It’s been a real pleasure to watch your artistic growth over the last several years.