Journeys to abstraction: 100 paintings and their secrets revealed

575 Pages·2012·11.08 MB·English

by  Sue St. John

Journeys to Abstraction
100 Contemporary Paintings
and Their Secrets Revealed
Sue St. John
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Contents
Title Page
Special Offers
Introduction
1Choices When Painting Abstracts
Explores some of the most important choices to consider in creating
abstract art.
2The Paintings
Insights into 100 paintings revealed as abstract artists share their
working processes.
3Demonstrations
Follow along step by step to create your own abstract works in a variety
of media.
Directory of Artists
Acknowledgements
Dedication
About the Author
Copyright
Heart Throb • Betty Jameson Acrylic and collage on Arches 140-lb.
(300gsm) cold-pressed paper 30″ × 22″ (76cm × 56cm)
Out on the Town • Sue St. John, KWS
Introduction
Abstract painting can be challenging, and the biggest challenge is to do
it well. Often, an abstract painting will not have a recognizable object to
inform the viewer what the painting’s subject matter is. But the viewer
can respond to the painting’s colors, shapes and values, and sense what
the artist was trying to convey. The viewer can feel the mood of the
painting. We don’t have to know what a painting is if we know how it
makes us feel.
Each abstract artist approaches painting from a different direction.
Some artists simplify their images. Others severely distort simple shapes.
And some artists limit the amount of information they include in their
painting to a mere suggestion of their subject matter. Clearly, there is
more than one way to paint abstract works. The choices are vast and
nothing is wrong.
Have you ever been curious about another artist’s process, and
maybe even want to try it out yourself? Artists, myself included, learn
from each other by observing how other artists do what they do. This
book offers you the opportunity to peek through other artists’ studio
keyholes to view the creative process of abstract art. It is a source of
ideas, techniques and methods from various abstract artists. Studying
each artist’s working processes can help you develop your own
techniques for your abstract works. Then you can strike out on a path
entirely of your own and develop your own style.
If you do not have drawing or painting experience, you can still
learn the abstract methods without any complicated techniques. Even if
you prefer to paint reality, abstract art can help you get motivated to
develop your individual style.
So, let’s start exploring the creative process of abstract art.
1
Choices When Painting Abstracts
Why choose to paint abstractedly in the first place? Abstract art can be
incredibly liberating. For many artists, it is a form of therapy and a way
for them to deal with emotions long pent up within themselves.
Abstraction is free form and fluid and can be comprised of just about
anything. The only limits are your imagination and your willingness to
explore your own inner psyche.
So, where do you begin? When painting abstractedly, there are
many things to consider. In this section, we’ll explore some of the most
important choices to consider in creating abstract art.
Gucci Poppies • Karen Kierstead Miller