Playing with Abstraction: Nocturne
Playing with abstraction, or simplifying form, has been the dominant mode of 20th century art, and in truth it is the way I see. I don’t see things in freeze frame like a photograph. But releasing the need for imagery is something new for me. And I’m discovering that the slightest mark can convey a thing–door, window, roof, sky, etc. What if I want to eliminate all that? How do I proceed? Here is one playful progression on the same canvas.
Word Play
Getting Started–charcoal and thinned out paint–gestural marks
first iteration–moonlight over water
second iteration: cloud shapes, horizontals, and verticals appear
At this point I set this canvas aside and proceeded on a new canvas. Here are the results:
back to the first canvas–getting caught up in the weeds– too much detail.
first canvas, rotated horizontally
I took Kate’s advice and rotated the canvas. I also looked at my sketches, some of which are collages. For this layer I referred to a smaller collage and used the movement and forms as a guide. The final painting is pictured below the smaller collage.
Final Remarks–Painting (and life) is a Journey
By staying open to possibility in dialogue with our work we may find new places and visions. Playing with abstraction is challenging but also rewarding when I hit the right notes. The sequence of photos in this post gives you a window on my process. Sometimes a painting comes together quickly as in the second canvas and at other times it goes through many versions, or iterations. While my process may seem chaotic, ultimately it gives me a great sense of freedom.
Finally, my approach in the art studio is to play and explore. And I encourage you to do the same, whether it’s altering a tried and true recipe, moving plants around in your garden, or simply arranging furniture in your living spaces. Be well and keep in touch.
Love, Robin
PS Look for my article entitled “My Non-Traditional Portraits” recently published in Fall 2024 issue of the Maine Arts Journal!