Abstract Art: a definition
Are you Intrigued by Abstracts? Have you been wondering….”What is an abstract!?”
Would you like to know What are the differences between an abstract, a semi-abstract, an Impressionist painting?
Abstract Oil #1 painting, cobalt teal blue, debiriley.art
Abstract Paintings Described
How would I briefly, summarise them, define and describe them?
My version how I see Abstract paintings…..
I call them “non representational” art images.
They are abstractions.
They do not represent any particular object or group of objects.
If I can tell it is a ‘bowl’ or a ‘boat’ or a ‘flower’ …. then, I’d class it either semi-abstract or Impressionist. Depending on the work.
Impressionism
Abstract paintings are very different from Impressionism.
In Impressionism we can very clearly identify there is a tree, boat, sky, people, flower, etc. but with a vague and soft approach.
As though looking through a foggy mirror perhaps. The edges are softer and blurred.
Watercolours The Wharf impressionistic on site painting debiriley.art
Shasta Daisies watercolor
Bright and Joyful Mother’s Day – a Watercolour Bouquet debiriley.art
Photo Realism
Abstracts are so different to photo realism in which we will be intensely aware of every micron of detail that exists within that scene and subject. Almost hyper realism. Its a case of “It is a replica – of the photograph.”
Not my cup of tea. But, it is most certainly my brother’s.
Semi Abstract
A Semi – Abstract painting has a dominance of abstract qualities. But, with just a little more form and detail that strongly and clearly suggests a particular object or scene.
Watercolour Craggy Mountain
Zen of Colour: Forest
Maybe sky, mountain, ocean, rocks and boulders in a rushing river (as in Green, May your River Run. Below.)
Abstract Landscape in Oils debiriley.art
An Abstract painting doesn’t have clearly identifiable elements.
It is open for the viewer to interpret as they will.
As Their fancy takes them!
Ocean Colors, Oil Abstract #2, debiriley.art
This style of painting appeals to me most of all.
I like the idea that viewers are actively engaged within the artwork, using their creativity. Using their imaginations.
That really pleases me, when I am able to stir and inspire someone’s imagination to take flight!!
Abstract Artists to look at
Some of my favorite artists are and were abstract specialists.
So many world class artists have painted in the Abstract genre.
These people are Brilliant!
Wassily Kandinsky
Georgia O’Keefe
Franz Kline
Robert Motherwell
Mark Rothko
Paul Klee
Paul Jenkins
Bridget Riley
Mondrian
Toko Shinoda, brushstroke mastery
Summary
There are other types of art: botanical, illustrative, graphic design, and more, that I didn’t cover.
I really just wanted to focus on the 3-4 types of art that might get confused most often by the beginner artist. For now.
Defining Abstract Art is personal and subjective to a certain extent; but one can say that Abstract paintings are “Non – Representational” art.