Leap-of-Faith Abstracting

abstract three

I need a change of palette. I keep gravitating to that "robin's egg blue" hue. Must be a color that represents spatial qualities to me (sky?). Painting abstracts is like being in therapy...not that I ever have been but I may need some therapy if I continue to paint this way. On my way to the library to pick up the book "Trust the process: an artist's guide to letting go" by Shaun McNiff.

abstract two

This is the second of four little abstracts in oil. I am challenged, rewarded and frustrated in quick succession as I work on composition and balance, and on relationships between shapes and textures and colors. The painting comes together in one or more areas, then while I'm trying to bring the rest of the painting into a pleasing relationship with the areas I love, the whole thing falls apart. When that happens (over and over) I have to decide which parts to keep and WHY and what to do with the areas that don't work. I'm pleased with this one now.

abstract one

I'm playing with oil paint this week. Abstracts seem like a good way to become reacquainted with oil but for me they are much more brain-draining to create than landscapes! The balancing act is intuitive in landscapes but with an abstract there is a constant narrative as I'm working (which is exhausting). But, the medium is a fun change. Click on the image to enlarge.