Sunday, February 15, 2009

Experiments in Abstraction

I've decided to share some of these non-objective, abstract paintings that I've been creating in my "Absolute Abstraction" class. The first one is a "collage" start. I primed a large sheet of Strathmore Aquarius II watercolor paper with gloss medium. I then glued down bits and pieces of papers. To this I added acrylic paint, inks and gesso. The instructor told me not to do anything else to it. What do you think?
The second painting, also on Strathmore Aquarius. After priming with medium, I made a line grid, using watercolor crayons. I then wiped away some lines here and there, added a few and came up with an altered design. I added a few colors with pourable acrylics and watercolor crayons.
There is no proper top and bottom so I've added an "upside down" view. Let me know what you like the best. Please note this is very "flat" at the moment. I would like to build up some sort of impasto. I may even use these as starts for oil paintings.


The next one is an "ink" start. I wet the paper, dripped Dr. P.H. Marten's ink and placed waxed paper and plastic wrap over the ink. I lifted the wrap at the last class. Again, this is a "start". I will look to develop it into something.

I started a few more by adding textural gels and modeling paste to yupo paper. I then poured some acrylic color over the texture. I really liked the effect. I thought I uploaded the photo, but I guess I missed that one. Oh well, I'll have something to post later in the week!
I would appreciate your thoughts. I am starting to enjoy the adventure.



12 comments:

Maria said...

I like the last one best. It looks like aliens.

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Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Neetzy, I like all of these paintings. They look so free and COLORFUL. And they look like they're fun to do. Please continue to show us what you do in this class!

Shazza said...

Neetz - I love the colors - but I'll have to get used to your "abstract" period. I do like the last one the best though, I like the effects you achieved.

dive said...

I love (2) (both ways up) and (3), Neetzy, but it is the first one that blew me out of the water.
Your instructor is right. DON'T TOUCH IT!
It is perfect as it is and utterly wonderful.
I love it!
Dammit, woman! Can't you do ANYTHING wrong?

neetzy said...

Maria,

Thanks. My daughters like that one too. That one is just a start. I was wondering what it reminded me of! I could have fun with aliens!

Jesse,
Thank you so much. I visited your blog and left you a comment. I've been to Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Francisco. I've never been to San Diego. I'm glad art is helping you through your medical problems!

Janelle,
I am having fun. I do miss my oil paint. I am thinking of using these as starts to some of my oils as I can paint oils over acrylics. Hmmm...

Shazza,
Thanks. These are more techniques than finished paintings. They are all quite large however, at 30x22. The girls and Maria like the last one best too. I see it as a "start" to something else.

Dive,
I love you! Do you want a list of all the things I do wrong? I do use my time constructively when I am not posting! I think the first one looks better as a photo. It is rather large and ungainly at 30x22 inches. I will have to varnish it and frame it under glass if I wish to "show" it.

Anonymous said...

The first one is the most interesting to me - the forms are flowing, and the colors contribute to the same.
I love abstraction, even though I seldomly venture into it. visit my website sometime www(dot)stgermainart(dot) com - leave somments at my blog here though (my outlook express doesn't work).
And for you, I wish a long and rewarding journey in art!

Anonymous said...

Oops, my hand shot out before I had written my last name - Jeannette St Germain. So you can find me back. Cheers.

neetzy said...

Jeannette,
Thanks so much for visiting. Come by anytime. I don't post as much as I'd like, but try to manage at least once a week. I can't get outside as much in the winter here so I thought I'd try an abstraction class. I don't think I'm very good at it, but I'm having fun and learning new things.

Kat Mortensen said...

I like the first one best. It makes me think of an active volcano about to crack the surface of the earth. You know your colour choices would complement my living space ideally!

Kat

neetzy said...

Poetikat,

I thought it reminded me of a volcano as well. Hmmm I need a title. I missed my class last night. I only have two more to go!

Her Eye Zone Art said...

They're all great and full of life, but I love that first one. Hope to see lots more. :)