“I have recently awakened to an interest in abstract art (from realism). This new art interest has stemmed from a wish to interpret what I see rather than merely replicate what I see. With this in mind I see abstract art as being very individualistic with a large emotional component. Therefore, to “understand” abstract art is to look for or attempt to understand the artist’s message. I also think it important to be aware of what emotions and thoughts the art evokes in me.” – Anonymous
A while back there was a wonderful cartoon in the New Yorker Magazine where a man and woman were looking at a large abstract painting the man had just finished. There were buckets of paint on the floor and the artist was covered with paint. The woman says to the man, “More lithium.”
I had to smile recently when I read that “even the most amateurish looking of abstract masterpieces, are, underneath the service, elaborate, master-crafted works of art. The artist has carefully chosen every drop of paint to evoke a certain feeling and express a certain attitude. Often, novice viewers will stroll through a museum filled with abstract art and marvel at what appears to be paint simply splashed thoughtlessly on canvas after canvas. “Gee, I can do that,” the uninitiated might be heard to mumble under their breath.”
This reminded me of yet another cartoon from the New Yorker Magazine, where two men were standing in front of a very large abstract painting. One man says to the other, “His spatter is masterful, but his dribbles lack conviction.”
While I know that like black and white photography, abstracts are not for everyone, but in my case I’m refining my dribbles and emphasizing my spatters.
Brah! Take your time. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.