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 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.
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.
Maybe sky, mountain, ocean, rocks and boulders in a rushing river (as in Green, May your River Run. Below.)
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!
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
Bridget Riley
Mondrian
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.
It’s good to have these terms and know how these different “styles” of art differ from one another. The list of artists you’ve provided will also be helpful for anyone who’s interested in learning more. I really love your “Zen Forest”. The abstract landscape is also another favorite. Each time I visit your site, I come away with new knowledge and a greater appreciation for color.
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many thanks Judith! (I’m quite fond of Zen Forest too)
I’m so pleased that there was plenty of useful bits of info here today for you! I hope that some of those artists, can illustrate other ways to interpret abstracts 🙂
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I’m familiar with many of them; others are new. It will be a fun “assignment” to look them up and get acquainted with them.
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they should be fun 🙂
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I love this post Debi, very nice to have a clear delineation and also your list of artists would be fun to explore. 🙂
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super! glad this was a useful article Margaret!! thank you for letting me know 🙂 cheers, Debi
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Once you stop tying yourself down to a “subject” it’s almost overwhelming how many options you have. When I first starting painting abstracts I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to accomplish, but the beauty of abstracts is that it puts that burden on the viewer as well.
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yes! it is fun and freeing for both the artist and the viewers.
great comment! thank you for sharing your thoughts 🙂 cheers, Debi
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Toko Shinoda is stunning. Thank you for pointing to her.
It looks like I am fond of those abstract artists who are now around 100 years old. Another example is K. Ol Götz, who turned 100 in 2014 (see https://kellerdoscope.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/bagatelle-ii/, https://kellerdoscope.wordpress.com/2014/02/22/100-years-happy-birthday-karl-otto-gotz/ and https://kellerdoscope.wordpress.com/2014/02/18/about-k-o-gotz/).
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great, thanks! glad you found this interesting!! cheers, Debi
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Thanks Debi
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you’re welcome, glad you enjoyed this!
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Terrific post, as always, Debi! Wow, your semi-abstracts just sweep me away. Love the texture and your use of White Space! This was a really informative post and I found it very helpful indeed. Thank you 3d!
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Laura, thank you! Glad it helped.
I was hoping that this would help a bit, to clarify somewhat the differences.
Its not ‘in depth’ analysis; lol, but it will do 🙂
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Oh, it does! ❤️😘
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awesome ((LL)) 3d
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brings wonderful clarity
to my long held abstractions 🙂
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thanks!
I’ve had quite a few questions now about the confusing issue of abstract or impressionism…. thought I’d share my views today! 🙂
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GREAT stuff! The information and your art! In case you didn’t know – I LOOOOVE your style! 🙂
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thank you so much Jodi, I’m really glad that you found the post info useful today and like these wild abstracts. (and, I DID have an inkling, you liked some of my work…. Charlie TOLD me!!!!) lol
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He is such a rascal! 🙂
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you know Jodi, he really can’t keep a secret! better not let him in on any surprise birthday parties either 🙂
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lol!
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Wow, I love all of these but especially the ocean colors and the impressionist.
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thank you Nico! the blues are quite refreshing 🙂
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Yes!
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🙂
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Great definitions and the perfect allstar team 🙂 I’ve always been a great Kline fan like you and would add de Kooning for me 🙂
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thank you Andrew!
a big, Yes! to de Kooning too 🙂
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Very helpful, I wasn’t even aware of my confusion until you helped me on my way. Things are clearer now and at least, I will know what I’m looking at or experimenting with. Love all your impressionistic art and the movement captured in “Abstract Landscape in Oils”.
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thank you very much Beth! I’m glad you found this to be useful!
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Great post – generous, I learned something from it and I am sure many others will too
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thanks! that is excellent. and of course, my definition, isn’t the ‘be all and end all’ …. other people have there own versions too.
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Wowza!!!! Now I’m inspired to work on another abstract challenge. Laura and I have decided to try another so your post came at the right time Debi.
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Fantastic!!! looking forward to seeing the ‘goodies’ Sharon!!! 🙂
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Your abstract work is beautiful – I love the freshness of the strokes and the life in the pieces. I really enjoy viewing abstract art, but I find it very challenging to do. What I struggle with the most is knowing when to stop. I will look at a piece at various points and try to respond to what’s already going on it it, to see what it needs next and sometimes this helps, but not always. I feel like it is really easy to push it too far and overwork it. Is there any advice you have that speaks to the question of ‘how do you know when your abstract piece is finished?’
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thank you so much! I’m happy to help! what works, sort of, for me, may not for everyone!
my analogy is odd: I take the roast out of the oven before its burnt. I like medium rare. so, I take the roast out at rare and let it ‘cook’ on the counter for the 15 minutes til its right.
this same Guideline applies to paintings.
STOP!!!! When it is just underdone.
come back to it in 2 – 5 days with an objective eye. it works.
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Dear Debi, today I saved at least 10,00 Euros for going to a museum. Thanks for showing us a large variety of your wonderful art and of other wonderful arts. Cheers Mitza
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how fantastic! I wonder….. if you will then share!!? can you take any pics in the museum or not? how about the outside of it? thanks, Debi 🙂
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Would be grateful, if you could send a photo from the outside of your house, hehe
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I was not awake earlier I see. not enough coffee. I NOW, get it… 🙂 feeling silly.
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:))
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I shared this on my blog…. with my own thoughts–that started as a comment here, but proved far too long!
This was a good post–with great examples. Thanks you, as always!
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hi Jacob! Thanks! I just ran over to your place! its a great article you’ve written! loved the last 2 lines… equilibrium!
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I like all art but abstract is the one I come back to time and again. One question – do you mean abstract is non-representational for the creator or the viewer? Whenever I create something that I think is abstract people seem to find images and meanings in the piece that I didn’t see. Maybe that’s what humans do – find meaning in random images.
Thank you for making me think some more about these names :o)
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humans are programmed, to try to alter what the mind perceives as disorder, into order. Viewers – will do that. I know that and now, think its a good thing. It just means, they become MORE Engaged, in my artwork. And, abstracts being Non Representation – is more …for the creator, but… still this is ‘fluid’!!! For, we may have something in our inner minds and hearts, we are thinking of at the time!
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People can express themselves with words but abstract art allows them to express their ideas in ways that are impossible with words alone. It brings out ideas that can’t be verbalised. It brings out ideas and thoughts that can’t be given images that look like anything in the “real” world.
Ironic really that I don’t think I’m putting my thoughts down very clearly, but maybe you get the gist of what I’m trying to say.
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yes! well, in my mind I do!
I see it like …… abstract paintings are emotional responses made visual.
and I completely agree about how some thoughts can’t really adequately be verbalized
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Hi Debi – Was watercolour craggy mountain done with light molding paste?
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yes ma’am!!! put on a piece of gessoed masonite, with palette knife. willy nilly.
no idea of what…. what going to happen.
it was a lovely surprise. (I did 10 at the same time, 5×7 sizes) sheer fun!
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Oh that sounds so cool! And really turned out great! I’ve been thinking about getting some Masonite and gessoing but wasn’t sure if the surface would be archival? My guess is yes, if you’re using it?
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yes, do gesso first with 2-3 nice coats. i love masonite to work on!
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Yay! Ok, thanks! I’d think it would save some $$$ too!
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yes, you can repaint, many times. just, make sure that you also gesso the back side of the masonite to balance out the tension of the gesso.
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Oh, good point. Thank you for mentioning this!
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ah! got it! reading the comments helped 🙂
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Always fun to come back and re-read one of your posts and then to have something jump out more than the first time….your abstracts and Paul Jenkins. I looked him up and wow….love his work! By the way, how did you do “watercolor craggy mountain”? and how large?
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craggy mt. was with watercolor; molding paste put randomly – onto masonite board and let it dry. then ‘wash’ wc over those textures! so fun, so exciting… must do more.
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Can abstract art be color experimentation? Oh let that be! To me its freedom of expression.
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thank you! Freedom of Expression is the best application of art. (imo) Yes!! where else, can we do and create, with such utter abandon and passion! I tell my grandchildren, yes, the sky CAN be green. or striped. or blue. you CAN paint outside those lines, Please Do!! call me a rebel… i think, i am LOL Thank you, for stopping in and for taking the time, to comment. I appreciate it! Cheers, Debi
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Indeed! How we express depends on our perception more than how things really are or look in reality. So I must say we are bestowed.
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