Art of the Abstract

Why is abstract art so fascinating? Eleven artists share their work and their inspiration. Enjoy!

 

Mana Aina #4

“Mana Aina # 4″ mixed media on panel, 40″ x 30″ x 2”, 2014

 

Artist Alejandro Goya explains his approach: “Living on Maui reminds me of how people and nature have partnered to create art. Colors on random surfaces are faded and transformed by the weather, inspiring my work.

 

Senderos #7

“Senderos #7″ acrylic, 48″ x 48″ x 1.5”

 

Jeffrey Davies presents this complex painting, and says, “Although I have painted for more than 30 years, I am really excited by my newest work and direction.”

 

Graffiti Garden

“Graffiti Garden” acrylic & mixed media on board, diptych, 72″ x 84″

 

This fascinating abstract is by Kelly Walker, who talks about her process. “I don’t have intentions when working or any particular outcome, and value the happy accidents that come from multi-layering through many start-overs.”

 

Orchid Necklace

“Orchid Necklace” mixed media, 16 inches long, abstract 1 1/4″ square plus 1 1/2″ drop

 

Artist Misha Seelhoff includes a tiny abstract painting in this jewelry design. She shares, “The color and pattern found in nature and my environment are what excite me, and I try to replicate that, with spontaneity, in paint and other materials.”

 

Five One

“Five One” acrylic on hemp canvas, 70” x 50”

 

Painter Stephen Mauldin presents this vibrant painting and explains, “I do not consider myself an abstract painter, since ‘abstract’ means, literally, ‘to move away from’ and I’m trying to get closer, to make that which is not visible, visible.”

 

Aspen

“Aspen” acrylic on canvas, 24″ x 30″ x 1.5″

 

Artist Candace French talks about her striking work, saying, “I enjoy playful expression of nature’s vibrant colors and textures as the inspiration for my work as I invite the viewer to step beyond the known into life’s mystery.”

 

Edward Phillips

Artist Edward Phillips and his work.

 

In this photo, Edward Phillips poses with a piece of his artwork and explains, “Non-objective abstract art has changed my life. it has made me more sensitive to everything around me. Exploring various mediums is very exciting to me.”

 

Hopeful Romantic

“Hopeful Romantic” acrylic, ink and polymers on gallery wrapped canvas, 40″ x 40″

 

Why does she paint? Artist Jacqueline Doyle Allison responds, “The challenge of a blank white canvas is irresistible when I am able to rely only on my imagination to fill it abstractly using my insight and intuition.”

 

Friendship #5

“Friendship #5: Messy. Sometimes complicated. Beautiful if you’re lucky” watercolor, 12″ x 16″

 

Susan Gainen shares her approach to creating an abstract. She says, “Almost all of my abstract paintings begin as doodles. I find great joy in growing a doodle into a pencil drawing and adding as much color as possible.”

 

Oasis

“Oasis” acrylic on paper, 24″ x 14″

 

Of her abstract work, artist Mary Lea Bradley says, “My paintings are intuitive with as little thinking done as possible, thereby leaving the interpretation and meaning of what they see up to the viewer.”

 

Keys to the Merry Go Round

“Keys to the Merry Go Round” oil, 48″ x 120″

 

Stephanie Sachs shares one of her newest paintings, and explains, “I utilize bold graphics and vibrant colors to capture the viewers attention, then beckon them to stay in my playful, ambiguous, spaces, that are pleasantly perplexing allowing its mysteries to unfold.”

 

Want to stay current on cutting edge business articles from Artsy Shark, plus artist features, and an invitation to the next Call for Artists? Click below to sign up for our twice-monthly email. You’ll get all this plus opportunities and special offers that you can’t get anywhere else!

Sign Up For Updates!

Speak Your Mind

*