Hey, it’s Ian Roberts with Mastering Composition. This week’s topic is all about abstraction – what it is, the concepts behind it, and how it applies to painting. Maurice Denis once said that all pictures are essentially a flat surface covered with colors, drawing away from the three-dimensional world. We’ll explore the range of representation to non-representation through four historical paintings and discuss the idea that art is the history of ideas seen through different lenses or conventions.
As we journey through the history of art, we’ll see how artists like Caravaggio and Monet broke away from traditional conventions to see nature in a new light. From highly detailed academic paintings to completely non-representational works like those of Jackson Pollock, we’ll explore how the degree of abstraction in art has evolved over time. Join me next week for a demonstration that puts these abstract ideas into practice, and remember to share your thoughts and feedback because your comments truly mean a lot to me.
Definition of Abstraction
Explanation of abstraction
Abstraction is the process of drawing away from the three-dimensional world and representing it on a two-dimensional plane. By simplifying and subtracting elements, artists create a flat surface covered with colors assembled in a certain order, making all paintings essentially abstract.
Origin and meaning of abstraction
The term “abstraction” is derived from the idea of drawing away from reality. This concept is rooted in simplification and subtraction, leading to a representation of the world in a more simplified manner. Maurice Denis, a protege of Gauguin, believed that all paintings are essentially abstract as they involve simplifying and abstracting elements from the world.
Relationship between abstraction and painting
Abstraction is inherent in all forms of painting, as artists translate the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. From representational to non-representational art, the degree of abstraction varies, reflecting the artist’s intent and style.
Range from Representational to Non-representational
Comparison of representational and non-representational art
Representational art aims to depict objects and scenes realistically, while non-representational art focuses on elements like color, shape, and form without representing recognizable objects. The range of abstraction in art allows for a wide variety of artistic expressions.
Examples of artists and their degree of abstraction
Artists like Charles Bargue, Patrick George, Matisse, Georges Braque, and Jackson Pollock demonstrate varying degrees of abstraction in their work. From highly detailed and representational paintings to completely non-representational and abstract pieces, these artists showcase the diverse range of abstraction in art.
Illustrative Diagram of Abstraction
Visual representation of the scale of abstraction in art
A visual diagram can illustrate the scale of abstraction in art, ranging from tightly rendered realism to completely abstract paintings. This scale allows for a better understanding of how artists navigate between different levels of abstraction in their work.
Paintings Demonstrating Different Degrees of Abstraction
Charles Bargue’s painting – 1878
A French academic painter known for his highly finished and skillful paintings, Charles Bargue’s work showcases a high degree of representation and attention to detail.
Patrick George’s painting
British painter Patrick George’s work demonstrates a more painterly approach, with a focus on shapes and fresh interpretations as he explores the degree of abstraction in his compositions.
Serjeant’s painting
With abstract brushwork that deviates from traditional representation, Serjeant’s work shows an abstraction of the subject matter, highlighting a unique artistic style.
Matisse’s painting of 1916
Matisse’s painting from 1916 embodies representational elements while embracing a different mindset towards abstraction, showcasing a distinctive approach to depicting the world.
Georges Braque’s painting
Georges Braque’s work pushes the boundaries of representation, gradually increasing the level of abstraction in his compositions while still maintaining recognizability.
Jackson Pollock’s painting
Known for his completely non-representational and non-objective approach, Jackson Pollock’s work emphasizes the surface of the painting as the object, inviting viewers to interpret meaning from the abstract forms.
History of Art as History of Ideas
How artists view the world through ideas
The history of art is closely intertwined with the history of ideas, as artists interpret the world through various lenses and conventions. The evolution of art reflects changing ideologies and perspectives throughout different artistic eras.
Examination of stylized convention in art
Artists often adopt stylized conventions as a way to filter their observations of the world through a specific lens. These conventions shape artistic interpretations and serve as a foundation for artistic expression.
Visual Examples of Stylized Convention in Art
Parmigianino’s painting of 1535
Parmigianino’s mannerist painting from 1535 exemplifies a highly stylized convention, with exaggerated features and poses that deviate from realistic representation.
Caravaggio’s approach to painting
Caravaggio’s departure from mannerism and a return to nature in his painting style reflects a shift towards direct observation and a rejection of stylized conventions in art.
Landscape painting from 1840
The landscape painting from 1840 exhibits a stylized representation of nature, emphasizing idealized elements and a particular color palette to evoke a sense of mood and atmosphere.
Monet’s evolution towards abstraction by 1920
Monet’s transition towards abstraction in his later works demonstrates a departure from traditional representation, focusing on color, light, and form to convey artistic expression.
Future Implications of Abstraction in Art
Discussion on the evolution of abstraction in art over time
The evolution of abstraction in art continues to shape artistic expression and challenge traditional conventions. As artists explore new forms of abstraction, the future of art is poised to embrace innovative and diverse approaches to representation.
Practical Applications of Abstraction in Painting
How to make paintings more abstract
To create more abstract paintings, artists can experiment with simplifying and subtracting elements, focusing on color, shape, and form rather than realistic representation. Embracing abstraction allows for creative freedom and unique artistic expressions.
Examples of artists transitioning towards more abstraction over time
Many artists have transitioned towards greater abstraction in their work over time, evolving their artistic style and exploring new ways of visual expression. By embracing abstraction, artists can push the boundaries of traditional representation and engage viewers in thought-provoking interpretations.
Closing Thoughts on Abstraction
Reflection on the significance of abstraction in art
Abstraction plays a crucial role in art, allowing artists to interpret and represent the world in diverse and innovative ways. By exploring varying degrees of abstraction, artists can challenge perceptions and inspire meaningful dialogue through their work.
Preview of next week’s demonstration
In the next week’s demonstration, we will delve deeper into the practical application of abstraction in art, showcasing how these ideas can be implemented in artistic practice. Join us for an interactive exploration of abstraction and its impact on contemporary art.
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