What Is Abstraction?

This turned out to be a BIG topic. I'd say this week we're looking at the ideas. Next week I'll demonstrate these ideas. Put them into practice.

[georgeedward]

Ultimately, I think an artist's mission is to allow people to see things in a new way. Like putting the accent on a different syllable of a word. Same word, different sound.

[frances]

very interesting. Just today I tried to focus on 'loose' in two small studies, trying to forget all other 'rules'. Looking at them when done I liked them and next thought "they look abstract". This painting process is forever unfolding. At 85 it's great to be 'excited'. Thank you for your generous sharing! Fran NM USA

[gardnep]

I was never a fan of “abstract” art. However after retiring I volunteered in the local art gallery to hang and do stuff. One exhibition, masterly curated by the staff consisted of large panels of colour, all “abstracts”. I found every time I went into that gallery, I had to smile. I asked other viewers what emotions it evoked and they all said it made them smile. So from that point on, a few years ago, I’m hooked. Great series of vlogs, thanks.

[catherinel]

I really enjoy the bite-sized episodes. It's so much easier to fit them into a busy day. Thank you

[bonniedillon]

Being Canadian I like to reference Emily Carr and Lawren Harris whose paintings moved to greater abstraction. Your presentation of abstraction helped greatly to focus on the continuum rather than make the subject foreign to me. Thank you.

[mikegallagher]

Such a pleasure to watch this. Thank you.

[cyndywinkler]

Thanks again Ian. My Tuesdays are special because I can take a bit of time and devote it to learning more about art and composition. You are doing us all a great service. We appreciate you.

[mollysiple]

Thank you Ian for creating this forum that has become part of my life. Such a rich art conversation that I have been longing for.

[janicekelly]

Ian - you've lit up my art life. Thank you for being so generous with your time, reflections and expertise.

[rosaliebeck]

I have had your book, Mastering Composition for a bout a decade and found it extremely useful. So happy to have discovered these short and very well done videos- so succinct and clear. Great work- I look forward to the next one.

[paulah]

Thank you for the series. I'm a watercolor artist and am inspired to keep pushing myself to learn new ways to paint in my medium. I'm learning about composition, light, the historical artists and their works and so much more that I can apply to my vision.

[geneunderwood]

You're really a good teacher. You make your points in a memorable yet concise way. You clearly care about what you do and your insights are valuable. I look forward to each episode. I am a novice painter and I learn things from you even though I work on still lifes. Thank you.

[ranjanaluwihare]

Thank you Ian for your insight & clarification. As artists we sometimes get lost within our work & not seeing the bigger picture of the process of master artists in the past. Thankyou .

[sannefridolin]

Every time I Paint I have your voice in my mind now. Like “where are the verticals?”, “where is the point of interest?” Now I will aim for abstraction😊

[annaday]

I love this. Although it’s only a short video, it helped clarify what abstract painting is. I like the way you showed us the transition from stylised paintings to abstract paintings. Thank you, Ian 🙏 Anna

[Bright-It]

You are an inspiration.
Thank you for sharing.

[maryaltabev]

You are opening my horizons, thank you!

[ianbrowne]

Thank you again for a calm exposition and clarification of a complex subject. I have not come across the work of Patrick George and I am impressed by the breadth of your references which cross cultures and continents. The George painting is a wonderful guide to coping with the cloudy landscapes we often find in the UK - here the grey sky is interesting and full of character. Today we are enjoying blue skies and masses of white and fluffy cumulus clouds as as loved by Constable but these do not happen every day! The Sargent Venice painting is wonderful - the joy of throwing caution to the wind!

[mangaltata]

Love the way you explained the concept of Abstraction. Thanks.

[GrandmaMuggy]

Thanks Ian. Wow, this is a really big subject! Appreciate the information and look forward to next week.