VIDEO 95. Composition in Abstract painting: How to create deep space and dynamic movement

Do you struggle with how to use visual language - line, color, shape, value, texture - to create a sense of deep space and dynamic movement in your compositions? In this video I talk about how to create compositional depth and spatial movement to express a particular feeling or meaning that you'd like to have in your work. Remember, how you use composition always roots back to this question: why am I inspired by what I am inspired by, and how does that inform my particular use of visual language? I hope you find this video pertinent to the development of your artistic voice and compositional knowledge.

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[susanstern]

I can and do listen to you all day…. In my inspired mind understanding your analysis, and then I look at my board and am despairing…. You’re brilliant!

[susanstern]

You are so inspiring and overwhelming in the depth of your knowledge. The work is beautiful. Thank you.

[mariannemitchellwholeart]

Hey everyone! Many artists ask me about how to create spatial movement in their work. I hope you find this video helpful in showing you how to use visual language to make dynamic abstract compositions. Enjoy!

[annejackson]

Hi Marianne. I really enjoyed this presentation, as I always do when you analyze your own paintings and talk about the deliberate compositional choices you make. It shows the contrast between your initial reckless abandon phase and your thoughtful integration phase in bringing a painting to a conclusion that supports the meaning you wish to convey. Very illuminating. Thank you!

[pamelablunt]

I have never thought consciously about this in abstract work. I think sometimes it has happened intuitively, which is the only way I can start, but this gives me a whole deeper way of looking and focusing, to hopefully (!) make my work more dynamic in a conscious way. Very exciting. Beyond the exquisite beauty of your paintings, I appreciate your clarity very much. I'll look at this more than a few times.

[DawnoftheDay-mbzt]

Thank you! This was very helpful! On the last painting, I saw the black on the right receding until the darker vertical edge “stepped a toe” onto the orange.

[grayjacobik]

Truly helpful Marianne. Following your re-creation of your thought process (or at least your analysis of what you may have been more or less doing intuitively—born of long experience) is rare, and privileged-speaking. My apologies for that complicated syntax but this is complex stuff. So generous of you. Thank you deeply. (I’m sure I’ll need to listen to this at least 3 times). ❤

[joe-hab]

I find this video exceptional, a brilliant artist...this is what i was looking for. thank you! new subscriber.

[Mr]

I see the orange going back and the blues walking forward

[avanellehansen]

Excellent. Beautiful paintings and great explanations. New subscriber.

[mariehamm]

Thank you Marianne for your sharings !

[susiegilmour]

Thank you so very much for this video. Amazing work and explanation. The last piece ..the black seems to come forward near the blue green area but this changes as you look to the right where the brown seems to push the black away. The sense of depth and strange perspectives are so compelling, I could gaze at them forever.

[bhavani]

I am immediately captivated by your work . As well as your explanations I will listen and watch several times Also with the hope that a visual understanding is awakened . Thank you

[Debbiegibb]

Just what I’ve been seeking. Thank you! New subscriber here.

[annrubino]

Excellent critique of atmospheric and spacial elements playing with shapes and volume. Beautiful paintings, Marianne. Exquisite use of colours and values. You have an intriguing relationship with minimalism.

[kerryanne]

Thank you Marianne, I am loving your style and see everything you explained in your works. The language of colour is intriguing, and yes, I think you perfectly made a trick on the eye regarding the orange and black. I can see it both ways where they can both recede or come forget.

[watchtheskys]

I have struggled with the concept of composition in Abstracts for a while. This really made it clear to me, using your Visual Language elements, line, color, shape, volume, and texture. For your painting, "There", I see it as blacks on the left receeding from the yellow/ orange on the right as you look at it. But, I see the blue/green/yellow in the middle punching out from all the background. It is front most, especially, the yellow, as if it is bursting away from the darker colors on top and bottom.

[richrogers]

Hope in the center, ye yes yes-I see a new world mouse hole that invites me to go exploring… I appreciate how you admit to long struggles to move your work towards finally expressing your inner meaning- love the textural development, the simplicity of your juxtapositions of the few simple shapes informed by light and line dance and color shaping. It’s so very different than my frenetic, solid, parallel line style, so soothing by comparison, Iwill take away a desire to seek complexity in a more simple and nuanced manner. Thnx sister. I subscribe to your message, will study your teachings.

[alisonpeters]

You are a genius you’re breaking the basic rules of Composition I always learn so much From you I appreciate you

[berniceseigel]

I see the orange going back and the edge of the black is bent toward the forward position.