FACTS ABOUT ABSTRACTS AND REALISTIC PAINTINGS by TOM BROWN

In an oil painting workshop I’m teaching for other artists we’re currently focusing on various elements of composition. Many artists who create representational art fail to realize that there is a strong relationship between realistic compositions and abstract paintings.

Abstracts benefit from many of the same concepts that form a strong foundation for representational paintings.

For example the focal point here is placed according to the “rule of thirds” and contains the strongest contrast of color and value. Patterns of value and hue link diverse areas, creating unity and pictorial cohesiveness. The same elements we use in realistic paintings.

This abstract also employs repeating rhythms and secondary areas of interest to compliment the focal point, plus powerful lines of motion.

Intersecting verticals, diagonals and horizontal shapes add drama and interest just as we might employ in a landscape painting. I thought it might be interesting to show an abstract painting today, since I usually post realistic landscapes, figure paintings or still lifes. Enjoy!

DYNAMIC ABSTRACT

7x5 inch OIL by TOM BROWN

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Questions? Email me: 

tombrownstudio@cox.net