 In this detail Im focusing on negative and positive shapes and spaces -where flat color creates irregular and interesting negative shapes. However when zoomed-in in this manner the negative spaces are suddenly transformed into positive shapes that almost jump out at you. As an abstract / semi abstract artist, I love Ambiguous space.  This original painting (the whole) is a semi abstract version of trees however this imagery only came about after random play with watercolor paints and color combinations. After seeing how beautiful these drips of paint were I began seeing how powerful the negative and positive shapes and spaces became. These spaces also gave an ambiguous feel between foreground, middleground and background. This piece is a study for a larger final.  Detail # 5 is actually another section of a whole painting that detail #3 came from. In #3 we spoke about the element of Line verticals balancing horizontals. In this composition we focus more on the element of shape though line still plays a role for it is from line that shapes are born. The irregular shapes at the bottom half lend to interesting negative and positive interplays creating depth and texture. The upper half also plays with negative and positive shape and space but creates more flowing movements because of the undulating horizontal lines. Visual texture is also seen within the negative spaces throughout the piece.  In this detail, Composition does not feel cohesive nor balanced however my intent was to focus more on the textural elements in this detail than the compositional elements. The upper half of the detail shows visual texture - here the textural elements are seen rather than felt to the touch. Where as the lower half of the detail exhibits strong tactile textures where they can both be felt by the sense of sight as well as felt by the sense of touch.  This detail emphasizes the power of a line. Lines direct the eye throughout the piece they create boundaries, create depth and the list goes on. This detail shows the balance of the strong vertical lines leading the eyes upward against the horizontals lines creating a place of temporary rest. Color here places a similar game to the lines- one of restful movement.  In this detail the perceived negative space at the bottom works better than the previous post. It allows the eyes to lead up through the area into the forcal point of the brown section.
 Detail of a vertical Acrylic & Paper Collage painting 24"x12" in progress. Recap: For the next few months as I work towards a new series of paintings, I will be featuring 'Details' of my current paintings In progress. (A 'Detail' of a painting is a part or portion of it considered in isolation.) It is fun finding mini paintings within a painting - Its a discovery in and of itself. In this piece the negative spaces on the top and bottom were overwhelming and therefore competed for attention within the whole. As I tell my students during classes on composition "negative space and shape are powerful elements - too much creates dead space and just enough activates the space" In cropping more of the negative spaces on the top than the bottom creates a good balance allowing the bottom area to anchor the piece nicely. On further observation I think that more negative space on the bottom will activate the space even more. Lets revisit the composition and re-crop. Thats what the process is all about construction and deconstruction - in this case thank goodness we can do this on the computer rather than physically making unforgiving changes. Stay tuned to see what this will look like.  Detail of a vertical mixed media painting 24"x12" in progress. For the next 6 months as I work towards a new series of paintings, I will be featuring 'Details' of these current paintings In progress. (A 'Detail' of a painting is a part or portion of it considered in isolation.) What happens when a particular area doesn't work or gel with the rest? Sometimes it is the best part of the work but sadly enough, even the best part of a work of art has to be sacrificed for the betterment of the rest of the painting... Yikes !!! scary but true. It is in these times I like to separate it from the whole by photographing and enjoying it as a complete piece on its own. It may eventually be saved on the original painting or it may be the last interaction I have with it on that piece. At least here it wont be forgotten, I can learn from it and it may even get the honor of becoming its very own painting in the future. Who knows if this detail will remain a part of the whole painting; a new painting; or not. Will it Stay? or Sashay Away :-) ...Either way I get to honor it here. |
CategoriesAuthorI am a Contemporary Trinidadian Fine Arts Painter. My work discusses ideas of culture, identity and the role we play within our communities. |
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