What makes a painting attractive?
When one of our paintings has been completed and someone views it for the first time, their reaction is usually the same. Nine out of ten times the first thing said is – I love the colours. Next, they start examining the shapes in the painting – usually for something recognisable. Pointing out shapes that resemble a person or an object. That’s what your average person does. It may not be the reaction that arty experts state should be, but it is what happens.
For example, in the painting above there are shapes that resemble a man in white about to throw a ball – perhaps a bowler or pitcher. There is also a girl sleeping, seemingly in the foreground. A face like Snoopy. That is just for starters. All sorts of images can be seen when you look closely.
Let’s be realistic, colours on a painting are important. If your painting is to be sold and displayed in someones property then 9 times out of 10 it is because the buyer loved the colours in it.
Of course, there are a multiple of other reasons the painting was purchased. Shapes, form, lines and even texture will have had an impact on the decision. It all comes together in the composition of the abstract painting. There will be a message within the painting, brought out through the use of the colours and shapes. The value – in other words the areas of dark and light within the overall painting will have an impact on the sense of feeling you get when viewing the work.
Most of our abstract work is based on the senses through our use of colour. Shapes are also used to convey a message. As our abstract art has progressed, it has been important to try and express our feelings, beliefs and values. That message is of tolerance towards others. A belief that everyone has an equal right to live their life as freely as possible. That there is a sense of values between people – to accept that others are different, but have common values within society. A sense of decency towards other people in society; so that help can be freely given when required. This extents to animals both pets and in the wild.
Our early art work concentrated on colours that appealed to the senses because during lockdown mental health was very important. Certain colours can give the viewer a happy uplifting sense. Having a painting in the room to look at frequently during the day can be a postive factor in many peoples mind.
In the following blog posts colours, shapes, lines, texture and value will be discussed in detail. Hopefully, we can explain with the aid of our paintings what each are in relation to our abstract art work. We hope you will return to read more.