"The Allure of Abstract: Embracing the Challenge of Non-Representational Art"

As an artist, I find myself irresistibly drawn to the world of abstract art. It's a realm where the elements of art—colour, form, line, shape, texture, space and value—take centre stage without the constraints of representational imagery.  This freedom presents a unique challenge, one that I enjoy immensely.

In abstract art, every brushstroke, every hue, and every element of the composition must stand on its own merit. There's no familiar landscape or recognizable figure to lean on. Instead, the focus is on the pure elements of art, and how they interact to evoke emotion and thought. This exploration pushes me to refine my understanding and application of these principles, making each piece a journey of discovery and growth.

Embrace

The challenge of abstract art is different from the technical precision required in realistic painting. While realism demands accuracy and detail, abstract art requires a deep understanding of the fundamentals and the courage to let go of the familiar. It's about creating harmony and tension, finding balance in chaos, and expressing the inexpressible.  This makes it a personal journey for me which is both healing and liberating at the same time.

Misty Day

But why do so many people seem to prefer realism? This is a question that haunts me often and drives me to keep creating realistic paintings because of the feedback I receive.  Perhaps it's because realism offers a sense of familiarity and comfort. Realistic art provides a window into the world as we know it, allowing viewers to connect with the subject matter on a personal level. It's easier to appreciate the skill involved in capturing a lifelike image, and there's a certain satisfaction in recognizing and relating to what we see. And don’t get me wrong, I also enjoy the challenge of creating a painting that looks like a photograph (at least from a distance).

Time Stands Still

However, I feel that abstract art invites viewers to engage on a different level. It challenges them to look beyond the surface and find meaning in the abstract. It encourages a more personal and introspective experience, where the interpretation is as unique as the viewer themselves. This can be both intriguing and intimidating, as it requires an openness to ambiguity and a willingness to explore one's own perceptions and emotions.  I love it when people look at my paintings and tell me what they see in them, which often is completely different to what I see, or what I felt as I was creating them.

In the end, both realism and abstract art have their own unique appeals. For me, the allure of abstract art lies in its boundless possibilities and the profound challenge it presents.  I feel so much freer when I can express myself through creating abstract paintings, whether they are landscapes – which come more naturally to me – or more pure abstract pieces that really stretch me and make me think!  It's a dance of colour and form, a symphony of balance and value, and an endless exploration of the essence of art itself.

Let me know what you think!  And watch this space as I delve into more abstract experiments in the future! I’d love to hear your thoughts 😊

Night and Day