Understanding Abstract Art

Abstract art has been around for more than 100 years; some historians believe that the caveman paintings were the first representation of abstract art. Other historians claim that Wassily Kandinsky was the pioneer. New evidence suggests that the first abstract artist was in fact a woman--Hilma AF Klint--whose work in the 1800's was never given credit. Watch this one minute video to understand how it was difficult for a woman to be recognized in the art world, dominated by men.

To understand abstract, let's do a quick experiment. First put yourself in an environment void of distraction and noise. In this space, grab a few tools: a brush, paper and three tubes of colors: blue, yellow, red--you may choose only one color. Place the brush in your hand that is not dominant, place the paper and the tube of color you have chosen in front of you. Close your eyes. Begin by painting lines, shapes, dots, anything you like that is not representational. Allow your imagination to wander and guide your brush. Open your eyes. This piece is considered abstract. Do you like what you see?

Besides working with the above mentioned material elements, the real talent behind abstract is to incorporate composition, form, color, texture, tool(s) and to produce something that is not vague and undecipherable, but splendid and fascinating.

To me, creating abstract art starts from the heart and spirit. I escape into a rhythm with my brush and allow it to dance across the canvas, until I find an element that moves me. I love the fact that abstract is unchartered territory and I never know where my imagination will lead me.