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Abstract Expressionism

By:	gloriousmane
Mood:	happy
Date:	03/12/2008 15:02:47
Music:	None

On my page under "turn-offs," I list Abstract Expressionism. I'd really like to qualify this statement, since so many elements of abstract expressionism are necessary for good art, and not all of the genre is a turn-off to me.

First of all, when I went to college, although basic fundimentals were being taught, realistic drawing was never emphasized. I was already very good at drawing what I saw and guess I didn't need further instruction in that area, but I saw so many people coming in who could not draw whatsoever and their work was being hailed by the profs as outstanding. Many students who had never considered themselves artists before became art majors. I don't want to discourage anyone from developing a latent artistic tendency, or of even being able to enjoy creativity at any level, but I suppose I'm a fundamentalist in this regard. You have to know how to draw what you see to be able to draw (or paint) what you want.

Admittedly, I was never turned on by the likes of DeKooning, Pollock, or Rothko. Their work never really spoke to me. I did eventually learn to respect where they were coming from, but I still cannot say I can stand and look at their work and say "wow."

On the other side of the coin, I must also admit that strict photo-realism can also be a bore. Nevertheless, I've seen many "realistic" works (still lifes, portraits, etc.) which capture a scenario in a way that no photograph can. These works amaze me. Realistic pencil drawings (my first love) have a quality all of their own, and their beauty is often unequalled, in my opinion.

MEMBERS COMMENTS

VIEWING 1 - 3 OUT OF 3 COMMENTS

From: flstormz
03/13/2008 08:12:07 I paint both realistic and abstract, and abstract for me is by far much harder than painting something that's in front of me...even if you're fairly decent in realism. Getting the proper color harmony, tones, etc. is a challenge, but if you can achieve it in a painting that may have started with nothing more than a few brush strokes and after quite a bit of struggle it makes the abstract work much more rewarding. Seems that a lot of the creative "greats" (art, music, writing, etc.) had some sort of abuse or mental struggle they were coping with.�

From: DavidMcCamant
03/12/2008 23:53:12 It�s funny how often this subject comes up when I�m teaching. Usually a new student asks, �What do you think of abstract expressionism?� To me it is so interesting that in our society we have chosen to not teach technique or craft for about 50 years (thank heavens this is changing). It�s been all about expression without training. I think this is why so many abstract artists work suffers the, �my kid could do better� chide. These artists many times have no understanding of color use, color harmony or composition. Strange to me since these are the only artistic language elements they have allowed themselves to work with as abstract artists. It�s kind of like speaking in gibberish loudly. I answer the question by saying that if you learn the craft of painting based on realism, you can then paint anything in any style or subject you choose. If you only learn to do abstract expressionism, you are very limited in your scope as nothing can look like anything �real�. Besides I consider Rembrandt the ultimate abstract artist. With a few brushstrokes he made you believe that there were real people inside this little frame. Pollack on the other hand is the ultimate realist painter. A dribble of paint cannot be mistaken for anything else; it is real. Thanks for the question, David

From: Richard010303
03/12/2008 15:56:11 I tend to agree with you. And,although I cannot draw as well as you can, I have always done realistic work. Anything that I am going to say will have to be said using realistic elements. An awful lot of abstract work looks lazy and leaves me cold. However, having said that, DeKooning, and Pollock may be worth another look. A lot of their work is very large, and seeing it in person is much more impressive than the reproductions. Standing up close to it, it tends to overwhelm you with sheer force. I think it was always intended as public art, not for individual consumption. I never got anything from Rothko. All three of these guys were raging alcholics at some time, and in some cases, over a long period of their careers.

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