What is Abstract Art?
Abstract art uses a visual language of form, color and line to create a composition which may exist with a degree of independence from visual references in the world. Total abstraction usually bears no trace of any references to anything recognizable. Abstract art is basically one without a recognizable subject. It is completely non-subjective or non-representational.
"Of all the arts, abstract painting is the most difficult. It demands that you know how to draw well, that you have a heightened sensitivity for composition and for colours, and that you be a true poet. This last is essential." -- Wassily Kandinsky - artist
The most recognizable figure in abstract art would be none other than Pablo Picasso. To this day he is considered one of the greatest geniuses of visual art. He is also famous for his cubist work of art. Here are some examples of his work :
Woman in Hat and Fur Collar was painted in Paris in 1937, is one of the numerous portraits Pablo Picasso did of Marie-Therese Walter, his lover and mother of his daughter. In this portrait, the youth and personality and appearance of Marie-Therese is undergoes a thousand metamorphic transformation. There is no realism to what she appears in to in real life. The portrait is hardly recognizable.
Principles of Design used
Balance - specifically asymmetrical balance, also known as informal balance. It involves placements of objects in a way that will allow objects of varying visual weight to balance one another. This can be clearly seen in the neck-head balance of the portrait.
Harmony - In the choice of colors used, besides black and white, the colors used are bright earthy colors. The background especially has a harmonious effect.
Elements of Design used :
Lines - Can be in the linear marks around the portrait, using a brush, very intricate and neat.
Shape - Geometric shapes make up the most of the portrait.
Texture - Blotchy and rough textures effects made possible by his crush strokes.
This is one of the most famous creations of Russian art in the last century. Its called 'The Black Square' by Kazimir Malevich. There were a series of squares that were painted together with the black square, but the one that garnered most attention was the Black Square. According to the painter, The Black Square was painted accurately and uniformly in monotonous black tone without any strokes.
Principles of Design used :
Balance - The portrait can be seen to have obvious symmetrical balance. It has equal weight on equal sides of a centrally placed fulcrum.
Contrast - Clear color contrast between background and foreground
Proportion - well proportioned image
Dominance or emphasis - On the Black Square
Elements of design used
Line - The perimeter of square
Shape - The obvious Black Square
Space - The painting embodies a clear sensation of space - Artists even refers to himself as "The President of Space"
Texture - Smooth and plain
This portrait is called 'Schokko'. Painted by Alexei von Jawlensky from Russia. He has a strong Russian style, and is known for painting vibrant pieces which include mysticism and peasant art.
Principles of Design used
Dominance or emphasis - Emphasis on the color red. Dominates most of the portrait
Gradience - Gradiation of color from warm to cool, dark to light. Apparent in the background
Elements of Design used
Lines - Apparent in the outline of the portrait. Strong outline
Color - Uses a strong color as the main color. Red and green as the objects skin tone.
Texture - Rough texture. Effect created through obvious brush strokes and the tone of colors.
