Wednesday, August 22, 2012

The "Purpose" of Abstraction


Rock Abstract 5 - Image c 2012 Lynda Lehmann

If we are going to discuss the validation of art by virtue of "skill" or "meaning," we have to give abstraction a fair shake. To my way of thinking, abstract art is more interesting (if not more beautiful) than realism, because it presents a visual experience that has no precedent in reality. It presents something totally new; it creates and lives within the constraints of its own reality. 

Realism refers to a single point in time and space even when it is arresting, compelling and speaks to universals. But abstraction can be richly layered and full of ambiguity and mystery that yields fresh nuances of visual experience with each viewing. To me, abstract art comprises a rich, multi-dimensional experience because it doesn't cater to the constraints of time and place. The new visual experience it presents is of value in and of itself, and does not require a literal meaning in the usual sense. As a matter of fact, it may call on the viewer to be a more active participant in the viewing, because it reaches beyond our usual scope of recognition and perception, and lends itself to the subjective reality of each individual. 

Art does not need to refer to political or religious ideologies, or even the continuum of human emotions and experience, to garner its meaning. It simply is, and therein lies its meaning. And to me, abstraction is very compelling in its visual (and emotional) richness. Something like music.  While it's true that some music may tell a story, I don't need to know the story of the "Nutcracker" to appreciate the beauty and genius of a Tchaikovsky symphony.  

As for the "skills" part of the equation, Kandinsky (among others) manifested a high level of both imagination and skill that many realists don't possess. Good abstraction is difficult to achieve, often involving concept, skill and discipline that match or exceed many realist paintings. 

Abstract art is often devalued because, to many people, it "looks" easy.

NOTE: You can click on each photo to see a larger version. All images and text on this blog are copyrighted material, and may be used only with written permission, except where syndication rights have been granted. All other rights reserved. Please visit my sites at http://LyndaLehmann.imagekind.com/ or http://www.absolutearts.com/lyndalehmann/ if you would like to see my acrylic paintings and more of my photography and digital art. You can find a list of my other sites and links in my blog's sidebar. Or google my name for more links. I hope you enjoyed your visit!

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Stairwells and Other Quiet Spaces That Pique Our Spatial Sensibility



The Banister - Image c 2012 Lynda Lehmann

Seeing this stairwell caught me up short, with the repetition created by the stripes on the carpet and the repetition of the uprights. I also love the division of space and the negative areas created by the turns in the banister and stairs. Looking at this staircase brought out the child in me: the one who was fascinated by the spaces in between the monkey bars!


Is there a special place or half-forgotten nook that piques your childhood sense of excitement and adventure, and your spatial sensibilities? The child in me would love to hear about it!



NOTE: You can click on each photo to see a larger version. All images and text on this blog are copyrighted material, and may be used only with written permission, except where syndication rights have been granted. All other rights reserved. Please visit my sites at http://LyndaLehmann.imagekind.com/ or http://www.absolutearts.com/lyndalehmann/ if you would like to see my acrylic paintings and more of my photography and digital art. You can find a list of my other sites and links in my blog's sidebar. Or google my name for more links. I hope you enjoyed your visit!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Gorgeous Dancing Peonies Floral Fantasy



Peony Fantasy - Image c Lynda Lehmann


I just got my blog back in order today, after a tenuous try of the dynamic views, which seemed to bury a lot of features and lists I wanted to show.  I didn't have time to write a post today, but I'll share with you my latest digital floral, made from one of my photos and processed in Photoshop.  I hope you're having a great, late-summer day!

NOTE: You can click on each photo to see a larger version. All images and text on this blog are copyrighted material, and may be used only with written permission, except where syndication rights have been granted. All other rights reserved. Please visit my sites at http://LyndaLehmann.imagekind.com/ or http://www.absolutearts.com/lyndalehmann/ if you would like to see my acrylic paintings and more of my photography and digital art. You can find a list of my other sites and links in my blog's sidebar. Or google my name for more links. I hope you enjoyed your visit!

Buy My Art!

My most popular images for sale at Shutterstock:

Comical and Endearing Bird Ritual....