Extract
LET’S GET GOING
Anyone can paint, do and complete a work of art, whether it’s just a simple colour-in on a piece of paper or something a bit more substantial.
You can start with some simple geometric forms – bars that can be put together in different ways, and then move on to adding triangular forms and many others.
The example I have shown here uses rough vertical and horizontal lines to define “form,” and then I have proceeded to colour-in the spaces created by the lines. As you can see I’ve used a range of colours, those that I thought at the time would blend together well – primary and some secondary, blues, yellows, orange and some others. Really, it’s up to you, you can do anything.
Just moving on a little: one of my favorite artists is Piet Mondrian. He is one of the first abstract painters and much of his work dates to the early twentieth century. Those I love use simple geometric forms, similar but different to the one above. His are less “organic” and much more refined. The one below is a rendition of one of these works – well defined lines, and here the use of circles to introduce more variety to the form. The colours – well yes, you could use many different combinations.
In my first book, I’ll talk about the basics – the elements of painting, styles, the tools you will need, method and techniques.
In my second book I’ll give you more examples, and talk more about what’s happening today in the art world.
In my third book I will explain where the ideas for abstract painting come from, how easy it is to get hold of them and how you can develop more and more ideas from very simple beginnings!
So, let’s get going!