Series Two.1.2.3

Series Two.1.2.3 by *buchanc3 on deviantART

genre: abstract expressionism
size: 9" x 11"
medium: acrylic and oil on canvas
date: February 10, 2009

influence: Jackson Pollack

technique: Each canvas started with a color base coat in oils. After they dried, I began applying acrylic colors from a squeeze bottle. I find I have much more control concerning expressionistic pieces while using a bottle rather than a brush. Each color was applied right after the last without any dry time, this allowed for merging of colors. The acrylic paint was thick enough though to stop the colors from bleeding together.

theme and reasoning: I classify this series as abstract expressionism because there wasn't a thought process concerning the action lines. The initial strokes of these works were spontaneous but I continued them consciously.

concept: This was my first abstract work where I used a color for the negative space. Though the background is greatly overpowered and almost completely lost in 1 and 2, 3 has the opposite effect. 3's background is covered with orange which makes it pop and grab the attention of the viewer. This painting is an experiment with color and eye movement. Naturally, one's eye is led from left to right. With the combination of curved line and the orange color, your eye does the opposite of the norm. The viewer's eye may start at the left but it immediately searches for an anchor to focus on. After you've found a comfortable spot to start in the orange panel, the white lines peak through the others and create an abstract chiaroscuro to move the eye about. Series Two.1.2.3 is also an experiment with layering color in the abstract form. It helps to understand complimentary and like colors together to establish new ways of provoking eye movement.

Series Two.1.2.3 was a Christmas present for Kate Raymond.