Semi-Abstraction to Abstraction – A Continuum

Mrs. Fox – Fall 2012

Semi-Abstraction• style of painting or

sculpture in which the subject remains recognizable although the forms are highly stylized in a manner derived from abstract art.

• “Representational” in style – still “looks like something”

Abstraction• No preconceived idea

or recognize-able subject (not representational)

• Does not relate to anything external or try to "look like" something.

• FOCUS is on Elements and Principles of Design – (Line, shape, color, texture, form, value, space)

Aesthetic Objective• Abstract Art is more than just a

randomized mess flung onto canvas

• Abstract Art represents what is being felt on the inside rather than what is being seen on the outside.

• A strong piece of art is able to grab your attention and pull an emotional response from within

• This is the artist’s plan to keep your mind thinking, analyzing and keeping your eyes moving through the artwork

How do I tell the difference between Partial and Total abstraction?

• Abstraction exists along a continuum, from partial abstraction to full non-objective abstraction

• Partial Abstraction: Artwork which takes liberties, altering for instance color and form in ways that are conspicuous

• Total abstraction: bears no resemblance to anything recognizable – just shapes, colors, lines, etc.

Girl Reading, Pablo Picasso, Oil on Canvas, Semi-Abstraction

Sorrow of the King, Henri Matisse, Cut Paper Collage, Semi-Abstraction

Woman I, Willem DeKooning, Oil on Canvas, Abstraction

The Meschers 1951, Ellsworth Kelly, Oil on Canvas, Abstraction

Easter Lilies, Lee Krasner, Oil on Cotton Duck, Abstraction

Orange, Wassily Kandinsky, Color Lithograph, Abstraction