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With each passing year, oil painting is gaining momentum in various genres, and although abstraction is not approaching the popularity among fans as it is with landscapes or still lifes. But, the genre of abstraction with a high degree of certainty can be said to be bold paintings that depict the changing trends with each era: the modern behavior of society and the rhythm of life, which leads to the notion of a new “beauty”. Beauty is depicted in oil paintings with special love and emotions of the artists that leave through shapes, geometries, lines – a sacred meaning. Like a stormy love spark through red and pink spots or green life lines. Abstraction puts before the viewer a special mystery, which must be solved and understand the meaning of this work, and at the same time reveal their inner self through emotion and imagination.
The answer to the question, what is abstraction?
It is a type of art that is for artists in the limitless display of imagination with the depiction of recognizable subject imagery through lines and geometries, and the rejection of realistic images on the canvas. Abstraction in painting carries a certain idea laid down by the artist, and they, in turn, through the play of color and shape, combine all possible options in order to evoke in the viewer the necessary emotions from their oil painting. The canvas depicts a holistic composition with multiple themes so that each viewer can get appropriate reflections and thoughts and moods from what they see. For example, lyrical lines show only what a person dreams of – for someone the blue line is soothing and finds a point of contemplation, while it is just a cold color from a multitude of palettes. This example can be seen in Olga Melezhik’s painting “Waterfall”.
What influenced the emergence of abstraction?
To a large extent, traditional painting has become tiresome for viewers – paintings depicting what everyone already sees in their lives. And I want something unusual, new, and bold in oil paintings. The characteristic features of abstraction are through images of color and the denial of figurativeness in art, and as a result there was a stratification into cubism, futurism, and expressionism. And topics that are touched upon by abstraction from a political point of view are considered extremism in the art world. The popularity of oil paintings in the abstract genre gained rapid momentum in the 20th century, and has many varieties of subgenres. So, for example, you can see art nouveau, and its main features – smooth line and rounded forms, their flexibility and fluidity – depicting in oil paintings – the decoration of life and attention to natural motifs, and the forms of people will be flat, like on posters or frescoes . An example of art nouveau can be seen in the paintings of Anatoly Tarabanov.
In the modern world, everything that gains attention is a worthy embodiment for oil paintings. It’s like objects from life or people themselves who do not have realistic forms or distorting them through geometry has become a common thing for artists. Such methods in abstraction have their advantages for viewers, such as involvement in the process of contemplation – they begin to think out the meaning and develop the plot of the painting themselves, thereby becoming a co-author of creativity. This is how the genre of abstract art is born, and the artist only offers to see something new and daring in his oil works.
Abstract expressionism – the dynamic nerve of painting
When it comes to emphasizing the experience in abstract style oil paintings, it becomes a matter of expression through color, form and texture. Thus, special attention is paid to the execution of the painting in the form of mental improvisation with an emphasis on the intuitive use of oil paints – the rejection of a conventionally structured composition, which is built from individual elements, and replacing them with a single field. For example, in Valeria Sign’s painting “Winter on Mars” – the painting demonstrates energetic movement and bright color contrasts, which is typical of expressionism. The artist’s goal in presenting expression is to express the inner world in chaotic forms that are not organized by logical thinking – this is “reflection” in the art world. Expressionism is essentially intuitive and in a spontaneous nature, mauling it to be “here and now”, and incorporates various techniques such as drops, stains, layers – all a dynamic application of colors.
Abstract symbolism is “Mind Games”
Symbols in oil painting play a major role in definition; similarly, if we take the genre of abstraction as a basis, artists lay down their ideas through forms instead of concrete objects or scenes. Thus, an artist can create abstract symbols in his paintings that convey current meaning or are associated with ideas or concepts. In some cases, creative works are referred to that the artist may interpret differently by each viewer according to his or her own experience and perception.
For example, in the oil painting “The Soul of a Bird” by Sergiy Voichenko, you can notice how the artist uses abstract symbolism – each element is combined to convey emotional and philosophical ideas. The key, heart, and eye – in this painting, carry certain symbolic meanings related to themes of love and inner vision or acceptance of the self. The colors and shapes that are depicted in the painting only enhance the perception and expressiveness – which gives the desired effect when viewing and solving the mysteries laid down by the artist. There are other hidden elements in his painting(s), but, that’s something you’ll have to figure out to get the right response from the oil abstraction.
Lyrical abstraction – puzzles of emotions and soul
An artist who depicts his or her desire for direct expression of emotional and mental states refers to lyrical abstraction. The main individuality of this subgenre is the embodiment of the artist’s distorted color impressions and fantasies, the stream of his consciousness, which is sealed in color. In trend with other sub genres of abstraction, – lyrical is dominated by a person’s association from what they see through a multitude of color palettes. For example, the oil painting by artist Olesia Osnach “Current” is visible as color tints and smooth transitions between contrasting atmospheres of weightlessness and deep saturation. An oil painting creates a poetic and dreamy impression, and this entire effect depends on the shape and color – like drops flowing onto a window during rain.
The artist’s goal in lyrical abstraction is usually to convey his emotions and his feelings to the viewer, as well as to evoke reflection and empathy in him. As a famous artist said, “Lyrical abstraction – expands the boundaries of emotional consciousness, where everyone will find the right shade of life for himself”.
Best abstract oil paintings for modern decor: A canvas that decorates a room
Choosing any oil painting for your room is a difficult, fascinating process, and here you need to take into account factors such as design and interior – whether the painting will get lost among other furniture or seem very small for a huge wall. Therefore, you need to approach this task strictly, for example, decide the question, should you have the painting as the main object in the room or as part of the interior?
The oil painting as the main object – this effect is achieved due to the style and color of the oil painting, and the surrounding space of the room – this can be furniture or walls that contrast with each other. In this case, abstraction sets the atmosphere in your room, and if you take different ones, both in style and in color of the interior, then the abstraction you have chosen will play the main role everywhere, even though it will have several color palettes.
An oil painting as part of the interior – this effect is achieved through color – the painting should incorporate the color palette of the interior of your room, this is achieved both through the style and technique of oil painting. For example, the linear structure of the painting can repeat the geometry of the furniture, or the color of your room matches the color of the abstract, which will be as a whole – blue to blue shade, and so on. The main thing is to achieve unity and balance between abstraction and room design – and then the painting will become part of the interior.
Important room features when hanging an abstract oil painting:
1) If you have a minimalist interior of a room or office, then it is better to hang a monochrome or black and white abstraction. Thus, the oil painting will not distract you from current affairs and will not stand out from the strict environment.
2) If you want to hang an abstraction in the bedroom, then in such cases, oil paintings are appropriate in calmer tones and color palettes that can help you relax and fall asleep.
3) If you want to hang in the kitchen or in the children’s room, then the abstraction will be perfectly matched and look great if the oil painting will depict bright and cheerful colors. Such abstraction achieves the desired effect in such rooms – they lift your mood and entertain you.
4) If you want to hang an abstraction in a bright room with a rich design, then the motley colors of the oil painting will dilute the monotony of the interior. For example, in bright rooms you can hang a painting of expression or symbolism, where they will become the main ribbon for decorating your room.
The main thing to remember is that just like an artist who selects the right composition for his painting, you too choose the right composition for the location of the oil painting in your room. The abstract should be like a main object or part of the interior – and to make the painting sparkle with new sensations, you can add lighting or backlighting, and add faceting for solidity. Abstract oil paintings are always emotions that you experience when viewing, and which you begin to digest and comprehend the pleasure of what you see. Think about what evokes emotions in you personally and what abstract painting evokes your point of concentration. You can look into symbolism from Voichenko and begin to unravel its mystery, or into art nouveau from Tarabanov, where each oil painting begins to relax. Choose carefully the oil painting for the interior of your home.
Where to buy abstract oil paintings?
After all of the above, it would be logical to tell you where the best place to buy abstract oil paintings is. One of the possible options is online stores and online platforms, such as artfinder, ebay, etsy – the main advantage is that you can find a wide selection of abstract oil paintings from different artists at different prices. If you are interested in the artist’s paintings selected in the examples, you can also find the Ukrainian Vintage Co store on these sites.
The second possible option is local galleries and art shows, where you can speak directly with the artist and negotiate with him to purchase an abstract oil painting.
Also, there is a third option – auctions and antique stores – their main advantage if you are looking for works by more famous artists or rare pieces.
Before you make a purchase, be sure to research the artists’ work, choose a style of oil painting you like, and read reviews of the artist or seller to be sure of the quality and authenticity of his/their work. And abstraction is driven by emotions and feelings – let the painting take over you, and then you will understand that this is the oil painting you were looking for.
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