When I participate in art fairs, exhibitions or open studios I have the pleasure of having many conversations around painting. I have been asked on more than one occasion ‘How can you tell if a painting is abstract?’ 

What is Abstract Art?

Firstly if you are new to the art world, here’s a little introduction to abstract art. Abstract art is a key style of the Modern Art movement. Founded in the early 20th century it was a pivotal change both culturally and artistically. It represents the zeitgeist of that time and a departure from traditional ways of thinking and what artists were experiencing. From my perspective, key points to be aware of when considering what makes a painting abstract meaning, consistency, texture, colour and complexity.

                                                                   Suspension 1, oil paint and oil pastel on fabriano paper

How Can You Tell If A Painting Is Abstract?

Meaning

To make good abstract art I think the artist’s intention has to be present. 

I know a lot of artists, I may not like the art they produce but I can respect and engage with what they are making if I understand their intention and what is being conveyed through the art they produce. 

For example, when I was in art school I developed the foundational meaning in my work- the physicality of paint, how it can be manipulated and its markmaking abilities. My practice has developed from these aspects to specific subjects such as my abstract landscape series of paintings. 

Although my work has changed as I have matured as an artist, a viewer can still see my fundamental interest in painting through my current work. I’m proud of this as it shows I’ve stayed true to my painting explorations and maintained this in my practice.

Flaxen, oil paint, oil bar on panel board

Consistency

 My work plays into what I have written above. If you were to visit my studio and see my visual diaries, you would see a repetition of studies on paint, mark-making and distortion. My obsession with the ‘stuff of paint’ itself is and will continue to be a consistent part of my practice.

Texture

Texture is constructed into my paintings through layers of paint applications. I have a subtle but effective approach of rubbing, scratching and pushing back in through those layers of paint leaving a coarse, engrossing texture.

Colour

To understand colour and be experienced enough to know what colours do and don’t ‘sit’ together- one needs to know how to mix and match colours comprehensively. This, like so many other areas of an art practice takes years to properly define. I’m currently creating a new series of paintings. One of my objectives was to push my palette into tertiary (the combination of primary and secondary colours) colours as I knew this would be visually challenging

Blue Jay, oil paint and oil pastel on fabriano paper

So when asked ‘How can you tell if a painting is abstract?’ I always say there are many ways of perceiving abstract art because in my opinion, all art is a little bit abstract as the artist is abstracting from some form of inspiration or influence or environment.