Abstract Art - It's Popular For a Reason

Homes are living spaces, which are decorated according to the home owners taste and style. Our homes reflect who we are; through the decorative decisions we make. Art is a common display of our personality and style. More modern spaces tend to have a neutral color scheme which can be accented by bright, vibrant decor.

Abstract paintings convey shapes and lines to portray feeling. They are extremely popular within modern spaces because it adds a dynamic, focal point. Abstract paintings do not allows reflect something found in the physical world. Some think that it does not require much skill, which could not be further from the truth. A painting does not need to portray real-life objects, there is something much deeper in terms of abstract. That is what's so beautiful about it; pieces are left to interpretation. These paintings are visually stimulating and can kick-start quite the conversation. They also tend to set the mood and display the home owners personality.

The use of abstract paintings has become very popular; paintings are so diverse and there are pieces to fit any room or any style. There are so many color variations and designs that you're sure to find one that fits your needs. A lot of abstract art deals with lines and shapes, which compliments the lines associated with modern design throughout ones home. Geometric forms are frequently seen when designing a modern room. These abstract paintings can be an extension of that modern concept.

Artists whom paint Abstract, portray feeling and emotion. A painting can make a room feel calm or lively; they're also readily available (both in-store and online). You are able to find great pieces at Artemaximus. There are extremely powerful pieces; they can truly move you. When the artist painted a selected picture, he/she was expressing themselves or a theme. You will feel that through their use of colors, lines and intensity.

When selecting a painting, make sure you focus on;

• Color: Do the colors used within the painting match the color scheme throughout your design? Also, do the colors portray the mood your design provides? 
• Size: Whether you are looking for one big piece, or smaller pieces for an accent wall; be aware of size. 
• Use: If your room is made up of clean, sharp lines; look for a painting that accentuates this. 

The above suggestions are just a few of the features that you should look out for. At the end of the day, you need to like the chosen piece. It was made to be enjoyed; so choose wisely. here are some great examples of abstract paintings.

Defining Abstract Art and What it is Today

When you think of the expression “abstract art," its repertoire is quite extensive. Indeed, it encompasses a range of artworks that include using the canvas to solicit imagery. Artists, through the use shapes, colors and lines, create abstract paintings that may, at-first-glance, seem intimidating and unorganized. At closer inspection, however, the viewer forms their own opinion of what imagery the artist is trying to convey. One description of abstract art may liken it to an artist’s emotions or feelings, revealing itself on canvas. There is no black and white when it comes to abstract paintings. The characteristics of it are dynamic and do not conform to the normal standards of classic art; but, instead create emotive sensations in the viewer, encouraged by the un-detailed display of geometric shapes and boldness of colors.

Suffice it to say that art, specifically abstract art, is a form of imagery being communicated to our inner emotions on a higher level. Many aspects of our daily lives can be attributed to abstract art. Our values, doubts, passions and our reactions to coming in contact with the environment, animals or music are all received and expressed in a distinctive fashion, unique to each individual.

The artist is tasked with the job of stimulating us to interpret and express our own responses to their abstract art. A feat not easily accomplished as some abstract art will be lost to those hesitant to look further that what they plainly see – as a relationship with abstract art is a very personal one.

What are the origins of Abstract Art?
Opinions vary greatly concerning the exact origins of abstract art. Some will claim that it was the answer to a period in the 19th century when artists felt that a new type of art expression was warranted. It was during that time that art was uncomplicated and simple; a painting of a person, place or thing. A new society of artists in 1870s Europe would emerge and bring forth Impressionism through art. Through Impressionism, paintings would take on an abstract appearance, rendering object art to be more intangible. Thus, abstract art was born.

 

It is obvious in today’s modern abstract art, that there have been some changes along the way. Expressionism would enter the art scene, coming by way of Germany at the start of the 20th century. Several artists, including Marc Chagall, Paul Klee and Edvard Much, started to inject emotion and overt moods into their paintings. The canvas became a vessel with which the artist could portray their state of mind at the time of painting; one that was not always realistic. Shapes

would become more imprecise, and colors would be increasingly vivid and bold. A new art genre, expressionism, would purposefully gravitate the art world towards embracing emotion through painting, as opposed to tangible objects.

After expressionism followed Post-Impressionism and Cubism. Post-Impressionist era artists, Paul Cezanne, for example, expanded on impressionism by deliberately altering color and shape to more closely mimic his own interpretations of the world as through his eyes. Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque would initiate Cubism; an artistic undertaking to express objects and scenery in the same fashion that the human mind brain sees it, on canvas. In a cubist painting, there are multiple perspectives addressed. A painting showing a woman holding a child is expanded on by being shifted and reassembled in the most abstract way possible, with the use or color, shapes and lines.

One of the creators of abstract art, Paul Cezanne was called the solidifier of Impressionism, one of the earliest artists of modern art.

Another early form of abstract art was Cubism like this painting by Georges Braque

The Surrealism Movement

About the mid-20th century, surrealism would be the answer to artists’ need to visually interpret the unrestrained, subconscious mind. A highlight of modern art, surrealism focused on irrational and dreamlike objects and scenes, representative of the mind’s eye. The Surrealist movement is still today a legacy in and of itself and a great contribution to abstract art.

Abstract Expressionism

In the latter half of the 20th century, Abstract Expressionism would surface among a swiftly changing art world. Abstract Expressionism, a successor to surrealism, is a style of art that is more non-objective. That is; it is more concerned with intense emotion and expression of self, like that of the German Expressionists. In New York, a collection of artists that included Franz Kline, Jackson Pollock and Dutchman William de Kooning, started to push the envelope of past art movements and focus on using their paint medium, the paint itself, as the focus of the artwork. Larger pieces of canvas art soon would center on the artist’s intensely emotional approach to art. With zealous brushstrokes and deliberate paint spatters, drips and smears, the painting would transform itself to an expressive masterpiece.

After stretching Abstract Expressionism to its limits, a myriad of art movements would emerge; all expounding upon earlier concepts of abstract art. Artists like Ellsworth Kelly and Frank Stella would break away from using paint as the concept behind the art and embrace the more metaphoric and at times repetitive, minimalism movement. In the latter part of the 20th century, abstract artists would express themselves through Pop Art, Conceptual Art and Performance art – introducing consumerism and political views into their representative works.

Modern Abstract Art

In today’s 21st century, modern abstract paintings can be difficult to summarize, as the current movement is still emerging - almost impossible to classify. Additionally, current abstract art is not readily the result past art movements. Modern abstract art hints of realism and countless art genres from different periods, making today’s abstract art more pluralistic in character than ever.

Have fun and explore! You will find abstract paintings in art galleries, modern furniture stores and online.

Modern Sculptures in the Home - Great Decorating Ideas

The artwork that you choose to display can really set the overall tone of your home. Choosing the right artwork for your space is just as important as choosing the right furniture. Modern homes are full of thought-provoking art that stimulates the senses. Hanging abstract paintings and other wall art is one way to incorporate modern home decor in your space. Another idea is displaying modern sculptures, as they can be a unique and interesting addition to your modern home.

Modern sculptures are very popular today. You can see this if you visit a major metropolitan area. Many large cities feature larger than life modern sculptures in their cultural centers, and these works of art have become major tourist attractions. For example, Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor, nicknamed The Bean, in Chicago is a huge tourist attraction in the city’s downtown area. Modern sculpture is also proudly displayed in museums around the world. And though this may lead you to believe you have to visit a large city or museum to enjoy this artwork, many people proudly display modern sculpture in their own home.

The first thing to consider when choosing a modern sculpture as part of your home decor is to be realistic about the size of your space. Modern sculptures for the home can be the size of a sofa, or they can be small accent pieces placed on a side table. How much room do you want to devote to this sculpture? Do you want it to be the centerpiece of the area? Or do you simply want it to accent the other furniture in the room? Once you know the size of the area you can devote to displaying your modern sculpture, you can choose how you want to display it.

Another consideration for choosing sculptures in the home is how you want your room to feel. A large modern sculpture in an open loft space would create the feel of an art gallery. Conversely, a smaller sculpture would fit well featured on the coffee table in a living room with modern design and leave the room feeling more laid-back.

There are many ways to display a modern sculpture as part of your home decor. You can place them on mantles, bookshelves or end tables, or in the case of a larger sculpture, you can have a display case or platform built just for the sculpture, making it a prominent talking point in your home. A good idea for homes without a lot of space for a display area is utilizing the walls of the room. For smaller sculptures, you could create a lighted alcove in your wall, or hang shelves much as you would a painting and set the sculpture there.

The great thing about modern sculptures is that they can be of almost anything. You get to choose a piece of artwork that truly speaks to you. Modern sculptures stand out amidst the muted tone of minimalist, modern furniture and so can be a great addition to your contemporary home.

Modern Leather Sectionals in the Home Today

Leather furniture has been a popular choice in home decorating for years and continues to appear in homes today, though its style and silhouette has changed over time. As overall style has evolved, there have been many trends based on leather furniture over the years. Specifically, metallic leather made Elle Decor’s Hot List of Trends in Furniture in 2013. Another recent trend in home decorating is the modern leather sectional.

When we traditionally think of leather sofas, an over-sized, brown, masculine piece is usually what comes to mind. However, leather furniture is now offered in a variety of shapes and styles. Further, as decorating in the modern style has taken off, we are seeing more modern style leather sectionals as a part of this revolution of leather furniture. This has not only caused the rise in popularity of leather furniture as a whole, but in the use of the leather sectional. In additional to being trendy, there are many advantages to incorporating this style of sofa into your home.

Leather sectionals are used to provide ample seating space in a small room without taking up too much space. They are also used as an anchor in a larger room to define a seating area. The leather sectional takes these ideas and adapts them to be more cohesive with the modern style of decorating. Modern leather sectionals provide the form and function of a traditional sectional and still allow the home owner to have a stylish interior in their home.

Another solid advantage of the modern leather sectional is the ease into which it fits in any home. Many of these types of sofas are low profile, with soft corners and edges and low-rising backs. They are meant to blend in with a room, not to stand out. They are also usually sold in solid colors, either neutral or bright. This makes it easy to match the sectional to any other type of home decor that you choose, whether it’s patterned, brightly colored or neutral as well. Most home decor will work well with a leather sectional.

 

 

Leather sectionals are also a good fit for those with large families, and specifically those with small children and pets. In addition to providing everyone with a place to sit, most leather furniture can be easily cleaned of small spills and pet hair wipes cleanly away. Leather sofas can also maintain their color and shape far longer than most fabric sofas. This durability makes a leather sectional a good investment for a family who may not be able to afford replacing their sofa every couple of years.

In addition to the above advantages, modern leather sectionals are also aesthetically pleasing which is always a plus in home decorating. Beauty truly meets function. So, from effortlessness in decorating, to creating simplicity in the home, to accommodating the needs of the homeowners, it’s easy to see why leather sectionals are so popular today.

The Popularity of Abstract Animal Art in the Modern Home

Abstract art, which is best described as art that takes liberties with what is depicted in the outside world and focuses more on feelings and expression, has become widely popular over the last several decades. Individual expression paves the way for many new and emerging artists who don’t have to try to copy what they see, which can be challenging for many, but can concentrate on what they feel. Similarly, interior designers and art lovers are drawn to abstract art, as well, for this feeling of individuality. As home decor decisions are very personal, the choice of using abstract art can greatly enhance the feel and look of a room and blend well with the decorator’s personal style of expression.

Abstract painting is also very popular in home decorating as it is considered modern, cool and trendy. Many people are drawn toward what is trendy and new and view having it as a symbol of status. Abstract art by a well-known artist can really play into this idea. As can be seen is the paintings depicting animals, abstract animal art is new, fun and different and really make a statement in your home.

There are several prominent painters who have furthered the popularity of abstract paintings. Among them are Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, Joan Miró and Jackson Pollock to name a few. When on display, these artists’ use of bold colors and expressive shapes and patterns make the abstract painting the focal point of the room. While paintings by these renowned artists are bought and sold for millions of dollars, the average art lover can find alternatives like the modern animal art shown here, to display in their homes that aren’t nearly as expensive. An abundance of options are available online for a reasonable price which may also speak to the popularity of this art form.

Paintings of flowers and still life are very neutral. They can be pretty and appealing, but they don’t express the emotion and energy of an the paintings featured in this blog. Flowers are easy decoration that can be looked at and admired briefly and then forgotten. Abstract art makes you think. Additionally, abstract art in the home can say a lot about who the home owner is. A bold, bright painting can reflect a strong personality, whereas a complicated, dark piece can reflect a complicated soul. Abstract art can truly be the signature of the home owner.

When choosing to use an abstract painting or another piece of canvas art in your home, it is important to remember that it can easily overpower other areas of your decor. It is best to let the artwork shine in an otherwise neutral room, or with less expressive accent pieces. This can be accomplished with furniture in neutral tones and focusing on patterns and textures that aren’t too busy. You may also want to display your art piece in a room that is not prone to a lot of clutter, as the clutter can take away from the strength and punch behind the artwork. And remember, the wall art that you choose becomes your signature, so choose wisely!

Riding the Sound of a Painting - Improvisation 28 by Wassily Kandinsky

It should be no surprised that pieces of art created in a short period of time will always fall back on the standard style and themes that the artist holds internally. Wassily Kandinsky always eluded to his respect of music by naming many of his paintings after the subject. His famous Composition line holds less than a dozen pieces in it, probably due to the fact that each piece in the line required hours of study and days to complete. In contrast, Kandinsky has dozens of Improvisations that were of a more personal, spiritual nature. In his writings, he admitted to a preference for the Revelation of Saint John when working on these pieces.

Improvisation 28 is one of the later ones that occurred while the pioneering artist was still in the border of Germany. It is shallower than his later works, in that the meaning can be more easily garnered by a few moments of looking rather than days of soul searching. One of the biggest notes in the painting is of course the humans present throughout it riding something. In his earlier works, he drew people on horseback something that was common in his native land’s stories. In this abstract painting, the riders are shown to progress in a story from the left side of the canvas to the right. On the left, we see mountains and an environment that is rife with chaos. Depressive colors and wiggling lines showed a world without order that the rider moves forward through symbols of great pain. Their boat sails- perhaps riding on a great deluge- past wriggling serpents and cannons.

But the abstract painting also offers a resolution. From the harsh waves of the left, we are brought to a state of rest. Houses are built upon a hill, and a figure sleeps peacefully on the bottom right corner. Lines become solider, less broken and the colors warmer. The couple that rode the waves now embrace under the warm red sun, and it seems they have lit candles - maybe in celebration or as a way to guide others to their place of rest. Although only one couple is shown journeying, the house they come to is bordered by another complete one and on in progress, suggesting that others will join them. 

Exceptional fine art like this painting from Kandinsky is obviously only attainable for a handful of privileged, however, today, the average consumer is able to obtain fabulous canvas art in many art galleries and online venues thanks to emerging and talented artists, that may one day become as famous as Kandinsky.

The Individual Interpretation of Abstract Art

Abstract art is created by visualizing a composition of various forms, colors, textures and lines. While the term can refer to diverse mediums such as music, performance, and sculptures, abstract paintings are again rising in popularity in the mainstream art world.

Wassily Kandinsky, a Russian painter, is credited with creating the first purely abstract pieces of art. Primarily an accident, Kandinsky noticed that different shapes in his paintings did not need additional definition, and had enough language in their body to speak on their own. Another popular abstract artist, Pablo Picasso, is nothing short of a household name. His ability to take well known subjects and transform them into an undefined abstract piece of art is still influential today.

Traditional abstract paintings depict subjects in a fluid structure, as opposed to a recognizably defined shape. Abstract art is in complete contrast to Realism, as it withdraws from the standard of what is known to be true.

Abstract art secured an important spot in history, with the height of its prominence in the mid-19th century. Artists worldwide were excited to express their creativity through a free form style of painting. Recently, abstract art has become popular for art enthusiasts as well as those interested in a unique piece for their home or office.

Seen as a way to liven up an office or home, many traditional consumers are opting to purchase abstract paintings because of the vibrant colors, the exuberant energy, and the modern feel that these paintings represent. Another reason it is in demand, abstract art is a great conversation piece in that every person can have a unique perception of the art. While many different types of art can be interpreted however the viewer sees fit, abstract art has no true representative features to focus on. The form allows the senses to filter and roam freely, taking in the true value of the piece.

Art collectors love to find antique abstract paintings at auctions, and the older ones are becoming rarer, due to the increased demand. Many art houses still show abstract paintings from famous artists, and this also increases awareness and demand for the genre of art.

Abstract art paintings are popular because their whole purpose is to evoke the human subconscious. The colors and movement of the work are said to express the artist’s truest emotions. This style of art appeals to the masses because, while it has very deep roots, it is also dazzling and can fit in any home decor or office space. It is raw, yet brilliantly balanced, and; therefore, it makes a statement wherever it is displayed.