Acrylic Abstract

Heavy Metal

acrylic on styrofoam sheets
4 panels, each panel 26X44ins

Coming up for the next few posts are a series of Action Abstract Acrylic paintings I did in the summer and fall of 2012.

The paintings in this series reflect the action and reaction of the body and the paint.  A look at the patterns of the paint while in motion and the final resting spot.  What the body does directly will affect how the paint will fall.  It is that path in view that I have watched and experimented with. Trailing the paint behind me, throwing the paint straight at or in an arc above the surface, dripping the paint directly onto the surface while the tool spins in a pattern above, are methods I have used to apply the paint. The painting exists from the results of where the paint falls and by the force in which the paint travels to that destination. I paint until I can see that the painting no longer needs anymore paint. How long that takes it up to the journey that the painting and I travel.  That path only has a beginning to start with, and that beginning is the first sessions on a blank state both on the painting surface and in my mind. From that point, the journey moves forward and only ends when I get there, where there is and how I got there.

The journey is a process that has no restrictions, no goals with the painting to accomplish or a statement to be made within the painting. My mind is open to the possibilities that create themselves, during the experience, that may come suddenly or build to an awareness that THIS needs to happen now. Though the journey begins without direction, paths will generate and it does become a decision on which path to follow and which to ignore. A flow begins, a harmony of thought and movement exists and becomes stronger as the piece develop s.  That harmony remains but the path can, and often, will change.  A pattern can be felt, but it is a pattern of subtle chaos. What I have seen in the  painting remains through the layers and numerous sessions. I can go back and strengthen a particular path or idea or even cover up or enhance a path I feel made need it. I leave it open to the viewer to take their own journey with each painting and take a chance on what their experience may be.  When I step back from a painting and walk my eyes through the paths on the surface and then set my paint bucket and tool down, I know that the piece is completed.

Music has been used to help eliminate the intrusions that the outside world that cause interruptions in the flow of thought and paint from the mind to the surface. It is also an influence  in the movement of the body during the painting process. It is a companion that travels  with me on the journey.  The type of music affects how the body moves, whether it be slow or fast, smooth or choppy, or steady or static. My music helps my mind open up to the paths that come about during the journey. Since no set path is made, there is not one that has to be followed. This helps to unleash the abstract, the music and the body are in the control, the mind takes a backseat. I can paint without restrictions both on the surface and in my head. This allows me the freedom to just paint. It is important to have this because I can fully let my imagination, thought and ideas roam and follow where they may lead.