Blue Horizon

'Blue Horizon' Acylic on Box Canvas 61x76cm (shirley shelton©copyright 2012)

'Blue Horizon' Acylic on Box Canvas 61x76cm (shirley shelton©copyright 2012)

Do you like abstract art? That was the first question I was asked at art college. Can you imagine what my answer was?

A big resounding...NO!

No, I didn't like it. I didn't 'get it' and like many I thought it a refuge for the untalented who seemed to indulge in something the proverbial child of ten could knock out.

How much our tastes change! Now half the paintings I work on are abstract or semi abstract. Why the change? I'll tell you at the end of this post...

Blue Horizon is a semi-abstracted sunset with an oceanic flavour thrown in.  I've used copious amounts of acrylic texture paste as well as several glazes. These build layers, give depth and create both that swirling, tidal effect and the subtle variations of light.

I've used a variety of blues to compliment the bright oranges and yellows which give the piece an acute sense of colour and vibrancy.

So, why my change of heart regarding all things abstract? Two words; Jackson Pollock. I saw his exhibition at the Royal Academy in London and I immediately sold! Only when I saw those massive canvases in the flesh did I finally..get it!

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Paint Your Own Pollock?

Or, Maybe Not!
Hi all,
I found this amusing gizmo (designed by artist Miltos Manetas) that allows you to create online 'drip paintings' of a style made famous by action painter Jackson Pollock. (My brief effort is featured above..eh, sorry Jackson) Well, OK you may not find yourself shortlisted for any prestigious awards but it's a diverting trifle to whittle away a few carefree moments. Perhaps even release some of that suppressed creativity.

Go on, have a fiddle! http://www.jacksonpollock.org/
Catch you later

Shirley

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Pollock: Read the Book then see the Film!

When Doubt Doubles the Delight!
Hi all,
Writing yesterdays post 'Ten Most Expensive Paintings Ever' set me thinking about its winner Jackson Pollock. He who was famous as an alcoholic, manic depressive and expressionist action painter. At college I could never 'get' what was so ‘wonderful’ about his work (anyone can do that squiggle stuff right?) Despite my tutors caustic "Ah, wait until you see his work in the flesh" I was unconvinced. Then I did see it in the flesh and that changed everything.

In London, 1999 the Tate held the first Pollock retrospective in 40 years. It was a sensation! That 'squiggle stuff' totally blew me away. As I wandered amidst those massive canvas's every preconception I had hitherto harbored melted away. Only when you get up close can you really begin to appreciate the sheer complexity of his paintings. They are so tactile as to be edible and possess a power to draw you in which verges on the hypnotic. Yes, yes I know that to the skeptical eye looking at a second rate reproduction they might seem but childish scribbles. But just stand before the real deal and you will surely feel such notions vanish forever.

For all and any interested in all things Pollock I would thoroughly recommend the Pulitzer Prize winning work Jackson Pollock: An American Saga. (Pictured above, right) Yes it may be a 900 page plus door stop of a book but it's absolutely addictive! Also, if you haven’t already, I suggest you grab a copy of the Ed Harris film Pollock (Pictured above, left) which is (in my humble opinion!) quite simply the best biography of an artist ever made. Great book and a superb film, double the delight!
Catch you later

Shirley

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