Abstract Art

There is a certain fear associated with abstract art when it comes to public perception and acceptance of the style. There is an understanding that appreciation of abstract paintings is reserved only for the select few; the eccentric “artistic type” who never pays the electric bill on time, the spoiled kid educated in a liberal arts college, or the one whose diet consists of sprouts and exotic teas. The rest of the mortals are destined to enjoying flower bouquets and respectable sunsets over the sofas and dining room tables of their sensible dwellings.

The public demands the familiar and the comprehensible. This is an apple and a lemon in a basket, a tree and a flowing creek. Nothing personal, nothing odd, or thought-provoking–merely a background noise to the visually cluttered world.

But what if a painting could reach inside the viewer and demand a response? What if it trespassed on the imagination and the suppressed emotions?

I recently sold one of my paintings to a collector in Virginia. I rarely know who buys my art. I trustingly release my paintings into the world, hoping that they will find safe heavens for themselves. But this time I received a letter from the buyer who felt compelled to describe the impact of the painting he recently purchased.

“I just wanted to drop a line again and let you know how much my patients and I are enjoying your painting. I am a clinical psychologist. Your painting has become a spontaneous marvelous ink blot with people trying to see as many different things as possible in it. I’ve been impressed with the playfulness and creativity. Thank you again for this wonderful addition to my practice. It’s taken on more meaning than a painting on the wall.”

What a wonderful testimony to the power of abstract art. This is precisely where the beauty of abstract art lies. The color, the texture, and the form do not resemble anything the viewers are familiar with, but instead prompt the audience to create a meaning in their imagination. The responses to the same painting will be as varied as the individual internal worlds creating them.

Therefore the question of “understanding” of abstract art is pointless. It is not intellectual or objective. It is purely emotional, subjective, and personal.

Try a simple exercise today. Walk around your home or work place and consciously look at the artwork displayed on your walls. Does it elicit a response from you? Is it positive or negative? What element in it speaks to you the most? Is it the color, the texture, or the form (composition)? Does it stir your imagination? Does it effect your emotions? Why or why not?

©2008 Dosia McKay

Original acrylic painting on stretched canvas. 16 x 20 x 0.75 in (41 x 51 x 2 cm). Buy artwork

Original acrylic painting on stretched canvas. 24 x 36 x 0.75 in (60 x 91 x 2 cm). Buy artwork

Original acrylic painting on stretched canvas. 24 x 36 x 0.75 in (60 x 91 x 2 cm). Buy artwork

Original acrylic painting on stretched canvas. 36 x 24 x 0.75 in (91 x 60 x 2 cm). Buy artwork

I am taking a break from digital art and exploring possibilities of tangible paint. The creative process is so much more time consuming; mixing paint, application process, waiting for the layers to dry, varnishing. And, did I mention, there is no Undo button? Ah, the risks and gambles of the creative process…

Watercolor, marker and ink on paper. 14.5 x 10.5 in (37 x 27 cm). Buy artwork

This painting was inspired by my poem Unfurling.

Digital art - giclee on canvas. 32 x 24 x 0.75 in (81 x 60 x 2 cm). Buy artwork

I thought I would experiment with combining my abstract painting with music. The video features 10 of my paintings and the soundtrack is one of my electronic compositions entitled Thousands of Tears.

Possibilities, inevitabilities, liabilities, vulnerabilities - squared, multiplied, permutated.

Digital art - giclee on canvas. 32 x 24 x 0.75 in (81 x 60 x 2 cm). Buy artwork

Digital art - giclee on canvas. 32 x 24 x 0.75 in (81 x 60 x 2 cm). Buy artwork

Digital art - giclee on canvas. 32 x 24 x 0.75 in (81 x 60 x 2 cm). Buy artwork

I am often asked about inspiration for my visual art. This piece was inspired by my earlier blog.

Digital art - giclee on canvas. 32 x 24 x 0.75 in (81 x 60 x 2 cm). Buy artwork

Digital art - giclee on canvas. 32 x 24 x 0.75 in (81 x 60 x 2 cm). Buy artwork

Acrylics, watercolors, and mixed media on watercolor paper. 15 x 11 in (38 x 28 cm).

You might also enjoy reading my poem under the same title.

Acrylics, watercolor, and silver marker on watercolor paper 8.5 x 11 in (21 x 28 cm).

Watercolor and silver marker on watercolor paper 9 x 12 in (22 x 30 cm).

Dear Friends,

I am interrupting the flow of artwork to interject a few thoughts. I would like to thank my Faithful Subscribers and Occasional Visitors.

I created this art blog as an experiment of sorts, but thanks to you it has become something more meaningful. I have received a lot of encouragement from you and for that I am profoundly grateful. Many of you posted kind comments and cheered me on to continue, some offered advice to venture out on broader waters — you know who you are — I value your input.

I am humbled and excited to know that you find my art meaningful and uplifting, and for this reason I want to continue on this path. I have begun testing the “broader waters” and have decided to open an online gallery of my artwork where I will be selling framed art prints and giclees on canvas.

I intend to continue this art blog and will strive not to make it over-commercialized. I hope it remains a place of rest and reflection.

Thank you for being here.

Dosia McKay

When words are futile.

Digital art - giclee on canvas. 32 x 24 x 0.75 in (81 x 60 x 2 cm). Buy artwork

Life, fire, energy, harmony.

Digital art - giclee on canvas. 32 x 24 x 0.75 in (81 x 60 x 2 cm). Buy artwork