Devices for attaining semi-abstraction in painting

Abstract

This thesis is concerned with the numerous devices that can be employed by the artist in the attainment of semi-abstraction in painting. Through the use of these different modes of presentation the artist will enable himself to move toward a fusion of the elements of formal design and of the expressive qualities that will combine the two distinct types of painting, namely, the non-objective and the realistic. I have included the following devices in this experiment: I. Simplification; II. Limiting the color scheme; III. Varying of texture; IV. Outlining of shapes and areas; V. Emphasizing of planes; VI. Developing interesting shape relationships; VII. Distortion of subject matter; VIII. Use of deep space. ☐ To show the effectiveness of these artistic inventions I have included photographs of my paintings with comparisons and comments. I have used oil as the medium in all the paintings in this thesis. Time is no element in oil painting, as it is in water color painting, and a picture can be worked on over a long period of time, changed, studied, and improved as the artist sees fit. The variety that can be attained in color is endless and texture can be employed to the greatest advantage.