The Skill of Recognition

An abstract painting, whether figurative or non-figurative, has often been described as a “resolution out of chaos”. While the artist brings certain creative techniques to a canvas, the results are often brought about by “elements of the moment”. And this is where an essential, often unrecognized skill of an abstract artist comes into focus.

Can the artist recognize and accept these elements of the moment? The slip of a brush, the unintended drip of paint, the random clash of colors - elements usually described as “accidents” - allowed or not allowed to exist in a painting can often define that painting. The ability to know when to accept or not accept such elements can also define the artist.

Too often the skill of recognizing and incorporating these “accidents” into a painting actually ends up discounting the artist and the actual painting itself. It’s as if the recognition and use of unintended elements is some kind of a “trick” rather than a “tool” of the artist. In every blank canvas, there exists a “Phantom” hiding from the artist.

It is the desire of every abstract artist to capture that Phantom by whatever means available. A true abstract artist will use every tool available - whether planned or unplanned - to capture and expose that Phantom.