Artists, Do the Opposite
/
Artists, Do the Opposite
I have carved out a niche for me and my artwork by “Doing the Opposite” of what most abstract painters do - and I believe the same approach will work for you.
The whole idea of “Do the Opposite” came from an episode of the comedy show, “Seinfeld.” In this particular episode, Jerry Seinfeld, George Costanza (played by Jason Alexander) and Elaine Benis (played by Julia Louis-Dryefuss) are sitting in a cafe. George comments that he has no job, no prospects and has moved back in with his parents - his current life is a disaster. Jerry observes that if all of the decisions George has made to this point in his life have led to disaster, then if he Did the Opposite, all of his decisions would be correct.
When I decided to pursue abstract painting, one of the things I did was to look at what others were doing. there seemed to be lots of commonalities in the work, and I thought if I do the same sorts of work, mine would just blend in with everyone else’s work and it would not stand out. So, I thought, Do the Opposite!
Here are a few of the things I saw others do, that I decided to do differently:
Layering. It seems all I hear about with abstract painters is painting in layers and it drives me up the wall. Why does everyone approach this the same way? I decided early on that I was not going to do layering, but rather make a painting all at once, then move on to the next one.
Geometric Layouts. I saw lots of geometric layouts and decided many years ago that wasn’t for me. When I began painting, I was working as an architect. I rejected rigid geometry at that time in my paintings because I didn’t want my paintings to look like they were done by an architect.
Strange Color Combinations that Don’t Work. I saw so many odd color combinations I nearly believed that abstract painters intentionally threw out color theory to be different. Color theory works and has for more than 300 years - and all the old masters used it - so it’s good enough for me.
“Mark” Making with Odd Utensils. I don’t like the term “Mark Making” and it has become a buzzword for all abstract painters and abstract painting instructors. I make shapes, I don’t make marks. I also like to use a brush - call me crazy!
Cover Every Inch of the Surface with Stuff. Many abstract painters just love to cover every square inch of a surface with exactly the same size little patterns. This leads to confusion and a lack of focus. I prefer areas of energy and areas of rest, as well as a hierarchy of importance for the pieces of a painting.
Special Techniques. I don’t do techniques. So many painters (and instructors) get caught up in the next greatest technique or fad, but they never learn how to make a good painting. I believe in fundamentals - knowledge that will last a lifetime - a foundation on which to build all art making.
Mediums. I don’t think I’ve ever met another abstract painter who didn’t add tons of goop to their paint (in the form of added mediums). I get asked all the time by students if I use mediums with my paint. I almost never do because I don’t need them. I can do everything I need with regular acrylic paint. You have to understand that paint manufacturers developed mediums in hopes that artists would spend more money on things they don’t need.
Hey, if you do these and like them, then you should continue. But if you want to set yourself apart in an increasingly crowded arena of abstract painters (everybody thinks they’re an abstract painter now) then you need to determine a way to set yourself and your work apart, or you won’t get noticed.
If you have ways that you set yourself apart from others, then let me know.
If you'd like to learn about abstract painting, then please join me for a painting workshop: (You can view a list of 2020 workshops HERE)
January 9-11, 2020 Arts Alliance of Lee County, Ft. Myers, FL. For information and registration Click Here.
January 22-24, 2020 David M. Kessler Fine Art Studio, Winston-Salem, NC. For information and registration, Click Here. Sold Out!
February 1-2, 2020 Lighthouse Art Center, Tequesta, FL. Contact Maria Tritico:.Email: maria@lighthousearts.org. For Information and registration Click Here.
February 19-21 Gadsden Art Center, Quincy, FL. Contact Anissa Ford. Email: anissa.ford@gadsdenarts.org. For information and registration Click Here.
March 9-11 Hickory Museum of Art, Hickory, NC. Contact Ginny Zellmer, Email: gzellmer@hickoryart.org. For information and registration Click Here.
March 26-28 Franciscan Life Process Center, Lowell, MI. Contact Kathy Bechtel, Email: kbechtel@lifeprocesscenter.org. For information and registration Click Here.
April 3-4 Greenville, SC, Greenville Center for Creative Arts. Contact: Liz Rundorff Smith, Email: liz@artcentergreenville.org. For information and registration Click Here.
April 22-24 David M. Kessler Fine Art Studio, Winston-Salem, NC. For information and registration, Click Here.
As always, thanks for your support!
David
Holiday 2019 PAINTING SALE. If you have ever wanted to own a David M. Kessler original painting, then now is the time. This Special Holiday SALE of 50% OFF All Paintings of $250 or more. You can pick out that special piece for someone you love (or hey, just for yourself!)
You Can View My Paintings Here. Use the Coupon Code: HOLIDAY2019 at check out.
Holiday T-Shirt Sale-10% Discount
If you have seen my videos on YouTube or taken one of my workshops, you have probably seen me wearing these great t-shirts that I designed. Now you can get them at 10% off the regular price until December 31. I have long sleeve, short sleeve, sweatshirts, unisex styles, women's styles, etc.
Use the Promo Code: 10OFF at checkout. You can see the shirts HERE.
ALL ABOUT COLOR is an online course that will show you a straightforward, no nonsense, clear and easily understandable approach to using harmonious color in your paintings.
Introductory Price for a Limited Time!
