Abstract head studies

[raeburn10025]

Thanks Brian. I looked at your website and your abstractions are very inspiring!

[0chre]

Your comment on my portrait brought me here. I really like your work! These studies are a bit more abstracted than I will (probably) ever paint, but I find them very inspirational! I really like the contrast between spots of saturated color on more subdued color and the contrast between the more abrupt and the more gradual transitions. Great effects. Again, very inspirational!

[alangraham]

I enjoy contemporary work, but sometimes pieces which are to "abstract" put me off. Especially for people. I just don't get it.

However, I LOVE the first one and the colors. This is something I'd surely buy!

regards,
Cory

[davefriend]

I very much like both of your paintings. The first one evokes so many emotional responses in me and the second one is very strong compositionally and quite dynamic. Both are successful in my opinion. Well done raeburn.

[Bellaskye]

The black and white one scares me but I LOVE it!! It makes me think of a Native American Chief come back from the dead and he is not happy!

[bschart]

Very nice work. Do you know of Ann Gale's paintings?

[~JON]

I am quite taken by the second but they are both beautiful. Well done!

[Ivon]

Love both, but wonder what the b&w would look like if you integrated a few darker values into the background in a few places. I hope you do more of these, they're great!

[brushwaggler]

Wow! Fantastic! I love both these pieces and wouldn't change anything about either one. It's as if they create a curtain between the sitter and the viewer which makes them mysterious, maybe even slightly spooky?! I like art that makes me react, makes me think or feel something and these do that. Love them.
Regards.
Brushwaggler

[Eraethil]

Both are compelling and well executed. The black and white captures a mood and stirs the emotions more effectively for me. Impressive work!

[aquabone]

Originally Posted by 71art

Fantastic! Very cool!

my thoughts also!


aquabone.

[Killer AB]

I really like the first one. My artistic eyes find that one the most interesting. The black and white seems a bit too porportioned, but reminds me of an indian chief looking up to the sky. I like the both, but the first one is by far my favorite.

[raeburn10025]

Ochre - Thanks for your comments! The two paintings developed from the ideas in this thread.

Cory - I've been working on these quick abstract sketches over the past year and did sell a few of them

Dave - Thanks for your kind words!

Bellaskye - I'll admit that I was aiming for something sinister with the second painting

Bschart - Ann Gale is one of my favorite artists. I saw her work in Portland, Oregon a few years ago and was blown away.

Jon - Thanks chief! Your input is always appreciated.

Ivon - My teacher said the same thing - i.e. I should integrate my backgrounds a bit more. I tend to forget about the background once I start working on the head but you're certainly right that a few darker values would have given the b&w a stronger rhythm.

Brushwaggler - Thanks, I've been looking at the work of Daniel Ochoa and other artists mentioned in the link above.

Rick - I'm happy that the b&w resonates with you. It's the most abstract head study that I've done so far.

Aquabone - Thanks very much for your encouragement. I do appreciate it.

Killer AB - Thanks for your valuable insights on the two paintings!