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If you have visited this site, no one would call me an abstract artist. However, I go in that direction occasionally.

This post will feature my artist friends on Society6.

For those of you whose niche is not in the visual arts, let's define abstract; at least let's try.

Abstract.

If you google it, you will wind up more confused than you started. I like this definition from the Tate Gallery in London: Abstract art is an art that does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of a visual reality but instead uses shapes, colours, forms, and gestural marks to achieve its effect.

Then, there is this, from the Oxford Languages: art that does not attempt to represent external reality, but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colors, and textures.

And another from artist, Arshile Gorky “Abstraction allows man to see with his mind what he cannot see physically with his eyes.”

So, got it? No? Well, you can probably find a myriad of definitions. This article from artistnetwork.com is a good one: What is Abstract Art? And Why Should I Care?

Common definitions contain the words you find in the above: forms, colours, shapes, and textures. I would add line to that list. Watch for those elements when I post my choices of "abstract" artworks below.

pillow with a green half circle and an arch of simple lines.

Arch balance green by MoonlightPrint on a pillow

abstract minimal 31 by ThingDesign

Moonlight Print uses simple shapes like the green half-circle at the top, balanced against an arch made with simple, repeating lines.

hmm. Is it a garden fence? Or just geometric shapes, lines, and color. Maybe both.

ThingDesign lets us know by the title that this is "abstract." It too has a line, although a squiggle. Color, yes, and shape.

Does it have texture? I think so. That line surely could be a string. Or a hand reaching out.

It has a real "Boho" kind of feel.

Sun Retro Art III by Nadja on a welcome mat.

Nadja is literal when she titles the painting "Sun Retro Art III"

Indeed, we think of "sun" as the triangles which form rays radiating from the lower, bright half circle.

The abstract does imply realistic subjects. However, I have never seen a sun with this much color in any instance. Shape and color are dominant here, but placement plays a role.

Wooden Navy iPhone Case by Nicklas Gustafsson

Nicklas Gustafsson uses this digital graphic design with a simple choice of slanted lines complemented by wood texture to balance the strong navy stripes.

If you like minimal design, this is a good selection as an iPhone Case. Clean, strong linear feeling harkens to classic Marine, Naval, strength, and power.

four blue dandelions by Color and Color

Searching "abstract" brought up this tote bag design by Color and Color.

The artist wants us to know the subject matter by giving us the title, "four blue dandelions." They're recognizable, yes, but I daresay I have never seen blue dandelions unless it's late evening and the dark is setting in.

Abstract. This design is abstract by technique, with its spattered paint, shapes, and colors that don't apply to "real" life. For me, this is borderline "abstract."

Abstract graphic colors by VWDigitalPainting on a Cutting Board

VWDigitalPainting uses this digital graphic design to create this abstract. (Personal note: I would be doing far more abstract designs if I was more proficient in using Procreate and other software.)

This, to my eye, is the definition of "abstract:

color, shapes, lines, texture, pattern, and layers. What is it? No matter. It makes me think about ribbons, celebrations, New Year's Eve, tangled forests, the moon, mystery, and more. It's overall design is balanced by a simple color palette (green, purple, blue and shades of those colors),

Abstract Flower Palettes by Alisa Galitsyna on a sling chair

Once again, the artist lets us know it's "abstract" in the title, "Abstract Flower Palettes."

The artworks by Alisa Galitsyna are fabulous.

The true artistry of clean, bright color shapes, balance, bold in its design, and modern in its concept. Minimalism and direct. Flower Palettes? Doesn't matter. This design looks great on all the products offered by Society6.

My own work? As I said, I don't do much artwork in an abstract style. One I will show here:

Office Blues by Annie Mason on a Desk Mat

This is watercolor and pen. I used a template from my Creative Memories days. Using a blue palette, I continued to place the shapes around the paper. For me, the artist, I thought this looked like an office cubicle. Hence, the name.

In conclusion, there is no strict definition of "abstract." Paying attention to all the samples here, you will know that the elements of art are all present: color, line, shape, form, value, texture, and space. Other design principles are used: contrast, rhythm, proportion, balance, unity, emphasis, movement, and variety.

For your interest:

Thanks for joining me as we shared thoughts about "abstract" artwork

and its meaning. I invite you to browse Society6. Over 500,000 artists from over 200 countries worldwide choose to showcase their artworks.

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Let's go abstract!

Abstract.

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