Untitled

Abstract

Artist's statement: "This painting is a combination of abstraction and realism on the topic of waves. The decisions are made base on observation on real life photos of the ocean and imaginations of waves. The color palette is chose according to the real life color of waves and ocean at different times of a day. I introduce the pinkish color to both evoke parts of the sculpture and bring the blue and orange together. The lines and shapes are more abstracted. I want the painting to have a modern digital touch whiling still keeping a hint of naturalism. The marks made in the upper part of the painting have more speed than those in the lower part. There are splashes of paint and speed linings to recreate some real life waves. So there could be a transition from reality to the imagination from top to bottom. The composition consists of a larger rectangle and a smaller one in the upper middle of the painting. I intended to explore a form of camouflage between the rectangles, using overlapping shapes and lines to connect both squares. But there are still some unsolved problems about camouflage. I want to keep following this topic and I would try to find the balance between hiding and showing objects. Also, color palette has always been a difficulty for me. I tried to use a bright orange at the end of my painting, and it works out well. But I should make serious decisions earlier during my process."

This is a digital photograph of Xu Qian's still life painting. It was submitted as an assignment in the spring 2016 Intermediate/Advanced Painting class taught by Professor Erin Harmon.