Modern and Post Modern Art

The Modern Art movement began roughly in the mid-1800's as somewhat of an experiment.  This era allowed artists to create art for the sake of art. Because of this, very different pieces and styles began to emerge. 

Pablo Picasso

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, 1907

One of the most notable, and widely recognized Modern Artists is Pablo Picasso.  The above painting, Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, was essentially the first of its kind, sparking Cubism.

Pablo Picasso

Guernica, 1937

The above painting was created as a political reaction to the Nazi's devastating casual bombing practice on the Basque town of Guernica during Spanish Civil War.

Jackson Pollock

Untitled 

Unlike Modern, Postmodern art is art for the sake of ideas. Innovation, style and originality are less important than the idea conveyed by each work. However, this is only a generalization, as Jackson Pollock demonstrates other movements that grew out of Postmodernism.  

Jackson Pollock

Number 26, 1951

Pollock's style and unconventional method of painting was radical, at the time. 

Jackson Pollock

Blue Poles: Number II, 1952

Robert J. O'Brien

I have just begun learning how to paint in watercolor, and so far it is just as difficult as I've always thought. For that reason, I feel as though I am better able to fully appreciate Robert O'Brien's realistic watercolor paintings.

Self Service

Watercolor

 

Farmhouse, Magnagues

Watercolor

18x24"

Tilting Barn

Watercolor

15x22"

Ted

Watercolor

16x12"

Deer Island Classic

Watercolor

Upon further reflection, I am also drawn to O'Brien's works due to their rural nature.

I have been painting in the watercolor medium for over thirty years. One of my main objectives in watercolor painting is to create light through the use of shadow. In painting ordinary images, I find a fascinating interplay between the two. The transparency of the medium helps in bringing shadows alive while allowing the light to glow.  --  Robert J. O'Brien

Non-Objective Art

Untitled, 2007

Oil on Canvas

Cecil Herring

Non-Objective is by far my favorite style of painting. No particular artist comes to mind when I think of non-objective, however. This post features two different artists.

Masquerade #2
Mixed Media on Panel
16" x 16" 

Wren Katzalay

This style, by nature, is so free of constraints and definitions.  One can create it with a vision or simply through feeling. 

Persistence of memory #13
Mixed media on panel
20" x  24"

Wren Katzalay

Persistence of memory #19
Mixed media on panel
24" x 30"

Wren Katzalay

There is rarely one correct interpretation of a non-objective, and what the viewer sees in the work varies among individuals. 

Upon further Inspection....
Mixed media on panel
18" x 24"

Wren Katzalay