Past Exhibit In the TDS Gallery
"The Practice of Abstract Painting", January 2007
Above, left: TDS Board President Bruce Cobb with his painting (lower) "A Guide to the Perplexed"
Above, right: "Reflections II" by Dee Bates, oil on canvas
Lower left: "Untitled", by Joan Scott, acrylic on canvas
Lower right : "Torture at Abu Ghraib" by Ozlem Silverstein, acrylic on boardThis exhibit, “The Practice of Abstract Painting”, is the first of its kind at The Drawing Studio. Yet, it meshes so well with the objectives of this organization that by name emphasizes drawing and observation. The practice of abstract painting develops through persistence that is the essence implied in the word “practice”, and continually involves the engagement of visual intelligence and observation of the work that is on its journey toward resolution.
The artist of still life, landscape or the figure is engaged in a triangulation between object, self and surface. To the outside observer, the abstract painter would be partaking only in a duality – the artist and the surface that is being worked. But while no visible object is being used as a reference for the abstract painter, that outerness and all that it has brought to bear on that artist, hovers as a presence and third party in the development of that painting. The inner life of that artist becomes the object that is being painted.
Practice is at the core of this exhibit. Each of these painters has had the direct experience of many surfaces painted, painted out, rotated, paintings abandoned, paintings recovered . . . all the while grappling for trust in the eye and its relationship with the painting. Each of these painters has hopefully found comfort and growth in the doubt that inevitably arises. This process repeated countless times eventually comes to be a practice.
The very nature of abstract painting allows for multiple interpretations from you, the viewer. Your observation and visual skills complete the offering before you. These abstract paintings sit comfortably alongside the representational work that is the mainstay of The Drawing Studio.
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday
Noon to 5 p.m.
