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Abstract art enjoys a love/hate relationship with art lovers. Coloured pencil abstracts are often shunned for a variety of reasons, primarily due to the medium which doesn’t enjoy the status of paints and pastels. It’s a grim reality that I have faced every time I produce an abstract drawing. Realism in coloured pencil however, enjoys a fairly good relationship with both lovers and buyers of art. Am I mad holding an abstract exhibition in my home city of Launceston? Time will tell.

 

‘DRIFT’ is a collection of drawings based on my observations of objects floating, sinking & sunk in ponds & creeks. All my abstract work comes from ‘known, real’ subjects, something I’ve always followed since I graduated from Art School (last century).

My venue is Stillwater Restaurant, Launceston, one of Australia’s leading restaurants. Such venues are a challenge because people go there to eat and socialize, not to primarily view artwork. I’ve shown there before and sold, so patrons (or at least some) notice and take the time to view the work on display. The hanging spaces allow for 11 artworks to be featured and after they were installed last week, I was very pleased with what will be on show for the next 3 months. If I’m fortunate to sell, I have other work ready for replacement.

Each drawing is presented with a white frame, art glass and double chalk white mats.

 

Why create abstracts that are hard to sell, when my realistic drawings have much more commercial appeal? Each week I usually work on both realistic and abstract drawings in my studio, depending on what motivates me on the day. I like the switch and often work on both on the same day. Realism gives me a satisfying outcome whereas, abstraction is ‘colour therapy’ where the process often outweighs the product. I still enjoy the abstract product, but the creation is often such a joy!

Landscape Adrift

 

Richard