I wanted to play around with oil pastels again, as it’s a medium I’ve always enjoyed using. I think I like it because I can use my fingers to move and blend the colours together. It’s been a while since I last painted because I usually go straight into 3D making, so I wanted to push myself to explore and experiment more with 2D processes.
In the three different abstract drawings and paintings, I focused on exploring colour and seeing which tones worked well together. In the drawing on the right, I used white acrylic to highlight the triangular shapes, adding definition without overpowering the piece. I wanted the colours to flow smoothly from one to another, but still keep some contrast so the transitions weren’t too gradual. My main aim was to reconnect with how oil pastel feels to use and how the colours naturally blend together.
For my next drawings or paintings, I plan to limit myself to three or four colours, as I found that my first abstract acrylic painting became quite busy with both the colour and the mark-making. Looking at the style I’ve been painting in, it reminds me of the Abstract Expressionism period in the early to mid-20th century. I feel especially drawn to Norman Lewis, as the way he uses colour and movement in his work reminds me of my own approach.
This is one of the works of Norman Lewis
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