THE REALITY OF ABSTRACTION

Previously, I believed an abstract painter must begin by abstracting

Something, e.g. an object, a figure, a landscape.

Later I believed, through this abstraction process, that if an image appeared or

remained, it was the responsibility of the artist to destroy the image.

Ah, this is pure abstraction. (Finally)

(Now) I believe, that Something is not necessary at all nor

Do images need to be destroyed?

The Paintings in this exhibition have had no starting idea, concept or image in mind, and

Throughout the creation, my mind is emptied. I just start brushing on a color or putting it

On with my fingers. In every case, I work very quickly.

(After all, I have already been sailing, had a massage and a latte to start the day's work)

About ¾ of the way through the painting, I begin to ?look? to see, if there are ?ghost?

images. If so I will pull them forward, out from behind the canvas.

This process results in a Negative of the image (like a photographic negative)

I would never lay an image on the canvas directly from the front. (Oh, no)

With an innate sense of composition and palette already working, Then I begin to

and reconsider composition, color, space, texture, pulling the painting though to completion.

If I get this far, generally the painting will be successful.

Ah, this is Real Abstraction.

(And tomorrow?)