I can only paint landscapes and people for so long and I have to revert to my first love, abstracts. I like to make art that people respond to emotionally. Abstract art takes away control from the left side of the brain where logic dictates and allows the right side, which is the intuitive side, to take over.

I personally have learned a great deal from doing a dozen of these of late. I learned first off my wife doesn't like them. Worse some of the people in my club took offence to my works too.

But seriously, I have observed that the more photographic a painting is, the less the viewer gets from it. Nothing is left to the imagination and after a quick look they move on. Yes I know there is a lot of artistic ability in making a realism piece, I have done lots and not yet well. I find that the less detailed or rougher, the more the imagination is used and the viewing becomes an interaction with the art.

Abstract art doesn't have to be anathama to realim painters. I find giving the viewer something to create in their own mind is a treat for them and me. Impressionistic art, for example, are paintings that evoke emotion, imagination and interest, because the works are less than perfect (on purpose) less than photographic and even vague. We the viewers have to decide what is in them for US to see.

My minimalist Jackson Pollock-inspired paintings seen here are the ultimate in abstract art. They are spontaneous, unplanned and lively. The lines, squiggles, drops and splashes done with different colours on different coloured canvases of varying sizes all evoke different feelings. The bigger the drip painting is, the more immersive it becomes.

Colour field paintings, as some of Pollock's works are described, take away the usual rules your left brain (the analytic side) depends on to decide how to interpret the art. What remains is your right side (the intuitive side) feeling its way through the work. The larger the work is, the easier it is to get lost in the experience. That is why Pollock's work is so popular, even among people who can't explain why they like it.

On the other hand, my small ones have limited impact but still evoke imagination and an intuitive reaction. I don't care if people sneer at them, some people will take the time to study the lines and will enjoy the painting. That is what artists are after.

Drip paintings are not the be all or end all in abstract, just another way to connect to some viewers. On a more selfish note, I had the time of my life doing these because it was liberating getting out of my recent realism rut (not unlike my oil rut or abstract rut or impressionistic rut) and letting loose my stringent rules of painting.

I had a great time doing these and I suggest every artist try one. Try it a few times before you form a permenant opinion on these or Pollock especially.

Winter Time

44X34"

Nonstop Ride

12X18"

Red Rover

12X18"

Yellow What?

12X18"

Garden Chaos
24X30"