Abstract paintings byJennifer Wiggs: Color as Subject

Abstract paintings byJennifer Wiggs: Color as Subject: Blue and Orange Beat. gouache on paper. 9x 13". Color is my subject in this painting.The brightest red behaves more like an orange here; t..."

Color as Subject

Blue and Orange Beat. gouache on paper. 9x 13".

Color is my subject in this painting.The brightest red behaves more like an orange here; the blue is "pulling" the orange out of the red. Cadmium reds are really quite orange to begin with. The light/dark grays and other neutrals add a liveliness to the palette.My goal here was to pack it in and make it feel like it could fly apart or fall apart.. Do you think the surface is active enough? I think I could have gone further.

Abstract paintings byJennifer Wiggs: Color Planes

Abstract paintings byJennifer Wiggs: Color Planes: "Color Planes. 13 x18. gouache. c2010Here's a piece demonstrating how one color can play different spatial roles in a composition. Careful ..."

Color Planes

Color Planes. 13 x18. gouache. c2010

Here's a piece demonstrating how one color can play different spatial roles in a composition. Careful arrangements can increase visual play.  The gray and the orange can be both figure and ground. I also use implied lines at the top where the orange creates a diagonal from  the left, the small arrangement of shapes in the top right makes the orange appear like it's occupying two different spaces. A bonus by using gray: no matter what color you select next to a gray, the gray will take on that color's complement. In this case, the gray becomes bluish.

Abstract Shapes

Night Moon. Paper college. 9 x 11".

 

 

I like to find "unexpected" shapes by working with paper. The contrast between torn/cut edges can offer much to an image. When I think about shapes I always think of Paul Klee's statement that shape is the great enigma of painting. It is very difficult to invent shapes that are both specific (without being a thing) and open enough to leave the door open for the viewer's interpretation. This is a problem, and I l-o-v-e problems. For me, to be an artist is to be involved with problems. It's my passion to be working with difficult ideas. I like to be in a place where the unforeseen conclusion accompanies my efforts. I frequently do collage as part of my creative process; sometimes they are totally abstract, sometimes not.

Abstract paintings byJennifer Wiggs: Methods of composing

Abstract paintings byJennifer Wiggs: Methods of composing: Pond's Edge. Gouache.12 x16". This small abstract (mostly) painting is full of other paintings. Choose any corner or area, and you can c...

Methods of composing

Pond's Edge. Gouache.12 x16".

This small abstract (mostly) painting is full of other paintings.  Choose any corner or area, and you can crop it until you find a suitable or interesting motif. This is where I go to "mine" for my next painting.This piece is one of a series of loose abstract pieces I've done that hover on the edge of figuration. This painting  has the graphic elements I like; the letter forms. This piece is made intuitively, with no plan. The color palette is what really keeps me looking at it; the rich golds and reds. Basically  it's a red-green combination, and because these are complements, they will  always  give you good contrast.