so, basically, it is the art of simplifying an image to say “more” with “less” detail

1. Semi-Abstract Art refers to a style of painting or sculpture in which the subject remainsrecognizable although the forms are highly stylized in a manner derivedfromabstractart. so, basically, it is the art of simplifying an image to say “more” with “less” detail

2. Abstraction of a tree through 3 stages, by famous artist, Mondrian

3. Assignment – Mini Abstraction Series Vocabulary: balance, negative space, composition, unity, abstract Project: Create a semi-abstracted painting Process: Using a viewfinder or cropping “L’s”, you will select 5 pleasing compositions from any sourceto abstract, then paint. Here are some tips for good composition as you move the viewfinder around the picture: • Look for interesting lines, shapes and patterns in the picture. • Establish purposeful balance (formal or informal) in your composition. • Pay careful attention to the negative space in the design. All spaces should be interesting. • Parts of your image will bleed off all sides of the paper; lines should hug the surface and take the direction of the object or shape. Show all planning in your sketchbook. Tips: • Use 3 main values—one should dominate for emphasis. • Selecting a good color scheme ensures unity. • Watch edges and craftsmanship as you paint. • Draw 5 boxes in your sketchbook that correspond, in size, to your selected compositions. • Next, draw the small compositions you created inside the boxes you created in your sketchbook.. • Enlarge the 3 best compositions on another page • Test 3 different color schemes on your enlarged thumbnails before choosing the one you wish to use on canvas. • Re-draw your final selection (to approximately ½ the size of a page in your sketchbook). • Color your final sketch using your selected color scheme (the one that best expresses the mood you wish to convey ). • Redraw final sketch on canvas and paint! Rubric: ____________25 planning (minimum 5 sketches, 3 quick color studies testing different schemes) ____________10 color enlargement of final selection in sketchbook ____________50 execution of final painting ____________10 time management + effort ____________05 clean up (care of materials and classroom) ____________/100

4. One way to abstract an image: • Start with a realistic imagery. Abstract the images through a series of steps. • Begin by selecting small portions of the whole picture. • Further simplify each image through a series of thumbnails. Examples of what an initial thumbnails might look like

5. Planning thumbnail Simplified painting with planned color scheme

6. Semi Abstract Art http://www.samfischer.net/bio.html Check out his gallery of paintings on his webpage. http://www.samfischer.net/paintings/paintings.html

7. Can you guess the color schemes in the following works? Give it a try.

33. Another Abstract Artist:Rolina van Vliet Rolina van Vliet’s book gives helpful exercises and suggestions for painting abstract art. There is a copy of her book in the classroom for your use.