Abyss of Abstraction

This piece has a sense of infinity to it, (i.e. you can't tell where it begins or ends; there's no visual center of attention; hence the title "Abyss of Abstraction").

I was motivated to create it right after viewing the movie "Pollock" about Jackson Pollock, the abstract painter. Can you tell?

As I painted it, I experienced what Jackson himself must have felt when he painted his own drip abstracts - it was a liberating feeling so loose and free; just splashing and dripping the paint wherever I thought it needed to go. I enjoyed this type of "action painting" tremendously, and there certainly is some dynamic movement going on here.

Jackson is quoted as saying: "On the floor I am more at ease, I feel nearer, more a part of the painting, since this way I can walk around in it, work from the four sides and be literally `in' the painting. "

I guess I fell deep into the "abyss" and felt the same thing here. I also worked the painting from all sides; as Jackson did, turning it this way and that as I went along.

There is a lot of interesting texture here, due to the fact that I gessoed the canvas with thick paste prior to laying on the paint. The colors I used are: cobalt blue, and burnt sienna, black, and buttermilk (cream).

I painted on a faux black "frame" about an inch and half in width around the entire piece (sides and front). I also left about 2 1/2" between the paint and frame to somewhat resemble a white mat. I believe this gives it an overall dramatic, and museum-like effect. I'm including several closeup pics here. This piece has a special place in my heart, and I've received MANY compliments on it. Hope you like it!