The BBC have produced a number of programmes in the past to help us understand how to engage and think about abstract painting. Here are some Youtube links to two series, Rules of Abstraction and Abstract Artists In Their Own Words.
Rules of Abstraction (Approx 6 x15 mins):
Abstract Artists In Their Own Words (approx 4×15 mins):
I’ve also uploaded three learning resources to this website relating to the theme of abstraction: Grids, Abstract and colour and Abstracting.
Having researched abstraction, how about looking at the following works by members of the Royal Watercolour Society, and think about what the artists have chosen to present to us?
If you feel that you need a way in to these works, maybe one of the following questions will be a helpful starting point:
Are they dynamic or calm? How can we tell?
How has the paint been applied?
Is there any surface texture?
What effect has the artist’s colour choices achieved?
How do the shapes interact?
What music would you choose to accompany each work?
Which colours come forward and which reseed?
What season, or time of day might they represent?
How do they make you feel?
Finally, if you would like to watch more programmes or films about artists, I’ve made a list on my blog. There’s also a list of radio interviews with artists too.