Do-Now: Why do artists use specific colors in their paintings? What may cause an artist to consciously choose one color over another? How can a painter’s techniques relate to an author’s techniques when it comes to art?

Abstract Expressionism and Color Theory

What is Abstract Expressionism? “Abstract Expressionism is a type of art in which the artist expresses himself purely through the use of form and color. It is non-representational—or non-objective—art, which means that there are no actual objects represented.” Source: http://www.artcyclopedia.com/history/abstract-expressionism.html

The Two Schools of Abstract Expressionism Action Painting: a form which focuses primarily on the physical action involved in creating the painting Color Field Painting: a form primarily concerned with the effects of pure color on canvas Source: http://www.artcyclopedia.com/history/abstract-expressionism.html

The Origins of Abstract Expressionism Often painters were charged with the task of rendering realistic portraits of their subjects, but this demand for painters significantly decreased at the turn of the 20th century with the invention and burgeoning technology of the camera.

The Camera Changes Painting? Because of the developments in photographic technology, painters were in less demand than ever. The question they were asked: Why should I pay you to paint what I can photograph myself? Therefore, painters began to experiment with color theory in ABSTRACT ways.

What is Color Theory? Source: http://dev.walterfoster.com/uploads/pics/1186979307_H2O.COLORWHL.p5.HR.jpg

The Symbolism of Colors   Excitement, energy, passion, love, desire, speed, strength, power, heat, aggression, danger, fire, blood, war, violence, all things intense and passionate. Joy, happiness, betrayal, optimism, idealism, imagination, hope, sunshine, summer, gold, philosophy, dishonesty, cowardice, jealousy, covetousness, deceit, illness, hazard and friendship. Peace, tranquility, cold, calm, stability, harmony, unity, trust, truth, confidence, conservatism, security, cleanliness, order, loyalty, sky, water, technology, depression, appetite suppressant. Royalty, nobility, spirituality, ceremony, mysterious, transformation, wisdom, enlightenment, cruelty, arrogance, mourning. Energy, balance, enthusiasm, warmth, vibrant, expansive, flamboyant, demanding of attention.

The Symbolism of Colors   Nature, environment, healthy, good luck, renewal, youth, spring, generosity, fertility, jealousy, inexperience, envy, misfortune, vigor. Earth, stability, hearth, home, outdoors, reliability, comfort, endurance, simplicity, and comfort. Security, reliability, intelligence, staid, modesty, dignity, maturity, solid, conservative, practical, old age, sadness, boring. Silver symbolizes calm. Reverence, purity, birth, simplicity, cleanliness, peace, humility, precision, innocence, youth, winter, snow, good, sterility, marriage (Western cultures), death (Eastern cultures), cold, clinical. Power, sexuality, sophistication, formality, elegance, wealth, mystery, fear, evil, unhappiness, depth, style, evil, sadness, remorse, anger, anonymity, underground, good technical color, mourning, death (Western cultures). Source: Adapted from http://www.princetonol.com/groups/iad/lessons/middle/color2.htm

Consider the Mona Lisa Sources: http://www.visitingdc.com/images/mona-lisa-painting.jpg [and] http://www.thomasgeusens.com/?p=361

Now… Van Gogh’s Self Portrait Source: http://www.arles-guide.com/arles_guide/famous_people/vincent_van_gogh_in_arles

On to… Picasso’s Weeping Woman Source: http://judaica-art.com/art-masterpieces/pablo-picasso/pablo-picasso-weeping-women-fine-art-oil-painting-gallery/prod_1023.html

And now… Abstract Expressionism

Color Theory and Meaning Source: Art: Pagani's Untitled

The Two Types of Abstract Expressionism Action Painting (Pollock) Color Field Painting (Rothko) Source: http://fineartnews.blogspot.com/2008/11/jackson-pollock-for-sale-in-toronto.html and http://www.etc.cmu.edu/projects/atl/rothko.htm

Other Important Abstract Expressionists Kandinsky (Composition VIII) Helen Frankenthaler (Causeway)

Test Your Knowledge of A/E and Color Theory Look at the example of an Action Painting on the next slide. What comes to mind as you view the work? What is the emotional and intellectual impact? How does Color Theory apply to the work? How has the painter used technique and color to convey meaning?

Source: http://www. andrewgrahamdixon

Test Your Knowledge of A/E and Color Theory Now, let’s look at an example of a color field painting. Again, what comes to mind? What impact does the painting have? What colors are used and what do they symbolize? Do the colors work together or go against one another?

Source: http://www.haberarts.com/rothko.htm

Abstract Expressionism and Literature So, what are the conventions of Abstract Expressionism? How do AE painters prescribe to the conventions of traditional art? And, how do artists intentionally violate these conventions? What effect does this have? And, how can these ideas relate to the techniques an author uses or violates to enrich his or her work of literature?

Exit Ticket: What are three colors that might relate well to The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet? After recording each color, explain your rationale by linking to color theory and a detail from the play.