Wassily Kandinsky ( ) ( )

Kandinsky was a Russian painter, whose exploration of abstraction made him one of the most important innovators of modern art.

After a trip to Paris in 1909, where he saw, and was impressed by the works of the postimpressionists, his paintings became more highly colored and loosely organized.

In 1911, along with Franz Marc and other German expressionists, Kandinsky formed a group called The Blue Riders. He produced both abstract and figurative works during this period, all of which were characterized by brilliant colors and complex patterns.

Around 1913 he began working on paintings that came to be considered the first totally abstract works in modern art; they made no reference to objects of the physical world and were inspired by music. Non-representational art: not developed by observing real life figures or objects.

The Blue Riders believed that colors, shapes and forms were equivalent to sounds and music, and sought to create color harmonies. The artists who took part in The Blue Riders were considered to be the pioneers of Abstract art or abstract expressionism. Their work promoted individual expression and broke free from any artistic restraints.

After World War I ( ), Kandinsky's abstractions became increasingly geometric in form, as he abandoned his earlier fluid style in favor of sharply etched outlines and clear patterns. Many works were comprised solely of lines, circles, arcs, and other simple geometric shapes.

Kandinsky was one of the most influential artists of his generation. As one of the first explorers of "pure“ abstraction, Kandinsky paved the way for abstract expressionism.

Abstract Expressionism - Was the first new style to come on the scene in New York in the years following World War II. - Emphasized the elements and principles of art as its subject matter. - How was it expressive? Emotion > Planned Design

10 Color Harmonies Complimentary colors: Blue and Orange, Red and Green, Yellow and Violet - These pairings show maximum visual contrast between colors. The line where these two colors meet seems to vibrate. Analogous colors: next to each other on color wheel and have one color in common. ex.) Yellow, Yellow-orange, Orange Split complimentary colors: Forms a sharp contrast within a design. Blue, red- orange, yellow-orange *monochromatic Colors that “go well together” vs. colors that clash when placed side by side

Warm Colors vs. Cool Colors Warm Colors: Reds, oranges, and yellows seem to come forward in art. Make shapes and forms appear larger. Angry, happy, hot, excited Cool Colors: Greens, blues, and purples seem to move backward in a design and make shapes and forms appear small. Sad, depressed, cold, gloomy

Shape: Geometric- Precise, mathematical. Look as though they are made with a ruler or compass. Mostly, but not always, made by people. Free-form or Organic- Not regular, uneven. Found throughout nature. *Outlines

Line Horizontal: Run from side to side. Seem to be at rest and suggest peace and quiet. Vertical: Run up and down and seem to be standing at attention. Suggest strength and permanence. Diagonal: Suggest a sense of movement and excitement. Leaning and falling. Curved: Change direction little by little. Express movement but in a more graceful way. Zig zag: Formed by joining several diagonals that move in different directions. Create confusion and suggest action or nervous excitement.

What feelings does this artwork evoke? Are there signs that the artist gives in this work that suggest how he wants you to feel when you view it? 1.What are the qualities of this artwork that make you feel the way you do? What elements principles govern the stylistic qualities of this work?

What feelings does this artwork evoke? Are there signs that the artist gives in this work that suggest how he wants you to feel when you view it? 1.What are the qualities of this artwork that make you feel the way you do? What elements principles govern the stylistic qualities of this work?

What feelings does this artwork evoke? Are there signs that the artist gives in this work that suggest how he wants you to feel when you view it? 1.What are the qualities of this artwork that make you feel the way you do? What elements principles govern the stylistic qualities of this work?

What feelings does this artwork evoke? Are there signs that the artist gives in this work that suggest how he wants you to feel when you view it? 1.What are the qualities of this artwork that make you feel the way you do? What elements principles govern the stylistic qualities of this work?