Agave Abstract 6" X 12" Oil on masonite

                                                                      

I've been wanting to experiment with some abstract ideas for some time. It's certainly taken me a while to get started...working up the courage, I guess. I think part of it, too, is that I didn't really understand what abstract art was. I knew I liked some abstract paintings - others, I guess I just didn't understand.  Then, I ran across Mark Mehaffey's article about abstract art and it made more sense to me. I even ended up buying one of his DVDs where he demonstrated using acrylics on Yupo paper which was excellent in my opinion. At least I let go of my inhibitions concerning painting in this style.

I found that I prefer abstracts to be based on something in reality. That is, to use the concept of a real thing - a tree, for example - and do something with it that is unusual or unexpected. Maybe something emotional or conceptual. Or, just play with colors and shapes.

My husband is a photographer who photographs many plants and animals of our desert environment. Here is one he took some time ago of an agave plant on its way out.
                                                             

             
When they're in their prime, they are magnificent and some can be quite large. When they die they just sort of crumble and collapse into themselves. But, sometimes the colors can become saturated with vibrant greens, blues, purples and grays. Some of the shapes that come about because of the changes in the structure are interesting. I took his photo and tried cropping it in several ways to see what might make an interest design with lines, shapes and colors that were pleasing. Here, are some examples I found:

 

I think I could have gone another direction and used the shapes and colors as a starting place and not been so precise with my edges. Just put the paint on in some planned way.
Much to learn. Hopefully, more to come.