I don't know how many times I have heard the following phrases, "I don't understand what this is?" or "I could do THAT!"  This guide is written to help ebay art buyers(even those that prefer representational art) understand and enjoy Abstract Art.

Representational art is something that portrays an image.  In alot of cases, that image is true to real and the artist has paid a meticulous attention to detail.  This is also refered to as Realism.  Successful abstract art is designed to bypass literal perception and instead provoke a powerful and sometimes unconsious emotion.  For someone with no training to say, "I could do THAT!", they are most likely fooling themselves.  If you study the older works of many abstract artists, you will find that they are highly skilled.  When my own journey began, I devoured books on developing skills/technical accuracy, anatomy, and techniques.  Later I went on to train at the Maryland Institute of Art.

In general, there are two types of abstract paintings.  "Pure" Abstract where the painting reflects shapes, colors, lines and overall composition but there is no recognizable object.  As a buyer, you must rely on how this painting makes you feel and what you personally see in the painting.  When I have a gallery show, I like to ask prospective buyers what they "see".  With "pure" abstract art everyone's opinion is valid.  I will then tell them what inspired me to paint the piece and how I "see" it. 

Here are some samples of  "pure" abstract art.

What did emotions did you when you looked at them?  What are these paintings about to you?

The second type of abstract is the process of taking an image and abstracting it  This is sometimes refered to as abstract impressionism.  In other words, the artist is taking things from around them and making them fantasy or blurring the lines.

Here are some samples of abstract impressionism.

In conclusion, I issue a challenge to you to visit the abstract art on ebay.  Take the time to study the composition, colors, shape, lines and any recognizable objects.  Then ask yourself, "What am I feeling, What do I see?".  Just for fun, you might even want to read what the artist "saw" or was inspired by.  Hope you found my first guide useful.  Feel free to look at my ebay store and/or send me questions.

Warm Regards,

Pam Miller