Abstract Art Inspiration

While in Philly a few weeks ago (more on the shenanigans of that trip here, full of movie references, history, and stair running) we actually took in some culture in the form of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I was pretty impressed with the museum at large (and boy was it large!). We actually didn’t get to see the whole museum, due to time and feet constraints, but what we did see was inspiring. Now, by no means am I an artist. I call myself creative and sometimes I think I have an eye for things, but I freely admit that my lowest grade in college was art (dude, they grade on skill?!).

However, when I found myself in the abstract art section, a little part of my brain said, “Huh, these are pretty cool. I could try that.” I think what drew me to the abstracts was their simplicity. In art class I kept trying to get all fancy with my pieces, while I actually think the masterful part about a lot of abstract is how simple they are. I love the idea of bringing in some simpler objects to balance a room with a lot going on but with a wall screaming for something on it.

Without further ado or ramblings, here are the pieces of art that inspired me so much that one day (soon hopefully), I hope to grab a paint brush and try to mimic the ideas shown in these pieces.

For this piece, I am definitely seeing a bookend. Wouldn’t that we a great way to upcycle (and perhaps memorialize for future generations) a burnt out light bulb. I am seeing this spray painted a bright color.

I like the symmetry and lines of this one. It would be fun to pop in a few more colors or shapes…or perhaps not. Stick with the simplicity, Megan!

This one does bring in a few more colors while keeping it simple and balanced. I think it is neat that the artist chose to hang it at this angle. Most people would go completely  vertical or horizontal, but putting it point side up really adds some interest. So next time you’re not sure of how something looks, try it at a few different angles.

Can you tell that I am building on the geometric color shapes? This one I like because it is 3D. You can kind of tell from the picture that the silver stripes are actually floating above the colors on the glass. You know that I probably just like this one because it brings in some shimmer with the use of a metallic. What can I say, I’m a sucker for the sparkles.

Changing course a little bit, this one was by far my favorite abstract. I love the bright colors. This is also a mixed medium (alarms going off in head as I think about trying to make something like it). Under those bright colors are actually sheets of newspaper, which makes it a cool decoupage-like art piece. I am a sucker for decoupage. I actually decoupaged a bureau in high school and have loved the idea ever since. Except with less teeny bopper faces stuck to it. This piece would be great to make from newspaper clippings that are important to you or represent a special day.

Now this one is a whole different pony and by no means something I am going to try to duplicate any time soon. It just made me drool and “oooo” and “ahhh” over it for far too many minutes.

Oh the lighting. The lines of the wood. The almost can’t see mimicking of the starbursts at the bottom of the fireplace. The grace and beauty. I am building a house in my mind based off of this fireplace. It’s pretty large though so my house would actually be a mansion, in the woods. Perhaps a cabin mansion. I just had to share this though because I knew all of you would appreciate its majesty.

So there you are, the pieces that inspired me to start thinking (eek!) to be an artist. I will check back in when I make it a reality! Have you ever been inspired by other art pieces and created your own? What pieces above are your favorite? Ever been to this museum?

PS – This may be a huge faux pas, but I don’t have any artist names to credit these amazing pieces! I apologize profusely. Head on over the museum website for possibly more information on these pieces. Or, please feel free to comment if you know the artist of any of the aforementioned pieces. Thanks for your help and understanding!