E Mang Loc: Louisiana

First my disclaimer. I am not a great abstract photographic artist. I do enjoy it and find it fun. I hope this challenge will lead you down that same road. (Simon and William, I appreciate all the expert help I can get with this challenge.)

Basic assumption: Abstract photographs are art and the same “rules” apply.

Some definitions of abstract art:

For many, understanding abstract art and addressing the question ‘what is abstract art’ get in the way of appreciating the art itself.  The magic happens when we let go of this need to know.

Abstract art engages and challenges the intellect but it also engages and challenges the emotions and to fully appreciate it the viewer has to let go of a need to understand what the artist is trying to say and instead tune into their own ‘feeling’ response to the piece.   That’s the important connection.

Abstract art seeks to break away from traditional representation of physical objects. It explores the relationships of forms and colors, whereas more traditional art represents the world in recognizable images.

Art that does not attempt to represent external reality, but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colors, and textures.

An important thing to remember when trying to understand abstract art is that you are always in dialogue with the piece by virtue of being its viewer. So you don’t have to feel like you’re solving a mystery that has one correct answer! Artists are often delight to hear what different viewers uncover in dialogue with their artwork, even if it's nowhere near the artist's intent.  If a piece just doesn’t speak to you, that’s ok.  It's probably not for you.”

In abstract art, the artist uses a visual language of shapes, forms, lines and colors to interpret a subject-matter, without necessarily providing the viewer with a recognizable visual reference point. 
This contrasts dramatically with more traditional forms of art which set out to achieve a literal and more representational interpretation of a subject and communicate a ‘reality’ to the viewer.

The first web site listed will give you some good pointers for getting started toward abstract appreciation. The links on these web sites are all interesting and informative. Hope you enjoy them.

http://www.abstract-art-framed.com/what-is-abstract-art.html

http://www.artsicle.com/blog/understanding-abstract-art

For the best in impressionistic photography:
http://williamneill.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/William-Neill/G0000RL8VZMP_d98/I0000h0RlnTxuswI

A fun shot. I liked the colors. Try photographing some color.


One of my favorites. This is a piece of marble.


I love feathers and especially this one.

judy juul Loc: Cheshire, Ct.

Thanks for hosting Elizabeth!

Some kind of succulent grown in Ca.

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E Mang Loc: Louisiana

Colors are fabulous!!

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

lhammer43 Loc: San Antonio, TX

Great start E Mang.....
Ok I'll play along. It's a good way to use and abuse some really bad images and have fun doing it. Went on the MS Dixie paddle wheel boat on Lake Tahoe last Friday. It was an evening dinner-dance cruise, and took a picture of the carpet next to the dance floor......WHY??
:shock: :shock:

>>>Playtime....couple of layers merged, a few filters distorted....Oh don't ask!!

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

I particularly like #1 and #3

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

That's different, and good.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

#1 Rock patterns seen on a coastal dawn shoot.
#2 The result of accidently bumping the triopd on a long exposure (20 seconds) dawn shoot.

Minimal PPing of the raw files for both these.

#1 Sandstone

(Download)

#2 Accident

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E Mang Loc: Louisiana

I really like the radial lines and the zig. Saggy ones on the left. It does look fun. Thanks with playing.

E Mang Loc: Louisiana

Thanks. Try some colors and see what you get. The study of the emotions evoked by loot is really interesting.

E Mang Loc: Louisiana

Both are really pleasing. Love the softness of the color in the second one. It has a cozy feel.

E Mang Loc: Louisiana

Looking longer at the first one gives the impression that it is watching and listening. Did you see the eye and the ear in it. Very interesting.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

OK, I'll bite.
A shot from maybe 5 years ago.
I'll just say that other than a small amount of saturation, there is no PS here at all!!
Enjoy!

The Turquoise and White Hot Nebulas in the Aceitosa Galexy

(Download)

dane004 Loc: WYOMING

E Mang Thanks For hosting the Challenge, very nice start and thanks for all the info.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Not when I was shooting it, howver i can see them now.

creativ simon Loc: Coulsdon, South London

This should be a good challenge thanks for hosting E Mang

#1 suits my eye

Typing this on my phone but later will go out and find some internet for the laptop to join in