From Realism to Abstract

If you want a realistic scene, a photo is the way to go. But what about concepts that are at the intersection of mental, physical, and emotional struggles? I’ve found that through abstract geometric paintings I’ve been able to investigate these types of ideas just through the use of color and shape. Without the burden of painting a realistic scene, more possibilities open up.

The Simplicity of a Complicated Style 

I now consider myself an abstract painter, but in my earlier years, realism was all I did. 

Realism’s basic goal is to represent the subject with authenticity paying tribute to the subject through the accurate representation of all its complexities and details and that of its surroundings as well. The style is composed and executed in almost a photographic way to capture the moment as truthfully as possible according to what the eye sees. It grew from the mid nineteenth century artistic movement but now the term is often used interchangeably with naturalism. It was a straightforward process of translating what I saw onto my canvas, and I didn’t feel comfortable at all drawing from my imagination without a reference image. 

The Dynamics of a Simple Style 

A few years ago I began trying to push myself to undertake abstraction, as I had become bored in doing realistic reproductions of photos that weren’t portraying much story or meaning. Instead of attempting to represent external reality, Abstract art seeks to achieve a representation of either external or conceptual elements such as ideas using simple shapes, colors, and textures. Though the overall piece may be layered and complex, the elements are generally familiar and they are designed to draw the viewer in and evoke an emotion. 

I started doing small collages that translated to bigger paintings and found it was fun and exciting playing around with color palettes and how color and shape worked together. It’s so interesting and satisfying making simple, colored shapes come alive and behave in certain ways. When I’m painting, I think about, should there be a dynamic between small overcoming large, furthest coming forefront, movement through passageways, drama in breaking up repetition? There is so much to explore in abstract painting and I love that.

The Worth of Fulfillment

Since the ups and downs of the pandemic, I’ve decided to really dive in to my abstract painting investigations. I’m dedicating more time to my art than ever and focusing myself on geometric abstracts versus doing a variety of styles, mediums, and subjects as I used to do on a whim. I’m treating my paintings more special and am investing more in framing because it really makes a huge visual difference. 

Frame Destination has been the best find for high quality canvas floater frames and I love the care they take to wrap everything up so they arrive in perfect condition every time. I’ve tried floater frames from a few other online retailers but the quality, price, and care cannot be beat by Frame Destination. As an emerging artist, I can’t afford framing most of my works but I do whenever I can for that stunning polish it provides. These crazy times have made me realize the importance of doing what makes you happy and keeps you fulfilled, and that shouldn’t be taken advantage of! 

The Satisfaction of Finding Your Style

I have gotten a lot of positive encouraging feedback about my abstract geometric works which has really helped me boost my confidence that I am onto something interesting. I think my paintings are different enough that they really resonate with people, especially those who are fans of minimalism and big swatches of color. That being said, my fan base and clientele has shifted from those that love realism to those that love abstraction. 

I still do commissioned realistic paintings from photos for those who have seen my previous work and want something similar for their home (I’m working on setting up a website specifically for that but it’s still in the works). I still enjoy the challenge that painting realistically provides but for my own personal expression, abstract is the style I’ve found most interesting and satisfying. 

My paintings can be seen and purchased on my website: rachelespenlaub.art as well as on Instagram: @rachel_esp_ Questions, comments, and commissions are welcome via my espenlaub.r@gmail.com

About the Author

Learn more about the author and see more of his work in our Artie’s Eight Artist Spotlight featuring Rachel Espenlaub (formerly Rachel Kosbab).

Last Updated March 9, 2022