"The Joy of Abstraction"
presented by
Elizabeth LaPenna
August 8 at Monthaven
“This was SO fun!” was the common remark made by those attending this program. “The Joy of Abstraction” was a wonderful mixture of lecture, demonstration, question & answer combined with laughter, music & dancing. She described the transition to abstraction “like walking to the edge of a cliff and jumping off with the faith that you will have wings.”
Elizabeth is an experienced artist of 35+ years. Classically trained in representational painting, she switched to working abstractly several years ago... what she calls "right-brain" painting. She also switched from oils to acrylics.
During the program, Elizabeth encouraged us to “Be Free!” and shared some of her secrets to controlling the left side of the brain, which limits our creative process by thinking and analyzing too much. She believes that as long as you have a firm understanding of design elements you should be able to turn on some fun music, work with speed, and have fun freely expressing yourself while allowing the canvas to guide you. She is especially adamant about the fun loud music!
LaPenna described her process: "I approach each piece from an intuitive perspective. Using a layering process and incorporating pouring, scraping, lifting, imprinting, or resist, I try to remain open to 'happenings' as I proceed. I keep the paint moving in order to create texture and form. It becomes a balancing act between control and spontaneity. As a classically trained artist, I find delight and joy in the freedom that abstract expressionism affords. My inspiration comes from many sources... my faith, light & color in nature, music, other artists, and even the materials, themselves."
Elizabeth painted several pieces on canvas, as the MAS members looked on. She employed a number of tools to create pattern, rhythm and texture, including rubber combs, mat board, scrapers, paper towels, bubble wrap, spatulas, even a potato masher… anything that may create an interesting pattern or texture.
She also introduced us to YUPO , a synthetic paper. At www.yupousa.com , Yupo is described as a unique alternative to traditional watercolor papers. It's an incredibly durable, stain-resistant, non-absorbent synthetic paper which resists tearing and buckling. Elizabeth tapes it to her board with masking tape while working on it. She likes it because the paint moves and slides about as if on glass. When finished, Yupo must be matted and framed under glass like watercolors.
We appreciate Elizabeth and her husband, Ralph, for sharing her love of abstraction with the members of Monthaven Art Society. She agreed to teach a class for us in the near future, so watch the newsletter and visit the website often to hear more.
