Lorser Feitelson Abstract Painting
Lorser Feitelson was a painter who moved from New York to LA in the late twenties and developed an influential minimal abstract style. His earlier works were a response to and rejection of European Surrealism. He eventually moved into a style, called Abstract Classicism, where his compositions became increasingly geometric. Like Mondrian before him, Feitelson simplified his work down to what he believed were the basics, the essentials. The hard-edged (clear lines between colors, not blurred) paintings gave way to flowing minimal paintings at the end of his life. I fell in love with the hard-edge era of his work and created a watercolor painting project for my after school students.
Materials:
+ watercolor paper
+ painters tape
+ watercolors
+ pencils
+ rulers
+ brushes and water
Before the tiny humans came to class I taped a large piece of watercolor paper to a paint mat. The reasoning was simple- keep it in place so the kids can focus on using the ruler without sliding the paper all around. This helped avoid a lot of frustration.
1. Use a ruler to create a dozen or so lines on the watercolor paper. The ruler doesn't have to be used for every line but for a more hard-edged look, encourage it!
2. Encourage lines that create blocks for color. Try not to make blocks too small. Lorser used large shapes to fill his canvas.
3. Paint in those blocks. Every inch of your paper will be filled with color. We used two brands of watercolors. Any paint will do. Fill in every block and make sure not to paint two touching blocks the same color. Spread the color love.
If I can help it, I try to take the painters tape off the same day. I’ve found that even with quality watercolor paper, if I leave the painters tape on too long it will rip the paper. Just be sure to let it dry a bit so the wet watercolor doesn’t spread into your border- if you’re a bit of control freak like me. ;)
It took two days, or roughly an hour and a half to complete these paintings. Because we used watercolor we ended up with some really fantastic textures within our color blocks. If you want a smoother look work in tempera or acrylics. These are actually far brighter in person and make a beautiful statement. Each painting is unique and so fun to look at. Some look like landscapes and others remind me of storms.
Happy making!