Paint with BPBN: A Beginner’s Guide to Minimalism
Abstract Expressionism was the dominating art trend in the United States throughout the 1940s and 1950s. It was distinguished by works that were unstructured, expressive, and spontaneous, as well as by a powerful visceral and "emotional" element and a significant personal connection in each artwork. However, the 1960s changed it all due to the massive inspiration from European movements such as Bauhaus and De Stijl to pioneering artists of minimalism including Dan Flavin, Donald Judd, and Robert Morris.
The Minimalism art movement was one of the most prominent of the 1960s, beginning in New York City among a group of young painters who preferred a clean, geometrical style to Abstract Expressionism, which manifested itself in minimalist art. Previous European abstract trends had a significant impact on American minimalist artists. Accordingly, minimalist artists who were actively rejecting modern work that they saw as outdated and conventional filled the new center of art: New York during the 60s.
A rush of fresh inspirations and reawakened aesthetics prompted modern artists to explore traditional medium limitations. The cold over the "theatrical" was prized by the new art: their sculptures were typically made from industrial materials and promoted anonymity over the outspoken extravagance of Abstract Expressionism.
If this art movement appeals to you, continue reading this in-depth article for a beginner’s guide to minimalism. Surely, you don’t wanna miss out on this one because we will also be giving minimalist painting inspirations! Continue reading further if you don’t wanna miss out.
The 1960s was a decade to remember in the art landscape. Countless art styles and movements emerged during the decade that shaped contemporary art, among which were conceptual art, optical art, performance art, and of course, minimalism.
The art movement was genuinely revolutionary for its time, with artists emphasizing the essential nature of the medium and material used to create the work itself. Minimalism, which is regarded as an expansion of abstract art, eliminates any important shapes to show the simplicity and elegance of the art object.
It is a form closely related to conceptual art, which was particularly progressive in the 1960s in that it questioned pre-existing frameworks of producing, seeing, and comprehending art. Minimalist artists' works have been intimately associated with ideals of honesty and truth since they focus largely on the surface of the canvas and the visual quality of materials. Artists didn't claim to be anything other than what they were.
The Essence of Minimalism
Minimalism emerged during the 1960s and it truly changed modern art movements. During that time, several artists produced papers that helped form and identify the minimalist art movement. In his 1965 paper 'Specific Objects,' Donald Judd sought to develop the principles of Minimalism. Judd disregarded traditional art form boundaries to accept works that could not be simply classified as painting or sculpture.
In his 1966 book 'Notes on Sculptures,' Robert Morris advocated for the use of basic shapes that the observer could absorb instinctively, arguing that the perception of the artwork relied on the setting and circumstances under which it was displayed.
The movement is characterized by a style of abstraction that is absent of - or at least limits - emotions and personal expression. Geometric lines meet a tendency for extreme simplicity, and shapes are purposefully devoid of expressive meaning.
Artists such as Frank Stella, Ellsworth Kelly, Agnes Martin, and Robert Ryman created completely self-referential works with 'hard edges,' abrupt changes between sections of solid colors, repeated motifs, and geometrical structures. As a result, spectators were exposed to art reduced down to its physical and structural form and underlying essence in a flat, two-dimensional area.
Minimalist art's qualities reflect the creators' intention: pure aspects of beauty embodying traits such as balance, simplicity, sincerity, and honesty, in the sense of not claiming to be anything other than what it is. The artwork is pared down to the fewest number of forms, textures, colors, and lines feasible.
Minimalist artists chose to create their works with commercial materials and industrial machinery. This enabled the removal of any trace of authorship, such as brushstrokes, as well as any indication of the artist's hand. Furthermore, they employed cheap and non-valuable materials such as home paint or fiberglass. Colors did not represent moods or emotions but rather demarcated space.
Minimalist Art Inspirations
1. Textured white art painting:
When considering a minimalist color palette, white is often the dominant hue. This is because light colors tend to give a clean appearance. Begin with a light, neutral background and add flashes of color as desired. Providing an excellent texture can be challenging for many artists, however, the secret is all in the material you use.
There is no need to splurge on expensive acrylic paints with thicker textures when you can use modeling paste or a wall putty or plaster for a cheaper alternative. Moreover, don't be afraid to use different palette knives for more depth and complexity in your canvas.
When considering a minimalist color palette, white is often the dominant hue. This is because light colors tend to give a clean appearance. Begin with a light, neutral background and add flashes of color as desired. Providing an excellent texture can be challenging for many artists, however, the secret is all in the material you use.
There is no need to splurge on expensive acrylic paints with thicker textures when you can use modeling paste or a wall putty or plaster for a cheaper alternative. Moreover, don't be afraid to use different palette knives for more depth and complexity in your canvas.
2. Marbled artwork in a circular canvas:
Circles, arches, and lines are some of the most common shapes or elements found in minimalist artwork. To elevate things up, use a circular canvas to represent a circle and elevate its look by creating a marbled abstract painting with any color combinations you like. Since we are aiming for minimalist artwork, it is important to remember to limit the colors in your palette to about two to three color combinations.
3. Minimalist geometric face artwork:
One of the most displayed minimalist paintings is the Picasso-inspired geometrical face artwork. What makes it appealing is its sleek, clean, and fresh design. Not to mention that anyone can do it with the minimum materials needed in the artwork. All you need are a few brushes, a canvas, and acrylic paints- black and gold. Moreover, to make this easier on your end, you can follow a pattern from the internet. Effortless, isn’t it?
4. Francois Morellet-inspired painting:
Morellet, who was born in 1926 and died in 2016 in Cholet, France, was a modern artist who worked in painting, sculpture, neon, and installation. Whereas other Op Artists, such as Bridget Riley, Victor Vasarely, and Jesus Rafael Soto, frequently used bright hues and sought brilliant movement in the optic impacts, François Morellet typically favored a more minimalist approach. Grids and systematic arrangements are recurring themes in the French artist's work, leading to minimalist works with interesting yet slight optical effects.
To achieve his signature optical minimalist paintings, be sure to utilize irregular shapes with minimal colors, usually one or two colors.
5. Black and white painting:
Classic, elegant, modern, and sleek. Seriously, what could go wrong with a classic black-and-white color combination? The possibilities are endless – from design patterns, elements, and brushwork use. Black and white may be effortlessly incorporated into a vintage or modern environment, from checkered floors to greyscale pictures.
Using furnishings and images in a range of forms and sizes is the key to producing a completely ageless design. This lively look will compensate for the lack of bright hues. You want to offset the cleanliness with more playful décor because black and white already appear sophisticated.
Key Takeaways
Minimalism's appeal still hasn't faded. While certain modern styles come and go, a minimalist design will always express modernity. Minimalism is all about concentrating on the elements that deserve attention and creating a streamlined and quiet environment. We hope that you learn something from this in-depth exploration of minimalism. Thus, we hope that you take inspiration from these minimalist art inspirations we have in this article.
