It’s 2020 and I’ve finally started painting again. Well, actually, I started a couple months ago and I got through a whole pack of paper. I’ve been working on little 6×6 watercolors and ink on this really nice paper called Fluid Watercolor Paper. It is cold press and comes in a block that holds the paper down while you paint so it will dry flat. I’m really loving how this works. Plus the thick paper really helps with the watercolors.
I’ve done a few different subjects and have been trying new things out. Here is a painting I just did where I decided to get back to my more basic abstract style that I like to do. Lots of colors and swirly black lines. I’ve looked for the source of my inspiration over the years and found a few people that really started this style back in the early 1900’s. I would definitely say I was inspired by Pier Mondrian with all his colors and black outlines but he preferred a lot more rectangular shapes. Another big inspiration for the black swirly lines and colors is Wassily Kandinsky.
Other sources of influence for this style of my painting is abstract forms of calligraphy. I practiced traditional western calligraphy as a kid but got more into the Eastern styles later. I really enjoy the black and white brush stoke and the simplicity of some of the single stroke paintings.
In some of my larger paintings I have used more splatter techniques like Pollack along with wood block stamping. For this little 6×6 piece I kept it a little more simple and clean.
The name of this piece is Axon Projection: Finding New Pathways. I feel like the swirls of colors are making new connections and studying art in this style brings me a sense of peace and brings new ideas. I probably make art for myself and my own needs a lot. Most people probably create what they need in life, subconsciously. This is what I see in my head and what flows out of me most naturally. I hope it speaks to you and you find new pathways for yourself.
Mark Bray
Cosmic Archeologist
Crystaleyezed Fine Arts
Organic Cotton Mask
https://shopvida.com/products/axom-projection-3756
Featuring original artwork, this Protective Mask is made of 2 layers of 100% Organic Cotton, easily adapts to different sizes with adjustable straps and includes a hidden, integrated metal nose-piece to ensure a snug fit. Each mask comes with 3 5-layered PM2.5 activated carbon filters with two layers of melt-blown polypropylene. Filters should be replaced every 7 days. Fits adults and kids ages 5 and up.