Today’s Question: What do you think is the difference between abstract art and non-objective art? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7d6zscZF5I As we prepare to begin our lesson, write your initial thoughts in your sketchbook today and date your entry.

Standards for Geometric Design Project Plans and creates artworks using the principles of design to organize the elements of art for creating a composition. Creates artwork primarily concerned with design & composition (called Structuralism/Formalism

Kandinsky (1866-1944) was a Russian Expressionist painter who was instrumental in forming the art movement Der Blaue Reiter. “The Blue Rider” was a group of Expressionist artists led by Franz Marc and Wassily Kandinsky. One of the group's primary goals was to use art to express spirituality.

Understanding Abstract Art and Non-Objective Art Abstract art initially begins with a subject. As the subject or scene is simplified, the work becomes more “abstract”. Non-Objective art is created using the elements and principles of art. The artist does not necessarily begin with a subject or object in mind. Geometric abstraction is a form of abstract art based on the use of simple geometric forms placed in non-illusionistic space and combined into non-objective compositions

One of the most famous 20th-century artists Kandinsky: credited with painting the first modern abstract works. He enrolled at the University of Moscow in law and economics. Although quite successful in his profession, he started painting studies (life-drawing, sketching and anatomy) at the age of 30.

The term "Composition" can imply a metaphor with music The term "Composition" can imply a metaphor with music. Kandinsky was both fascinated, and convinced, of music's emotional power. Music can respond and appeal directly to the artist's "internal element" and express spiritual values. Kandinsky, one of the forerunners of pure non-objective painting, was among the first modern artists to explore this geometric approach in his abstract work .

Early representational work

Back to Wassily Kandinsky's Page                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Back to Wassily Kandinsky's Page

Back to Wassily Kandinsky's                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to Wassily Kandinsky's

More of Kandinsky’s abstract art

Piet Mondrian (Dutch) 1872–1912 Like Kandinsky, his early work was not abstract. He was later famous for abstracted shapes, line and color.

He evolved a Non-Representational form of art which he termed “Neo-Plasticism”. After moving to Paris, Mondrian was heavily influenced by Cubism, a style of art invented by Picasso and Braque. Initially, paintings such as his various studies of trees still contained a measure of representation; however, they were increasingly dominated by the geometric shapes and interlocking planes commonly found in Cubism.

Kandinsky’s tree began realistically—check out the progression in the next two slides

“Red Tree” by Mondrian

Gradual abstraction of the tree shows a Cubist influence

Broadway Boogie-Woogie, 1943 This painting represents the city grid of Manhatten and the boogie woogie music to which Mondrian loved to dance. This work is seen as a culmination of his life work.

5. Who was Kandinsky? Review: What is abstract art? What is non-objective art? How are they different? What is geometric art? 5. Who was Kandinsky? 6. Who was Mondrian?

Sketchbook notes

Geometric Design Assignment Supplies you will need: A well sharpened pencil Compass Ruler Paper (11X17white paper) Paint Oil Pastels

Geometric design examples

Geometric Construction: Non-Objective or art Abstract Art Make 4 dots anywhere on your paper. Put your compass point on each of the dots and make circles of any size/sizes on top of the dots with your compass. Make one equilateral triangle anywhere, any size, on the paper. Create 2 right angles and extend each of them off of the page—they can be tilted at an angle and, of course, can be any size. Make 3 parallel lines and extend to the edge of the paper. Make 2 perpendicular lines on your paper. Make one diagonal line anywhere on the paper. Make one acute triangle on your paper. Make one obtuse triangle. Now look at your design. Do you see some interesting areas to develop? Find a place to call your “focal area”. It should be slightly off center near any of the rule of 3rd’s intersection. Use line and or color to create emphasis in this area. Find a counter balance to the focal point—it should be on the opposite side of the drawing (diagonally across). Create an interesting area that is not as bold or large as the previous area. This could be accomplished through line, color, or both. Select a color theme to use when embellishing your non-objective work. MUST BE COOL OR WARM