Posts Tagged ‘smoke’

Smoke 2

Wednesday, March 4th, 2015

Smoke 2, abstract art by Amy Crook

Smoke 2, abstract art by Amy Crook

An obvious sequel to the painting above, Smoke 2 has more variation in both line and colour. I used a different paint, one that’s a mix of greens, and varied the technique as well.

Where the first painting is full of roiling clouds, this smoke drifts up in lazy lines. It reminds me more of an altar with thin sticks of incense burning at different rates, each one sending up its own cloud of colour and scent.

I don’t smoke myself*, but I always did love incense and candles, and the different strange shapes that occur when two insubstantial elements interact, air and smoke dancing together to create something ephemeral and beautiful.

*no, not that, either

Smoke 2, 4″x6″ watercolor on paper.

Smoke 2, detail, by Amy Crook

Smoke 2, detail, by Amy Crook

Above, you can see the variation in colour from blue-green to forest green to olive, dissolving in wisps that are just barely visible on the thick, creamy paper. Below, the piece is in a frame, small and unassuming, but perfect to bring a little beauty and peace into an otherwise drab space.

Smoke 2, framed art by Amy Crook

Smoke 2, framed art by Amy Crook

Categories: Abstract and Just Plain Weird, Floating Gallery, Series and Books
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Smoke 1

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015

Smoke 1, abstract watercolor by Amy Crook

Smoke 1, abstract watercolor by Amy Crook

Thick black smoke dissipates into fanciful curls and clouds, diffused by the draughts of invisible air.

This abstract painting is an exploration of subtle detail, a mix of the deliberate and random. The paint is blue-black, and little hints of blue show up here and there among the shades of grey.

As peaceful as watching incense burn, this frozen moment won’t make anyone sneeze or set off the fire alarm. It would make a wonderful meditation focus, each tiny facet a point of consideration.

Smoke 1, 5″x7″ watercolor on paper.

Smoke 1, detail, by Amy Crook

Smoke 1, detail, by Amy Crook

Above, you can see some of the drifts and swirls up close, showing variations in the grey from blue to violet. Below, you can see the smoke trapped in a frame, forever frozen to the eye.

Smoke 1, framed art by Amy Crook

Smoke 1, framed art by Amy Crook

Categories: Abstract and Just Plain Weird, Floating Gallery, Series and Books
Tags: , ,