Abstract Resources

• Spikes ‘R’ Us •
Abstract resources on Photokonnexion

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See: Abstract Photography (A Glossary entry)

Abstract resources in photography

Abstract art, in photos and other media, express ideas about what you see in the image. It is not a pointless pursuit. On the contrary. Abstraction is about the beauty of the characteristics of something. Characteristics like form, shape, colour, geometry and so on are all great abstract subjects.

Unfortunately, some abstracts do not express the point well. So, clarity about what you are trying to show is important. Abstraction is about distilling out the simplest idea. The idea is about what makes something look good to the eye. Great abstraction gives a clear idea about those aesthetics to the viewer.

In fact, the artist/photographer often has a clear idea about why they have taken the shot. Maybe it expresses the character of the subject, or maybe it conveys another idea. Whatever, they have tried to express something they see in the image.

In the picture above I have tried to show the nature of tooth picks. They are about spikiness. The picture brings this out with emphasis. It is a simple pattern shot. Yet, the immediate impression is spikes. When you get into the image the eye sees the nature of the subject. However, the eye gains more of an impression of it in an abstract way. Form, shape and pattern are part of the first impressions. As they eye penetrates the image it brings out the subject through its essence and the detail.

The art of the abstract is both complex and simple. Reviewing these resources will help you understand what is relevant. We have developed a range of abstract articles. The aim is to provide key ideas and links to help your understanding grow.