At Little Ashcan, we believe in inspiring creativity by diving deep into both art history and personal expression. This week, our young artists are learning about abstract art and how American culture has influenced the art world, with a special focus on one of the key figures in Abstract Expressionism: Robert Motherwell. 🖌️✨
About Robert Motherwell 🖼️
Hollow Men’s Cave, 1986–89/ c. 1990
Acrylic and charcoal on canvas
72 × 84 inches. Private Collection, Minneapolis
Robert Motherwell was an American painter and printmaker, celebrated for his contributions to the Abstract Expressionist movement. As one of the youngest members of the New York School—a group that also included the iconic artists Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko—Motherwell became known for his bold, emotive works that explored the power of color and form. 🎨💥 His influence is profound, and it’s essential for our Little Ashcan artists to understand how American artists shaped and were shaped by their environment. 🌍💫 By engaging with Motherwell's work, students not only connect with an essential part of art history but also learn to translate emotions and experiences into abstract forms.
Creating Abstract Art Inspired by Objects 📸🎨
For this project, we’re encouraging our students to look at the world around them through a new lens. Using iPads, the students will take zoomed-in photographs of various objects—ranging from natural elements like leaves 🍃, stones 🪨, and flowers 🌸, to man-made items like tools 🔧, fabric 🧵, or architecture 🏛️. These close-up shots will serve as inspiration for their abstract acrylic paintings. 🎨
But it’s not just about taking a photo! We’re asking students to really engage with their subjects. We want them to focus on patterns, textures, and any sense of movement they can observe within the object. Perhaps they’ll notice the repeating patterns in the veins of a leaf 🍂 or the swirling movement of paint on a painted surface 🎨. The goal is to make them aware of how different sections of an object or the way it interacts with light can suggest something dynamic, even if it’s not immediately obvious. Just like Motherwell did with his own work, students are encouraged to abstract these elements and use them as a springboard to create their own unique pieces of art. ✨💡
Abstract art is a powerful form of self-expression because it removes the need for literal representation. It encourages the viewer (and the artist) to focus on the feelings, emotions, and ideas behind the work, rather than the subject itself. 💫 For our students, this project is an opportunity to experiment, explore, and interpret their world in new and exciting ways. By connecting abstract painting to the cultural and artistic history of America 🇺🇸, they gain a deeper understanding of how art can reflect both personal and collective experiences. 🌟
Let your child’s creativity flourish at Little Ashcan.
If you're interested in our programs or would like to learn more about how we nurture young artists, feel free to contact us at 718-819-0004 or email us at infolittleneck@ashcanart.com. 📞📧