Imagination derived from poetry
Creative project Factory
Is there a poem or a quote from a book that you particularly like? Or lines from a song that you can’t get out of your head? Use them as inspiration for a piece of art in this project!
You will need
- acrylic paints
- brushes
- pastel, oil, wax crayons
- paper
- pencil
- canvas (or any other painting surface as large as possible)
Exercise
What does Cy Twombly mean when he talks about “condensed phrases”? Go in search of a condensed sentence yourself!
Step 1
Choose a text that you like. It can be a poem, a few lines from your favorite song, or from a book you are reading—it doesn’t matter!
Step 2
Create a large-scale picture to go with your text.
- What images come to mind when you read or hear the text?
- What mood does your text convey? Are there colors that you can use to express this mood particularly well?
How can you represent the action in your picture?
Use liquid colors or crayons and incorporate individual words, phrases, or the text into your artwork.
Ponder this
Art and literature are ways to express yourself. What are the differences? What are the similarities?
DISCUSS
What is special about Twombly’s use of color? What effect does he achieve with it?
STEP 3
Use other people’s images or poems as a starting point for your own writing. In this video you’ll learn how to use Cy Twombly’s rose pictures as a source of inspiration!
Explained briefly
In abstract art, artists increasingly detach themselves from the actual object and instead use colors and shapes to express themselves. In Abstract Expressionism, color and the drawing and painting process take on even more importance. New painting techniques, an experimental application of color as well as spontaneity and chance become visible.
Delve deeper
Delve deeper
Step 1
Think of a particular subject or person you care about.
Do you need help? Watch the video to learn how to find sources of inspiration!
STEP 2
Now let your thoughts run free while your pen leaves traces, line by line.
Try to put the pen down as little as possible.
