What type of painting do you like best? For me, there are two: Impressionism and Abstract. I've been a fan of the impressionist's works for many years; since I first saw a photo of Claude Monet's Impression, Soliel Levant or better known to the English speaking world as Impression, Sunrise.However—especially in the past year—I have become an admirer of abstract paintings, and abstract art in general. Let's just say I have been influenced by an immovable force. I can't explain why I like any particular style of painting, except to say the ones I do admire make my spirit soar in some way. Be it a well placed object or unusual color combination, or the subject of the work in its entirety, it leaves my soul sufficiently but momentarily fulfilled and soon desiring more.
Abstract to me is all the complications of a subject rendered to its simplest and most understandable and expressive form. Pablo Picasso was one of the founders of cubism, which in turn lead to modern abstract art. (Just for a kick sometime, look up Picasso's full name.) His drawings and canvasses seem simple in their absence of a completely depicted subject, be it still life ot a portrait. But when you study the works, their fullness and beauty become obvious.
Abstract doesn't necessarily mean simplicity of form and function. Artists such as Wasilly Kandinsky and Jackson Pollock made some of the most complicated visual experiences my eyes have ever beheld. In fact, Pollock is still the master of saying little with the most effort.
Whatever style of art you like best, always make room for other genres. Take time to breathe in the the beauty of the world depicted by hearts and hands of the talented creators.
