The abstract and the geometric are related, and are not in conflict with nature.

Webster's defines "abstract" in reference to art, as having "only intrinsic form" and does not "attempt at pictorial representation." (28) "Geometric", is defined as relating to art based on simple geometric shapes (as straight lines, circles, or squares) "and then adds" abstractions ".(29)

An involved study of nature and the practice of drawing, leads an artist to work more geometrically, or toward the abstract, sometimes where all semblance of the `real' world appears to be lost. A problem occurs however, when the artist has not arrived at these abstractions honestly, through his own protracted and personal study of nature. It is often extremely difficult, for the inexperienced viewer to differentiate between the superficial abstract and that which has evolved over years of study and practice.

Young artists should not rush into abstract work until they have the proper grounding and experience.

Abstraction will come naturally as a consequence of growth. Just as we can tell who a person is at a great distance by his form and gait, so we will be able to distinguish the phoney abstract from the true.




"WHAT I AM DOING IS HARD, DRY, BUT THAT IS BECAUSE I AM TRYING TO GATHER NEW STRENGTH BY DOING SOME ROUGH WORK, AND I'M AFRAID ABSTRACTIONS WOULD MAKE ME SOFT." (30)
Vincent Van Gogh




27. Quote by Henry Moore, Herschel B. Chipp, Theories of Modern Art, (Berkeley and L.A., Cal., U. of California Press, 1968), p.595
28. A Merriam-Webster, ed. H. B. Woolf, Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, (Springfield, Mass. U.S.A.,

C Merriam Co., 1976), p.5
29. ibid.,p.480
30. Herschel B. Chipp, Theories of Modern Art, (Berkeley and L.A., Cal., U. of California Press, 1968), p.45