My collection of work demonstrates the influence of color and line on both the heart and mind through non-figurative and abstract works in an attempt to show optimism in its most realistic form. I have chosen to focus on non-figurative and abstract works because I think in a way that they mirror realistic optimism: that although most of us can see the good or positive in the world, we all interpret what is good or positive, or what is potentiality or what will come next, differently. I have created this collection with the media colored pencil, acrylic paint, and pastel. Emphasizing line and color, I am able to show my reflections of the world in a simplistic, optimistic form.

The pieces included follow a non-figurative and abstract suit. Rather than an attention towards form, I have focused on line and color specifically to convey emotion and elicit opinions. In an exercise I did to show the power of a varied lines and distinctive colors, I used pastel to draw the four elements. The curves of each line, for example the rolling lines of the earth, combined with a color that we have been taught to correlate with specific natural elements, for example green is earth and blue is water. All of the pieces are capable of eliciting similar provoking thoughts and feelings because of their non-figurative element.

With an emphasis on the elements line and color, I used acrylic paint, colored pencil, and a pastel to control the mood of the paintings. I didn’t use graphite because I wanted to color to be the biggest concentration, so black and white was not going to convey the same effect. Most of my strokes were sporadic yet controlled as to show the freedom of the lines and color, though some of the pieces, such as “Which One?” use smooth, intentional lines to show the distinctness of the figures. Blending color and line is one of my favorite techniques in painting which I got to use a lot of in creating these works.

I choose to create with an optimistic thematic view because it’s the best way I know how to communicate what I think and feel about the world. I’ve never focused on the elements of line and color, but rather on form and shape mostly. The pieces allow interpretation just as a poem does, whereas figurative works are more straightforward in their meaning, as a novel or short story is.

After completing this collection, I am pleased with my work and concentration on the specific theme. I think I will keep going with a similar artistic mindset as I keep painting this summer because I am proud of my work.