Barbara Owen

In the Bloom paintings, I utilize techniques from post-painterly abstraction and Hard-Edge painting, styles characterized by their smooth surface planes and abrupt transitions between
vibrant color areas. My goal is to evoke a captivating optical undulation—a gentle flutter of perception—by contrasting hue, value, and tone.

While color plays a vital role in my artwork, form remains paramount. I begin with a series of sketches to develop a form, allowing shapes to emerge organically. From there, I produce small color studies on paper, ultimately translating the essence of these forms onto a larger canvas. I carefully select colors that not only define but also dance with the shapes, creating a dialogue
that resonates deeply.

These abstract forms, inspired by flowers and the wonders of nature, serve as reflections of the environment and landscape around us. You will notice that I often use a horizon line, and place blooms one over the other. I like this “flat depth” and reference to a landscape – I like to play around with what comes forward and what is behind. Despite their intricate complexity, the
Blooms distill a straightforward statement of beauty and elegance, all conveyed through a vocabulary of shapes and colors.

-Barbara Owen
https://www.barbaraowen.net/