Searching for "nathan abels" (3)

Artist Nathan Abels just let us know about a gorgeous new print available of his original drawing, Two Roofs. While at first glance the image may appear abstract (or like a faceted jewel, which was my first impression!), it is actually the rooftops of two large condo buildings. The drawing, based on an aerial photograph the artist took in Denver, marries the subject's hard lines and edges with the soft, warm gray tones and lovely background color. The result feels so quiet and contemplative to me.

The print, a limited edition of 50, is available here (and is exceptionally well-priced at $39. I really want one!). Read previous posts on Abels' work here.

Image from Nathan Abels.

The large-scale silhouette artwork in this room, designed by Sheila Bridges, brings a contemporary touch to a room rooted in traditionalism. (If anyone remembers this feature of Bridges' Harlem home--I think it was in Elle Decor a couple years ago--and still has the issue, please let me know the artwork source!) The piece reminds me of the silhouette work of artist Nathan Abels (read my previous post on Abels here). Shown below are two more of his modern silhouettes; his integration of pattern gives added contrast to the outlined forms.

Untitled by Nathan Abels, acrylic and enamel on panel. Image from Nathan Abels.

Untitled by Nathan Abels, acrylic and enamel on panel. Image from Nathan Abels.

Another way to re-think the traditional silhouette form is to depict subjects other than people. In the April 2007 issue of domino, designer Tom Scheerer created this bar area set up against a wall. Anchoring the vignette is a set of reversed-out pear portraits; the two used together give added graphic impact to the wall. Pictured below Scheerer's design is another favorite pair of "non-people" silhouettes--sketches of vessels by designer Josef Hoffman, which I have posted before. (Read more about these prints here.)

Pear 1 and Pear 2 artwork by Mary Margaret Briggs, available at artaissance.com. Image from domino.

Images from Pomegranate.

Untitled (both) works by Nathan Abels. Acrylic on panels.

I just returned from a fabulous trip to Atlanta and have all kinds of things to share. The first is artist Nathan Abels, an MFA graduate of the Savannah College of Art & Design (now based in Denver), whose work I had the pleasure of viewing in person at the Atlanta outpost of shopSCAD.

Warehouse. Acrylic on panel.

Dealing with subjects such as sense of place and organization of both public and private space, Abels' work makes the "mundane" look strikingly beautiful. To me, it also conveys a sense of solitude one can feel as an observer, looking at things in an individual way.

Untitled. Acrylic and mylar on panel.

In person, the paintings' colors and surfaces (wooden panels) give the collection added appeal. The image above is a good representation of the woodgrain that shows through many of the paintings, giving the composition added texture and depth.

Untitled. Acrylic and enamel on panel.

This last piece was not part of the shopSCAD exhibit, but I think it's really fun and it appeals to the part of me that loves pattern and silhouettes.

More on my shopSCAD adventure later!

Photos from nathanabels.com.