During the 1950’s Mark Rothko brought a new way of thinking to the New York abstract expression movement, different from the hard lines of Picasso and the action painting of Pollock. Both Frank Stella and Rothko had a different belief and approach to their vision. A void or absence of extreme motion. Instead the use of large color samples and minimized stroke definition. Letting the size of the work and the colors themselves speak to the viewer in a way that formed a relationship between art and viewer that could only come from simply viewing at a highly personal level. Rothko was quoted as saying or characterizing his work as “a consummate experience between the picture and the onlooker”
*source: Rothko: published by Taschen 2012
Mark Rothko:untitled 1960
Having just spent a number hours in SLAM only mere inches away from the great master works of Pollock, Picasso, Rothko, Stella and Miro I’ve decided to complete the piece I started prior to leaving on my adventures in a highly minimal way. As many of you know I myself as an artist strongly believe in the transference of energy into my work giving the viewer a jump point into the work but never hindering the viewer from establishing a relationship to the work that is entirely their own. A sample from my artist statement “My current series of acrylics and oil is a study in movement, texture, color and light, designed to evoke thought, feeling and conversation.The subjects of my compositions are found in the space between our challenges and rewards, that process that brings both endings and rebirth to our lives. Deep human emotional connection, nature and my perspective on the society in which we all live are the constant inspiration for my life and body of work.”
The following piece is called Circles and the Sea
It lacks the usual vibrant colors you may expect from my work and it does not have the extreme texturing I’ve used in the past. What it does have is what I believe to be a good use of the wood panels natural texture. One could consider this a tribute piece to Rothko and Stella done in a style I believe you’ll find to still be completely my own. You will also find a passive but highly influential pattern hiding within the flow of blues and greens employed to create this work. Please take some time and let your eyes rest a bit as your mind wanders the tranquil
Circles and the Sea
Mixed media
24″x24″
2014
Benjamin
As always your feedback and comments are encouraged and appreciated.
I hope the day has found you well and I look forward to hearing your thoughts and feelings on this current work as it is a slight departure from what I’ve done in the past. Though never fear I have a great many painting floating about just waiting to be created, plenty more to come.
Much love and light
Benjamin
“A life in progress”
2014.
Expressions of my life - An evolution of art. 
B – This painting so draws on my heartstrings and my love for the sea!! You have captured the tranquil beauty of the water but have allowed it to continue to flow around the viewer. LOVE!!!
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Thank you so much I’m humbled you enjoy it
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Wow. Genuinely reminds me of the first time traveling at 35000 feet and looking down on the Indian Ocean and spending the next hour mesmerised by the ever changing micro and macro patterns of wind / current interaction. Still get that looking down on clouds from above, but only really had it once over water. Love it!
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Thank you very much, it’s funny you should say that as I didn’t mention it was inspired not only by the museum pieces I say, but the many photos I took from 35km up on my return trip
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😀 xx
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The sea, viewed from a great hight and through its near transparency one can glimpse the outline of the sands beneath and their movement.
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Thank you for letting your eyes wander
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That is beautiful. I can see myself losing my stress in the patterns and depth. I am feeling more peaceful just looking at it now online. Love it.
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Thank you very much I’m honored you enjoyed it.
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I really love that piece. It’s calming; simple but still textural. 👏
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Awe, thank you Mel. It’s so wonderful to hear from you. I so truly hope things are going well for you these days.
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i love the tranquility. and i never fear, i know you have a lot of paint left in you )
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Thanks I was just going through my supplies and realized I bought a new tool before leaving for STL now I’m soooooo excited for this weekends painting adventure 🙂
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Beautifully relaxing to look at.
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Thank you, I’m honored you enjoy this piece. Truly
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I love this painting and I love this post. Rothko is one of my favorites and has been a source of inspiration for me. I am enamored with the simple idea of pure color to transmit vibration and emotion.
I’d be curious to see the impact of larger sizes for more work like circles & the sea. I think part of the genius of the abstract expressionists (including Rothko) is that they confront us with a body sized (or larger) experience.
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I agree completely
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