Ynotartblog's Blog

It’s not like I’m thinking about op art, but I am attempting to create the illusion of movement across the picture plane. The connection could be made, but it would not be key to my motivation.

Using color pencil I outlined a wide horizontal band on a long sheet of paper. I then drew a repeating pattern of  stripes with alternating widths for each color. The intent was to create a receding and advancing line of stripes moving across the paper. I was in pursuit of a gentle flow of movement relying on the repetition of color and stripe width.

Looking for more visual play of advancing and receding stripes, I used acrylic paint on board and slightly widened the green stripes in comparison with the drawing. The subtle movement of stripes seems to soften the sharp lines of the stripes. I can focus on the precision of the painted edge of a stripe and feel a sustained sharp vibration. Or I can enlarge my vision to sense the waves of subtle movement. Stripes unburdened by their edges.