Abstract Art & Simultanism with the Delaunays

Our newest feature from Amylee Paris! An inspiring article coupled with a beautiful highlight for the innovative I Love Art Watercolour Fan Sets.

Abstract Art & Simultanism with the Delaunay’s

“I studied art history for almost 10 years. A legacy that I continue to cherish today.
During my studies, I was able to discover a myriad of artistic movements and artists, all as inspiring as each other. It’s amazing to see everything that the human brain can create.
Speaking of brains, I suddenly have an idea!
I know that you appreciate my posts about entrepreneurship, creative ideas, and news of my paintings and I thank you so much.
So for a change, what if I shared my artistic references from time to time, those that unconsciously nourish my art?”

Sonia & Robert Delaunay

From 1907 (the date when the couple met) until 1941, the painters Sonia and Robert Delaunay created abstract art, group paintings in bright colours with strong contrasts.
Fascinated by light, this artist duo centered their creative process around the simultaneous contrast of colours. They then developed the artistic movement: Simultanism (also called Orphism).
Primary or complementary colours are painted in concentric circles, triangles, or rectangles on a canvas. According to the principle of simultaneous contrast, the colours must interact, harmonize or repel each other.
Punctuated and joyful, the Delaunay’s portfolios complement each other, resemble each other, and pool their experiences. It is very common for people to confuse their artworks.
During their career, the two painters also sought to express Simultanism in philosophy, fashion, theatre, interior architecture, music and advertising. It lends itself to everything!

Inspirations & Experiences

“Light, colours, movement, articulations, circles”: these are words that come to mind when I think of Simultanism.
I’m going to experiment with my own version in watercolour. Let’s play !

You will need

• 1 sheet of thick watercolour paper (300grs or 350grs)
• 1 graphite pencil, 1 eraser, 1 ruler, 1 compass
• I Love Art Watercolour Fan Set Box
• 1 glass of water, 1 absorbent cloth
• Inspiration from the Delaunay’s paintings

• For my demonstration, I selected the I LOVE ART fan set.

Let’s play with colours!

• First of all, I sketch some guide lines on paper (in my demonstration I have use Fabriano paper).

• To make circles like Delaunay, you can use a compass or  even draw the rings freehand.

• This watercolour set is fun! The colours of the fan set rotate and nestle, one behind the other. Could it be a palette inspired by Simultanism?

Remember the rules of Simultanism

• I alternately paint flat areas that are thick, thin or stretched.
• My colourful rings fit into each other.
• The juxtaposition of colours and geometric planes create movement and vibration.
• The colour becomes the subject and the painting is an abstraction.

DID YOU KNOW? Blending Fauvism, Cubism and Futurism, Simultanism was the first true precursor of abstraction.

DID YOU KNOW? The colourful circular shapes of the Delaunay are inspired by the spots that can be seen after looking at the moon or the sun.

This new content was provided by professional fine artist, Amylee Paris. You can visit her colourful portfolio or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
GREAT TO KNOW – Find all Amylee’s posts published in GreatArt online Magazine by clicking here!

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