Finding Inspiration Between Worlds: Exploring “Metaxis” and the Power of Simplifying Your Art

As artists, we’re constantly searching for new perspectives, new ways to express ourselves. With “Metaxis”, that breakthrough comes from a surprising place, a filtered image in Photoshop.

In this post, we’ll dive into the process behind a recent painting, “Metaxis,” and explore the fascinating lessons learned about simplification, digital tools, and embracing the “in-between.”

What is “Metaxis”?

The painting’s title, “Metaxis,” is derived from a Greek concept meaning “in-betweenness.” It beautifully encapsulates the core of the artwork: a visual split between two distinct realms. Think of it as a philosophical exploration visualized.

The space where the divine meets the mortal, reality dances with fiction, or the finite embraces the infinite. This concept, often utilized by thinkers like Plato and Voegelin in philosophy and drama, speaks to that transformative space we all occupy.

But honestly, it just sounds really good. I loved the original image and how the top half was in dark and the bottom half was in light with the figure being the bridge between the two. Metaxis, was the perfect title. I wanted to push this further by keeping as much as I could separate from each of these worlds.

In “Metaxis,” this ‘in-betweenness’ is physically represented by a striking division in the composition:

• The Top Half: Characterized by simpler shapes, a limited color palette (a nod to the Zorn palette), and sharp edges. It evokes a sense of clarity and starkness.
• The Bottom Half: A vibrant, textured landscape overflowing with shapes, difference, and a high-key, saturated palette. It’s a world brimming with energy and detail.
• The Figure: Positioned bridging the two, acting as the visual and conceptual link between these disparate realms.

The Role of Photoshop: A Tool for Discovery

The creation of “Metaxis” wasn’t a purely organic process. Initially, Photoshop played a surprisingly crucial role. I used filtered Photoshop images to analyze and simplify the composition.

I wanted to study how Photoshop was simplifying things because it’s doing it differently than I would. It’s about seeing what a machine can show me, even if it’s just for a moment.

This wasn’t about using Photoshop as a crutch. Instead, it was a method to gain clarity and explore different possibilities. By filtering the image, I forced a reduction of values and shapes, highlighting the underlying structure. I then worked from these simplified forms, building a three-value lay-in to establish the foundation of the painting.

Crucially, I recognized the potential pitfalls of using a machine to do this for me. I’m cognizant… that everything represented was driven by Photoshop and not me for the first session. The key was to use the digital tool as a springboard for creativity, eventually stepping away to allow the painting to be fully realized with my own vision.

Lessons for Artists: Simplify to Amplify

“Metaxis” offers valuable takeaways for artists of all levels:

• Embrace Simplification: Sometimes, less is more. By stripping away unnecessary details, you can draw attention to the core elements of your work and allow the viewer to put more of themselves in the painting.
• Experiment with Digital Tools: Don’t be afraid to use technology to explore new approaches to composition and value structure. But be mindful of maintaining your artistic voice.
• Let Go and Feel: Allowing yourself to experiment and trust your instincts can lead to unexpected and rewarding results.
• Value Range and Saturation: Consider the impact of a high-key/low-saturation split. It can create a powerful visual dynamic and guide the viewer’s eye.
• Edge Control: Deliberate use of sharp vs. soft edges can define and separate elements within a composition.

“Metaxis”: A Journey of Artistic Exploration

The final painting, “Metaxis,” is a testament to the power of combining technical analysis with artistic intuition. It’s a work that invites contemplation, urging us to consider the spaces in between, the connections that bind, and the beauty that can be found in both simplicity and complexity.

In the end I’m really happy with how I pushed myself to simplify this painting. To work hard to get over the constant need to reproduces everything I see and how I see it. I’ll continue to push myself on subsequent paintings. And I plan on using Photoshop to gain a different understanding of simplification in oil painting for future paintings as well.