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Cy Twombly in Landscape. Spring, v2
Artist: Robert Crabtree
Location: The 126-year-old Crabtree House Art Studio and Flower Gardens
#robertcrabtreepaintings
#robertcrabtreepaintingscytwombly
©️ Robert Crabtree 4/23
Cy Twombly in Landscape. Spring, v2 Artist: Robert Crabtree Location: The 126-year-old Crabtree House Art Studio and Flower Gardens #robertcrabtreepaintings #robertcrabtreepaintingscytwombly ©️ Robert Crabtree 4/23 Composition Notes: Cy Twombly in Landscape. Spring, v2 In version 2, I inserted a Piet Mondrian composition theory layer. It contains 3 primary hues in a 2 dimension format. Critique: Cy Twombly in Landscape. Spring, v2 A Dialogue Between Two Masters At first glance, the artwork is an explosion of expressive lines, a style that clearly pays homage to the American artist Cy Twombly. Like Twombly, Crabtree uses raw, almost childlike scrawls to convey a sense of uninhibited energy. The lines crisscross and tangle, creating a chaotic web that feels spontaneous and emotional. However, the artist’s notes reveal a deeper layer of influence, a conscious integration of Piet Mondrian's compositional theory. By applying Mondrian's grid-like structure and use of primary hues, Crabtree introduces a sense of order to the apparent randomness. This is the piece's most fascinating feature: the tension between the free-flowing, almost automatic lines and the underlying, premeditated design. The result is a dynamic contrast that makes the artwork both exhilarating and intellectually engaging. Symbolism Woven into the Canvas The artwork isn't just a formal exercise; it's a profound exploration of spiritual themes. The artist's notes make it clear that the piece is an allegory for the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This theme is not just an idea but a structural principle, shaping the work from the ground up. The composition is built on a series of "threes," a visual echo of the Trinity. The background landscape is divided into three horizontal bands—a nod to classic landscape theory—that serve as the foundation. The lines themselves are organized in sets of three hues, with a dominant color and two submissive ones, directly corresponding to t…
September 26, 2025 at 10:13 AM