Robert Natkin
American
1930-2010
One of the distinctive features of Natkin's art is his masterful use of color. He employed a wide range of hues, often in bold and vibrant combinations, to create visually striking compositions. Natkin's intuitive approach to color selection resulted in emotionally charged works that evoke strong reactions and convey a sense of vitality.
Robert Natkin was renowned for his distinctive lyrical abstract forms, which he rendered in vibrant colors inspired by the Post-Impressionist movement. His artistic process involved employing various techniques, such as using both a paintbrush and palette knife, to apply bright acrylic paints onto his canvas. Additionally, Natkin occasionally incorporated unconventional tools like cloths or netting, which acted as stencils, adding further texture and visual interest to his compositions. This unique combination of expressive brushwork, rich color palette, and experimental use of tools gives his artwork a sense of immediacy and captures the energy of the creative process. A technique that in 1978, John Russell of The New York Times described as having a “worked-over look that suggests that the painting has been traversed over and over by a very small truck that has just had its tires retreaded.”
Natkin's compositions are visually captivating and evoke a sense of movement and rhythm. He skillfully balanced shapes, lines, and colors, creating harmonious and engaging arrangements. The interplay between elements in his compositions invites viewers to explore the artwork and discover new nuances with each observation.
Natkin's art has a deeply emotional quality. Through his use of color, brushwork, and composition, he aimed to evoke emotional responses from viewers. His paintings have the ability to communicate a range of feelings, from joy and excitement to introspection and contemplation. Natkin's work invites viewers to connect with their own emotions and interpret the art based on personal experiences.
Citations:
Koppel, N. (2010, April 27). Robert Natkin, Abstract Painter, Is Dead at 79. The New York Times.
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