WorkArt & Culture

Art that grows backwards: The abstract paintings of Erica Beck

Having spent 12 years dependent upon technology, graphic designer Erica Beck began to crave art that was meant to be cherished and kept, instead of being consumed and forgotten. Finally, she decided to add the title of "abstract artist" to her resume, and she hasn't looked back since.

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Abstract painting with overlapping brushstrokes and soft colour washes in pink, purple, teal, cream and gold tones on a light background

Beck, who hails from Knoxville, Tennessee, works intuitively through a subtractive process, beginning with lots of colour and bold, soft brush strokes and then working backwards. She says that she enjoys watching each piece develop organically as she paints. "My goal as an artist is to create work that makes viewers feel happy," she explains, "so I gravitate towards deliciously bright, joyful colours and energetic brush strokes.

"My paintings are fun, organic and emotional," Beck continues. "They emerge through the process of transitioning between large soft, brush strokes and very tiny design details (I'm sure that's the trained graphic designer influencing my work). I love when I discover things by accident and typically let this dictate the direction of the painting. I hope to give the viewer just enough to interpret my work in his or her own unique way."

Abstract painting with soft, overlapping brushstrokes in vibrant yellows, pinks, blues, purples and greens on a pale background by Erica Beck
Abstract painting with overlapping soft brushstrokes in bright colours including pink, teal, yellow, and blue layered over a pale background
Abstract painting with soft brushstrokes in vibrant pink, yellow, blue, green and grey tones blending across a white background by Erica Beck
Vibrant abstract painting by Erica Beck with soft brush strokes in blues, pinks, yellows and teals layered over a pale background
Abstract watercolour painting by Erica Beck with overlapping washes of vibrant blue, yellow, green, pink and purple on white background
Abstract painting with gold, pink, and white brushstrokes and organic shapes layered across a pale background, creating an energetic composition with delicate details
Abstract painting with vibrant yellow, pink and magenta circular brushstrokes layered over soft, muted tones on a light background
Abstract painting by Erica Beck featuring vibrant washes of turquoise, pink, yellow and blue with soft brushstrokes and delicate details on a white background, framed and displayed on a shelf next to a potted plant
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