Painter Bernadette Youngquist celebrates line and color in her bold and vibrant abstract portfolio. See more of her work on her website.
“ChromaCrash” acrylic, 24″ x 24″
As a self-taught non-objective abstract painter, my journey has been a deeply personal and transformative exploration of line, color, and form. Unlike many artists who follow traditional paths, my education in art has been self-directed, driven by a tenacious curiosity and a desire to break free from conventional constraints. This freedom has allowed me to develop my voice, one that speaks through the language of abstraction.
“Sway of the Lilacs” acrylic, 20″ x 20″
My studio is my sanctuary. Abstract painting is an outlet for expression, a meditation, and a place to problem solve. When I face difficult challenges, putting color, line and form down on a canvas helps me to solve problems. It gives me a feeling of freedom that I have never experienced anywhere else. When I paint, time dissolves and life’s challenges move into the background. When I have worked through a painting, I have oftentimes worked through to a feeling of being more balanced.
“Heart in the Matter” acrylic, 30″ x 40″
When I first began painting, I was enthralled by the possibilities of line. Lines, in their simplest form, are the most fundamental elements of art. They can be bold or delicate, straight or curved, and their arrangement on the canvas creates rhythm and movement. So much can be expressed through the marks charcoal leaves on canvas. In addition to guiding the viewer’s eye, line evokes emotion.
“Joyful Journey” acrylic collage, 24″ x 24″
Color, for me, is at the heart of my abstract paintings. The way colors interact, blend, and contrast can convey a spectrum of feelings and moods. My vibrant palette is representative of the abandon and freedom I crave. I have always leaned into my natural instincts around color. I have spent many hours mixing paints, observing how different hues interact, and studying the works of master colorists like Monet. My palette becomes my voice, with each shade and tint telling a part of my story.
“Twilight Reverie” acrylic, 18″ x 18″
Form adds depth and dimension to my compositions. In non-objective art, forms are liberated from representing real-world objects and instead become avenues for pure expression. The organic shapes of nature and the geometric precision of architecture are all game on my canvas. Most recently I have been working with subtraction as a way to create forms and transparencies that are akin to glazing techniques. Exploring the tension between chaos and order, I eventually find the harmony I am seeking.
“Sunburst at Dawn” acrylic, 18″ x 18″
Today, my paintings are representative of my journey as I have gathered many different techniques and implemented the ones I respond to most strongly. They are vibrant, energetic compositions that celebrate the interplay of line, color, and form. Each piece is a dialogue between chaos and control, a reflection of my inner world expressed through the abstract.
“Soul of a River” acrylic, 20″ x 20″
Being a painter has been both challenging and rewarding. It has taught me the value of perseverance, the importance of trusting my intuition, and the power of creative freedom. My art is not just a visual experience but a chronicle of my growth and exploration as a woman who is an artist.
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