Abstract Art
Todd started his painting journey in abstract art. Abstract art has been around for over 100 years and started at the beginning of the 20th Century. It is non-representative, meaning abstract art does not intend to accurately depict reality. Instead, it includes the use of shapes, forms, colors, lines, and textures to achieve an effect. Abstract art can be made with many materials and on many surfaces.
Pop Art Influence
Todd’s abstract art is also influenced by what is known as Pop Art. Pop Art started in the 1950s and was created in the United Kingdom during a postwar period and socio-political culture. Artists during this time focused on celebrating common objects and everyday items, rejecting traditional historic artistic subjects. In this space, Todd creates new depictions of common images and objects through his abstract use of color, textures, and form.
Encaustic Art
Todd has recently explored Encaustic painting. Encaustic is an ancient form of painting dating back to the Greeks that involves a heated wax medium, beeswax, and pigments of color (either already in the wax or added by artist). The medium is melted and formed into layers using art tools and instead of canvas a wood panel is used as the surface. Each layer of wax is reheated to fuse it to the previous layer for depth and translucency. Rather than using a palette a hot plate is used and the artwork lies flat on a work surface rather than upright on an easel.
“Encaustic art can be very abstract because of the nature of the materials and the elements involved. When the wax and oil (paint) combine it causes them to change, their relationship is altered to get to the outcome (the painting). The wax grabs the oil, and each layer then becomes one of many in the final piece.”
