Organic Geometrics
About Organic Geometrics
Baer’s geometric paintings are influenced by Kazimir Malevich’s compositions.
His objective was to eliminate the representation of natural forms by using precisely painted geometric shapes to connect with “pure feeling” and spirituality.
However, in her geometric works, Ms. Baer blends the precision of abstract geometric shapes with the organic qualities of brush strokes, drips, and paint washes.
This combination of elements expresses the connection between the spirit, which she defines as a force that brings order to the universe, the earth, and natural forces.
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In the paintings below, Ellen uses circles as a vehicle to explore the relationships between colors. When colors are overlapped, the colors below affect the colors above them. For example, in the painting Zest, the same purple color looks different when it is layered over yellow than when it is over red.
When specific colors are placed next to each other, they interact intensely, while others create more subtle interactions that convey a sense of calmness or harmony. Contrasting dashes of color result in a sensation of glimmering light.
Autumn, Acrylic on Canvas, 36"x36"
Bloom, Acrylic on Panel, 23½”x23½”
Emblazon, Acrylic on Canvas, 30" x30"
Lodestar, Acrylic on Panel, 23¾”x23⅝”
Ray, Acrylic on Canvas, 36"x36"
Water and Sunlight, Acrylic on Canvas, 36"x36"
Waterlily, Acrylic on Canvas, 30"x30"
Worldview, Acrylic on Canvas, 30"x30"
Zest, Acrylic on Canvas, 30"x30"
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Circles are a basic shape that we see repeatedly in nature and in space. They are often a symbol of unity. These paintings are composed to create a sense of movement and infinite space.
Curtain Call, Oil on Canvas, 36"x36"
Descent, Oil on Canvas, 50"x48"
Echo, Oil on Canvas, 36"x36"
Firefly, Oil on Canvas, 44”x44”
Rotation, Oil on canvas, 36" x36"
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In these geometric paintings, Ms. Baer arranges the shapes, lines, and washes to create a sense of movement. She often positions the shapes at an angle to give the impression that they are falling, drifting, or blowing in the wind.
She adds surface texture by manipulating watercolor paper through cuts, creases, and tears before applying watercolor washes. The disturbed areas of the paper absorb the paint differently, becoming darker than the rest of the paper. This creates tension between the crisp edges of the cutout shapes and the soft edges and mistiness surrounding them. The folds also add a sculptural element to the paintings.
Blue Triangle, Mixed Media on Paper, 10¾”x7”
Calculation, Watercolor on Paper, 11"x14"
Cliff's Edge, Mixed Media on Paper, 17”x10¼”
Escape, Mixed Media on Paper, 25”x20½”
Flight, Watercolor on Paper, 11"x14"
Golden Triangle, Mixed Media on Paper, 10⅜”x7”
Gust, Watercolor on Paper, 15”X11”
Heaven's Cage II, Mixed Media on Paper, 7¾"x10¼
Plus, X and Square, Watercolor on Paper, 41¹⁵⁄₁₆”X21½“
Tripod, Watercolor on Paper, 10¼”x7”
Verde, Watercolor on Paper, 15½"x17¹⁵⁄₁₆"
Vortex, Watercolor on Paper, 15"x11"