Abstract Figure in Landscape Oil Painting #20

Abstract Figure in Landscape Oil Painting #20 is an original two-canvas abstract figurative oil painting by Laurie Rubell. The two canvases are designed to hang together, creating one unified composition, although they can also be displayed separately.

The unusual proportions of the two canvases are an important part of the composition. The top canvas measures 18 × 66 inches, while the larger bottom canvas measures 48 × 66 inches. Together, they create a strong relationship between color, line, space, and the edges of each canvas.

I began with blank canvases and washes of dark blue oil color. Rather than working from preliminary sketches, I paint in the moment, allowing the composition to develop and change as I work. Thousands of individual brushstrokes gradually build layers of color, movement, and depth.

Throughout the painting process, I think about the beginning and ending of each moment with every brushstroke. Here, a subtle figure appears to walk over the edge and into the abstract landscape, connecting the figurative elements with the surrounding color and space.

This painting took approximately three months to complete. I stretched each canvas over its wood frame myself rather than using store-bought canvases. During the process, I worked with more than 50 styles of artist brushes and over 100 tubes of oil color.

There are no prints or limited editions of this painting. It is a one-of-a-kind original artwork, signed and dated on the back.

● Original abstract figurative oil painting

● Two-canvas original artwork

● Top canvas: 18 × 66 inches

● Bottom canvas: 48 × 66 inches

● Oil paint on hand-stretched canvas

● Designed to hang together or separately

● One-of-a-kind original — no prints or limited editions

● Signed and dated on the back

● Created by Virginia artist Laurie Rubell

● Studio visits available by appointment

Part 1 – Why I Create Two-Canvas Oil Paintings

Read Part 2: How My Abstract Diptych Paintings Developed