Collapsing the sky,Abstract oil painting by Laurie Rubell

Collapsing the Sky – Abstract Figurative Oil Painting

Collapsing the Sky is an original abstract figurative oil painting by Laurie Rubell, created across two hand-stretched canvases. Together, these canvases form one large composition measuring 66” high × 80” wide.

Color, line and space move continuously across both canvases. Dark purple and blue washes dominate the composition, while hints of figures emerge between layers of color. In addition, drips, shapes and expressive lines create movement across the surface. As a result, figures seem to move above and within an abstract landscape.

Creating the Painting

This painting took four months to complete. First, I began with blank canvases and washes of dark purple-blue oil color. Then, I gradually developed the composition without preliminary sketches. Throughout this process, I painted intuitively, making changes directly on the canvas as the work developed.

Before I begin painting, I stretch each canvas by hand over its wooden frame. I also work with more than fifty types and styles of artist brushes and a large range of oil colors. For example, I use different brushes to vary the lines and marks across the surface. Layer by layer, I build depth and movement.

A One-of-a-Kind Original

Collapsing the Sky is a one-of-a-kind original painting. In other words, I do not create copies, duplicates or limited editions of this artwork. The painting is also signed and dated on the back.

Artwork Details

• Title: Collapsing the Sky
• Artist: Laurie Rubell
• Medium: Oil on hand-stretched canvas
• Format: Diptych — two canvases designed as one composition
• Each canvas: 66” high × 40” wide
• Combined size: 66” high × 80” wide
• Style: Abstract figurative
• Original artwork: One-of-a-kind; no prints or reproductions
• Signature: Signed and dated on 

More About My Two-Canvas Paintings

Part 1 – Why I Create Two-Canvas Oil Paintings

Read Part 2: How My Abstract Diptych Paintings Developed