Is It Abstract or Non-Objective?

When I went to art school many years ago there was a distinction between abstract and non objective painting. An abstract was recognizable objects changed to make them more interesting. Think Braque, Picasso. Non objective was just as it sounds: no object. Now it seems that everything not realistic is called abstract. What do you think about the labeling?

Braque

Picasso

 

 

 

 

Here is my first abstract done in 1953. Casein on illustration board

Non objective painting in progress, 2017, cold wax and cradled panel.

How would you classify this? encaustic, oil and cold wax and cradled boards.

63 Years between My First and Latest Abstracts

I painted my first abstract painting when I was in art school. I think it was 1953. I learned much from this little Braque inspired painting ; using negative space to create form, the push and pull of shapes and color.

 The dean of the freshman art department reprimanded me when he saw it hung along  side of my classmates work, telling me that I shouldn't be making that kind of art until I was a senior.  I was a freshman.  My teacher, encouraged and pushed me to create this, but  told me I probably would not get a good grade because I was doing something different than the rest of the class.( I was used to getting A's on everything I did.)  I received a B- on this one. In spite of the criticism, this little painting was chosen as one of the best coming out the design course for the year end final student school. It is one I keep as a reminder to not take criticism too seriously. 

casein on illustration board, 1953

63 years later: encaustic, ink, gold leaf and rice paper in paper. Matted and ready to frame, Mat size 20" x 14" $185 US

ink, watercolor, encaustic, charcoal on patter. 14" x 10 "mat 20" x 16" $185 US