Black and White Paintings – Simple, Clean

Black and white paintings are expressive of the modern world of the 20^th century. Pop art, as defined by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Lichtenstein brought a new meaning to the world rebel art. Not to be typecast with artists who conformed to what was expected of a fine painting, modern artists began to express themselves in a minimalist style, which transcended into the lack of color in most of their work. However, considering the use of only two shades didn't detract from the brilliance of their work.

A black and white painting can have as much, if not more, significance than a full color picture. The best example is newspaper advertisements. Many advertisers think that using color will attract more attention; but a well designed minimalist use of black and white can take on a different meaning to the consumer when executed well. This is best scene in pictures done with a monochromatic flavor, which blends into gradients the use of two colors; very effective with black and white representations.

Black and White Paintings – A Study

Pablo Picasso's Ostrich is a simple ink-set picture that gives the artist's rendition of what an ostrich looks like. Quite boring to a seasoned art enthusiast – or is it? With Picasso's use of bold, minimal strokes, as well as the curly swirls of ink to represents its feathers, the bird was graphically represented in a running movement – very symbolic of the fowl.

Another black and white painting is Klee's Stick It Out. Though not a painting but really a sketch, it's use of light and bold strokes emphasize the mono-chromatic effect on vellum paper. The subject itself is indefinable but the representation of the sketch is what makes it an extraordinary piece.