Frank O'Cain: Creating an Abstract Painting by Listening to What the Painting is Telling You to Do
Stephen Durkee
4,258 views
Frank O'Cain's demonstration at the Art Students League of NY on June 3, 2026 shows how an artist can start with a strong idea and a palette and then let the painting speak.. Frank works quickly using acrylic, first starting quietly and then building emphasis as the painting emerges. By using a limited palette and playing with saturation and washes of colors, he creates a work with both feeling and light. This is another demo where the interaction with the canvas can be both a challenge and a game.
Frank O'Cain is an important instructor at the Art Students League of New York, introducing generations of students to the basic principles of Abstract Painting developed by Cezanne and Hans Hofmann. Currently, he teaches both on-line and in studio classes.
Recorded and edited by Stephen Durkee
10 Comments
But now (second view) looks different.
Frank O'Cain: Creating an Abstract Painting by Listening to What the Painting is Telling You to Do
Stephen Durkee
4,258 views
Frank O'Cain's demonstration at the Art Students League of NY on June 3, 2026 shows how an artist can start with a strong idea and a palette and then let the painting speak.. Frank works quickly using acrylic, first starting quietly and then building emphasis as the painting emerges. By using a limited palette and playing with saturation and washes of colors, he creates a work with both feeling and light. This is another demo where the interaction with the canvas can be both a challenge and a game.
Frank O'Cain is an important instructor at the Art Students League of New York, introducing generations of students to the basic principles of Abstract Painting developed by Cezanne and Hans Hofmann. Currently, he teaches both on-line and in studio classes.
Recorded and edited by Stephen Durkee