Tim Read Navigates the Abstract Through Black and White

The art of Tim Read is hard to describe, but we’ll do our best. When colors are used in paintings, they do an excellent job at portraying the vivid nature of a subject—and yet, Read’s artwork feels as vivid and alive as ever, even though he only uses black and white.

The piece below, “Rio Grande”, shows how well this artist knows how to express through something so simple. Even though not a stitch of green or blue were used, we’re able to imagine the colors of the trees and the river as well.

Or how about this drawing of a “Windy Day?” There’s something quite palpable that takes place on this canvas. It’s something incredibly real that we’ve all felt. The feeling of the wind hitting our faces, the exhilaration that comes from it. Read conveys the nature of wind so expertly here that it’s hard not to let that feeling take hold.

And finally, when looking at this black and white piece below, it’s almost heartbreaking. Titled “Anxiety,” it’s not hard to feel what the subject of this drawing feels—even though it’s abstract in every way. The facial features are an impressionistic take on the way they are in real life, where the depth is there below the surface. If you enjoy Read’s work, feel free to follow his Instagram account for more!