Custom Halftone Series

Contemporary Painting Series

Artist: John Potter

This series of paintings is still very much in progress. Upon completion I intend to have a show so check back from time to time.

HALFTONES - A Series of Paintings by John Potter:

Halftones are a method of making an image using dots, lines or some other pattern. This technology was developed in the 1800s to reproduce black and white images with the appearance that they have grey areas while only using black ink.

Example of a black and white halftone

If you look at a black and white photo in a newspaper or magazine through a magnifying glass, you will most likely see that the image is made of many small dots. That is a halftone image.

Although dots are the most common type of halftone lines or other patterns can be used. The original method of making halftones involved photographic processes but they can now be made using digital methods. This allows a lot of experimentation that would previously involve expensive amounts of wasted materials.

I used the creation of halftones as a starting point and common thread throughout this body of work. I endeavored to try different patterns, methods and scales of patterns in different and unique ways.

For me this is a creative exploration of methods and techniques, and an exploration of an unconventional type of visual communication. I used halftones to create mesmerizing textures as well as visual depth. The interplay of lines and spaces can evoke a sense of movement, rhythm, and even three-dimensionality. This work allowed me to show a high degree of personal expression. Choices in line thickness, spacing, and arrangement become a direct reflection of my artistic vision. The interplay of pattern and subject matter often opened new opportunities for creative expression. Some pieces are intended to evoke a hypnotic effect that encourages the viewer to lose themselves by gazing into the work. Some are simple explorations of the visual opportunities created by halftones.

I expect these works to be considered Semi Abstract or Op art, which would be accurate, but if that is the case almost every black and white photo printed in a book, magazine or newspaper is also Semi Abstract or Op art. It begs the question. Which is more important, what we think we see or what we literally see?