Village in the Moon 1985 by Ronnie Landfield
Village In The Moon
Ronnie Landfield’s Cosmic Abstraction: A 1985 Vision of Color and Space
The year 1985 marked a period of refined experimentation for Ronnie Landfield, a second-generation Abstract Expressionist who had already cemented his place in the movement’s evolution. *Village In The Moon* emerges from this era as a luminous synthesis of his signature techniques: expansive fields of color punctuated by geometric precision. The painting’s title suggests a celestial narrative, yet its power lies not in literal representation but in the tension between structure and spontaneity. Landfield’s work from this decade often explored the interplay of hard-edged forms with soft, atmospheric washes—a dialogue that *Village In The Moon* exemplifies through its juxtaposition of crisp rectangular motifs against a radiant, almost nebular background.
By the mid-1980s, Landfield had long moved beyond the gestural excesses of early Abstract Expressionism, instead channeling a more meditative approach. As The Art Story observes, his mature works like this one reveal an artist “interested in the optical effects of color relationships rather than emotional catharsis.” The composition’s central vertical band—a hallmark of his style—anchors the viewer’s gaze while the surrounding hues of violet, ochre, and cerulean create a sense of depth that seems to extend beyond the picture plane. This was not mere decoration but a calculated exploration of how color could define space without relying on traditional perspective.
Landfield in the 1980s: Between Lyricism and Structure
The 1980s represented a period of consolidation for Ronnie Landfield, who by then had spent over two decades refining his approach to abstraction. Unlike the first-generation Abstract Expressionists who sought to convey raw emotion through chaotic brushwork, Landfield belonged to a cohort—including artists like Larry Poons and Dan Christensen—that emphasized color’s optical and spatial properties. His work from this era, as seen in *Village In The Moon*, reflects a maturity that came from years of experimenting with acrylic’s unique capacities for both transparency and opacity.
What distinguishes Landfield’s 1980s output is its architectural quality. The vertical and horizontal elements in *Village In The Moon* recall the “zip” paintings of Barnett Newman, but where Newman’s lines divided the canvas into sacred spaces, Landfield’s bands serve as conduits for color. The Museum of Modern Art has noted how his work from this period “bridges the gap between the sublime and the systematic,” a description that aptly fits this painting’s ability to feel both meticulously planned and spontaneously alive. The moonlit village of the title remains unseen, yet the painting’s glowing palette evokes the quiet mystery of a nocturnal landscape.
Landfield’s genius lies in making abstraction feel inevitable. *Village In The Moon* doesn’t demand interpretation—it simply exists as a perfect equilibrium of form and hue, a place where geometry and atmosphere coexist without conflict.
The Making of *Village In The Moon*: Technique and Innovation
Layered Acrylics and Optical Depth
Landfield’s method involved building up thin layers of acrylic to create a luminous depth that oil paints couldn’t achieve. In *Village In The Moon*, the background’s gradient shifts from deep violet to pale gold, a effect produced by glazing translucent washes over opaque underlayers. This technique allowed light to penetrate the surface, giving the painting its characteristic inner glow—almost as if the canvas itself were illuminated from behind.
Geometric Anchors in a Fluid Field
The painting’s central vertical form and floating rectangular elements serve as visual anchors, preventing the eye from drifting into pure abstraction. These shapes were meticulously masked and painted, their edges sharp enough to contrast with the softer gradients surrounding them. The precision of these forms demonstrates Landfield’s debt to the Color Field painters, though his willingness to interrupt the field with structure sets his work apart.
Own This Luminous Abstract Landscape
Bring Ronnie Landfield’s masterful balance of color and form into your space. This gallery-framed print arrives ready to hang, with FREE worldwide shipping and a 30-day return policy.
Add to Cart — $24999Displaying *Village In The Moon*: A Designer’s Perspective
This print’s 30×40 cm dimensions make it ideally suited for spaces that benefit from a focal point without overwhelming the room. The painting’s warm violet and gold tones pair exceptionally well with modern interiors featuring neutral walls in soft gray, warm white, or pale taupe. For a bold contrast, consider hanging it against a deep navy or forest green accent wall—the colors will make the acrylic’s luminosity pop.
In living rooms, position it above a low console table or sofa, where its vertical orientation can draw the eye upward. Offices and studies also benefit from its contemplative quality; the geometric elements provide structure without distraction. Avoid overly busy wallpapers or patterned fabrics nearby—*Village In The Moon* shines when given space to breathe.
Is the frame included? What quality is it?
Yes, every print includes a gallery-quality frame made from solid wood with a matte finish. The frame is designed to complement the artwork’s colors and arrives ready to hang with pre-installed hardware.
Where do you ship, and how long does delivery take?
We offer FREE shipping to all countries, with no minimum purchase. Delivery typically takes 5–10 business days, depending on your location. All orders are fully tracked.
How long will the colors stay vibrant?
Our prints use archival inks and acid-free paper, ensuring colorfastness for decades under normal lighting conditions. Direct sunlight should be avoided to preserve longevity.
What is your return policy?
You may return your print for any reason within 30 days of delivery. We cover return shipping costs and issue a full refund upon receipt.
Sources & Further Reading
- The Art Story. "Ronnie Landfield." The Art Story Foundation.
- Museum of Modern Art. "Abstract Expressionism: Works on Paper." MoMA, New York.
- Smithsonian American Art Museum. "Color Field Painting." Smithsonian Institution.
More Works by Ronnie Landfield
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Further Reading
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*Village In The Moon* arrives framed and ready to hang, with FREE worldwide shipping and a 30-day return guarantee. Own this luminous 1985 abstraction today.
Add to Cart — $24999