Reston artist Andrew Black embraces 'The Art of Play'

by Ellyn Wexler, staff writer

Andrew Black's "The Art of Play" will feature more than 50 of his paintings and drawings at Reston Community Center at Lake Anne from July 20 to Aug. 4. His artist's reception will be July 26 from 2-4 p.m. Photo contributed by Andrew Black

When Andrew Black heads into his studio, he rarely knows exactly where a piece will end up. A patch of color may spark a new idea. A mark made on impulse may change the direction of a painting. For the longtime Reston artist, that uncertainty is part of the fun.

It is also the inspiration behind “The Art of Play,” his solo exhibition featuring more than 50 abstract paintings and drawings on display at Reston Community Center Lake Anne from July 20 to Aug. 4 with a reception on Sunday, July 26, 2 to 4 p.m.

For Black, creativity is less about producing a finished work than enjoying the journey. “Play is an act of doing something simply for the recreation or enjoyment of it,” he said. “I think that is the perfect definition of my creative process. The creating, rather than the creation, is what truly fulfills me.”

That outlook fits naturally in the community he credits with shaping both his life and artistic perspective. “Reston is a very diverse and nurturing community,” he said. “Reston’s philosophy of embracing nature and being a responsible steward for our planet has long resonated with me.”

He also credits Reston’s programs and facilities with exposing him to new art forms and providing access to equipment he might not otherwise have used.

Black graduated from James Madison University in 1980 with a bachelor's degree in fine arts. The university’s art program encouraged students to work across multiple media and instilled a willingness to experiment that still guides his work today. “Not to be afraid to try something different, and not to be afraid of failure,” he said. “Failure is not a weakness; it is part of the process that allows me to grow as an artist.”

More than 35 years as a federal graphic designer sharpened his eye for balance, composition and craftsmanship. The experience also taught him not to settle for work that fell short of his expectations.

Retirement in 2017 gave him something he had long lacked: time. “Being able to devote hours to my work and sustain that over several days was a gift,” he said.

Freed from the demands of client projects, Black could focus entirely on his own artistic vision. “Now, I get to make what I want to make, not what someone else wants.”

Much of the work in the exhibition was created during the past five years. The collection includes colorful abstract paintings layered with circles, dashes, scratched lines and other recurring marks, as well as intricate pen-and-ink drawings filled with patterns and textures.

Black often jokes with his wife that he is going to “play around for a while” when he heads to the studio. In reality, that is his shorthand for making art.

His process is intentionally open-ended. A piece may begin with a few areas of color or a handful of quickly sketched shapes before evolving through layers of marks, patterns and textures. Rather than working toward a predetermined image, he responds to what unfolds on the canvas or paper.

Visitors may notice recurring circles, textures and color relationships throughout the exhibition. Together, they form a visual vocabulary that connects the pieces while allowing each work to develop its own personality.

The exhibition also reflects how his artistic voice has evolved. Earlier works often incorporated dimensional constructions made from wood and found objects. Over time, he shifted toward the more spontaneous abstract paintings and drawings that now dominate his work.

Although Black admires artists such as Andy Goldsworthy, Martin Puryear, Edward Hopper and Sally Mann, he resists pointing to any single influence. Instead, he continues to follow the lesson that has guided him since college: keep exploring.

As for what he hopes visitors take away from “The Art of Play,” his answer comes back to the joy that fuels his work. “A work of art is not fully complete until it is experienced by others,” he said. “I hope they leave with the same sense of joy that I received while making it.”

At an age when many retirees are slowing down, Black is still looking for new creative challenges. In August, he plans to take a class in pine-needle basket making.

The medium may change, but the approach remains the same: keep experimenting, keep learning and keep playing.