# Colorfully Distorted Paintings These Fragmented Designs by Blair Whiteford are Abstract By Tana Makmanee | Published 2013-02-17 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/distorted-paintings References: [beautifuldecay](http://beautifuldecay.com/2013/02/13/blair-whitefords-fragmented-paintings/) & [blairwhiteford](http://blairwhiteford.com/) These colorfully distorted paintings by artist Blair Whiteford are a wonderful depiction of artwork that blends portrait-like imagery with [abstract forms and colors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optical-flow). These modern art pieces are great examples of the kind of techniques artists are using, in order to create designs that are both [visually mesmerizing and thought-provoking](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorama). Whiteford's paintings beautifully showcase portraits of ordinary people, however what sets his artwork apart from other paintings is that the images are often [distorted and fragmented](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baggage-claim-mirrors). The designs take on an abstract type of imagery, which encourages viewers to carefully examine the images that they are seeing. These eclectic and wonderfully imaginative paintings by Blair Whiteford are not only stunningly mesmerizing, but they also serve to blur the line between what’s ordinary and abstract. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 42% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Colorful Distorted Paintings:** Artists can explore new techniques to create visually mesmerizing and thought-provoking designs. - **Blending Portraits with Abstract Forms:** Artists can blur the line between ordinary and abstract by incorporating fragmented and distorted imagery in their artwork. - **Eclectic and Imaginative Artwork:** Artists can create stunning and imaginative paintings that encourage viewers to carefully examine the images they see. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Design:** Artists can disrupt the traditional art world by introducing unconventional techniques and pushing boundaries with their colorful and distorted paintings. - **Home Decor:** Home decor brands can capitalize on the trend of colorful distorted paintings by offering unique and eye-catching art pieces for consumers to display in their homes. - **Art Galleries:** Art galleries can embrace the trend of blending portraits with abstract forms by curating exhibitions that showcase artists who challenge traditional artistic boundaries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vibrantly Colorful Dynamic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kayla-rumpp.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Boundary-Pushing Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/briony-douglas-1.md) - [Glass Beaded Intricate Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition.md) - [Television-Showcased Abstract Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lg-oled-lounge.md) - [Boundless Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frameless-experience.md) - [Abstract Fantasy Home Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abstract-fantasy-home.md) - [AI-Generated Real-World Transformations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-generated-world.md) - [Otherwordly Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/william-monk.md)