Abstract Art Painting

1. Abstraction is a Personal Journey and State of Mind

Abstraction for me is more than a technique. Abstraction is a state of mind.

Beyond technique. Abstract art is not merely a style or a set of techniques; it's a fundamental shift in perception and a deeply personal exploration. It requires looking beyond literal representation to express internal feelings, ideas, and reactions to the world. The author's own journey into abstraction came from feeling stuck in realism and seeking something more authentic and personal.

Finding freedom. Working abstractly offers immense freedom from the constraints of replicating reality exactly as it appears. It allows artists to break out of comfort zones, experiment without strict rules, and discover new possibilities in their creative process. This freedom, however, comes with the challenge of finding one's unique artistic voice and style, which develops over time through dedicated practice and introspection.

Internal guidance. Unlike realistic art that often relies on external references like photographs, abstraction requires artists to trust internal cues and intuition. It becomes a dialogue between the artist and the evolving work on the surface, responding to marks and colors as they appear. This intuitive process fosters self-awareness and allows the artist's life experiences and energy to flow into the artwork.

2. Loosening Up and Working Intuitively is Essential

In abstraction you must be open to change and surprise along the way.

Embrace the unexpected. Moving from realism to abstraction requires letting go of control and predetermined outcomes. While having a plan is helpful, being open to unexpected results and changing direction is key to the excitement and discovery inherent in abstract work. This mindset allows for happy accidents and often leads to results better than the initial idea.

Experimentation is play. Dedicating time to playful experimentation with materials and methods is crucial for developing intuition and letting go of outcome-dependency. When the intention is simply to play, artists feel free to explore without fear of failure, discovering new ways of working and finding their personal style. This experimental phase is as important as planning and helps overcome creative blocks.

Drawing as foundation. Despite the non-representational nature of abstract art, a strong foundation in drawing is invaluable. Drawing exercises, even intuitive ones like blind contour drawing or drawing to music, help artists observe differently, loosen up, and discover their natural mark-making style. These spontaneous lines and shapes can serve as rich source material for abstract compositions later on.

3. Essential Materials (Tools of the Trade)

I continually experiment with and combine materials.

Versatile tools. Abstract art often involves mixed media, and experimenting with different materials is encouraged. Key materials include soft and hard pastels, charcoals, acrylic paints (heavy-bodied and fluid), oil paints (water-based for ease), and various grounds, gels, and pastes. These materials can be used interchangeably or combined to create unique effects.

Building surfaces. Surfaces like sanded papers, canvas, and boards provide different textures and absorbencies for both pastels and acrylics. Materials like acrylic ground for pastels and molding paste are particularly useful for adding physical texture and dimension to the surface before or during the painting process. Colored gessos can also provide a tinted starting point for acrylics.

Beyond brushes. A variety of tools are used for applying and manipulating materials. Brushes of different sizes and shapes, palette knives, color shapers, brayers, and even household items can create diverse marks and textures. Experimenting with how tools interact with different materials on various surfaces is a vital part of the abstract process.

4. Emotions Drive Abstraction (Feeling Through Art)

Art reflects the totality of the artist.

Expressing the inexpressible. Abstract art provides a powerful avenue for expressing emotions and states of mind that words cannot capture. The artist's feelings, whether conscious or unconscious, are conveyed through the choices of color, line, mark making, and composition. This process can lead to increased self-awareness as the artist's inner world manifests on the canvas.

Marks carry feeling. The quality of marks made in a drawing or painting inherently reflects an emotional state. Jagged lines might convey energy or tension, while flowing lines suggest serenity. Exploring different mark-making techniques in response to specific emotions can help artists tap into their intuitive expression and discover how their unique "handwriting" conveys feeling.

Color evokes response. Color choices have a profound impact on the emotional resonance of an artwork, both for the artist and the viewer. Certain colors are psychologically linked to specific emotions (e.g., red for power, blue for calm). Experimenting with color palettes to express different feelings, perhaps through exercises using color and line together, strengthens the artist's ability to use color expressively and intuitively.

5. Elements are Fundamental (Building Blocks of Abstract Art)

I believe all of the elements and foundations of art are essential in creating abstract works.

Shared language. Abstract art, despite its non-representational nature, is built upon the same fundamental elements of art as realistic work. Understanding and utilizing line, shape, space, texture, repetition, value, emphasis, and color is crucial for creating compelling abstract compositions. These elements serve as the building blocks and a framework for evaluating the work.

Elements in abstraction.

• Line: Creates movement, energy, and expresses emotion; varies in weight and quality.
• Shape: Divides space using organic or geometric forms; variety in size and placement adds interest.
• Space: Refers to positive (forms) and negative (around forms) areas; creates contrast and atmosphere.
• Texture: Can be implied through marks or real through materials; adds surface interest.
• Repetition: Repeating elements creates rhythm and movement, but variation is key.
• Value: The range from light to dark; adds dimension, contrast, and focal points.
• Emphasis: Creates a focal point that draws the viewer's eye, often through contrast.
• Color: Chosen for emotional impact and compositional harmony, guided by color theory.

Evaluation tool. Knowledge of these elements provides a framework for assessing abstract work. Artists can ask if the work has variety in line or shape, effective use of space, interesting texture, strong value contrast, clear emphasis, and a harmonious color scheme. These questions help move beyond subjective preference to analyze the structural integrity of the piece.

6. Strong Composition is Crucial for Abstract Work

Composition can make the difference between a good painting and a poor painting.

Structuring space. Composition is the thoughtful arrangement of elements within the picture plane, guiding the viewer's eye and creating visual harmony. In abstract art, composition is particularly important as it provides the underlying structure in the absence of recognizable subject matter. A strong composition ensures the painting works together as a unified whole.

Key compositional principles.

• Balance: Elements are arranged so the work feels stable, even if asymmetrical.
• Unity: All parts of the painting feel connected and work together stylistically and coloristically.
• Focal Point: A specific area draws the viewer's primary attention.
• Value and Contrast: Variation in light and dark adds drama and impact.
• Variety: Different marks, shapes, textures, and values keep the work interesting.
• Division of Space: The surface is divided into areas that relate to each other effectively.

Exploring structures. Abstract artists utilize various compositional structures, often derived from simplifying forms or dividing the space intentionally. Examples include:

• Circle/Closed: Elements contained within the center.
• Grid: Geometric arrangement of squares or rectangles.
• Triangle: Forms arranged in a triangular structure.
• L Shape: Elements forming an 'L', often asymmetrical.
• Diagonal: A strong diagonal line or division creating movement.
• Symmetrical/Asymmetrical: Balanced arrangement, either mirrored or weighted differently.
• Cruciform: Elements forming a cross shape.
• S or Z Curve: A flowing line guiding the eye through the work.

7. Generate Abstract Ideas from Diverse Sources

Reality often serves as the starting point.

Finding inspiration. Abstract art doesn't always spring from a void; it can be inspired by the world around us, just seen through a different lens. Artists can find starting points for abstractions by looking closely at reality, simplifying forms, or focusing on small details rather than the whole scene. The goal is to use the source as a jumping-off point, not a strict guide.

Source drawing methods. Various techniques can help translate observations or existing images into abstract ideas:

• Using Photos: Crop sections of black-and-white photos (to focus on shape/value) or use a viewfinder to isolate interesting compositions.
• Contour Drawing: Draw from life (plants, objects) focusing on edges and shapes without looking at the paper (blind contour) to capture spontaneous lines.
• Spontaneous Lines: Create free-flowing drawings to music or with eyes closed to discover natural mark-making and potential compositions within the chaos.
• Existing Artwork: Revisit previous paintings or drawings, crop sections, and use them as inspiration for new works, perhaps exploring different colors or mediums.

Thumbnail sketches. Regardless of the source, creating small thumbnail sketches is a crucial step. These quick studies help work out compositional ideas, value arrangements, and potential color schemes before committing to a larger piece. They serve as a flexible roadmap, allowing for experimentation and refinement of the core abstract concept.

8. Underpainting Builds Depth (The Foundation Layer)

The use of an underpainting can be the key to developing a more dynamic pastel or acrylic painting.

Establishing foundation. An underpainting is an initial layer applied to the surface before the main application of pastel or acrylic. It serves multiple critical functions, helping to establish the composition, clarify the color scheme, bring structure and depth, and add movement and energy to the final work. Spending time on this stage significantly contributes to a successful painting.

Material versatility. Underpaintings can be created using a variety of materials, often interchangeably between pastel and acrylic work. Options include:

• Charcoal: Creates value studies, washed with alcohol or medium.
• Pastels: Hard or soft pastels washed with alcohol for colored underpaintings.
• Watercolors/Oils: Applied as washes on paper, then potentially covered with ground.
• Fluid Acrylics: Used as transparent washes on paper or canvas, dry quickly.
• Colored Gesso: Opaque base layer on canvas or board, helps block in shapes and values.

Value and color. Underpaintings are particularly useful for working out the value structure (lights and darks) of the composition early on. They also allow for experimentation with color schemes, either using colors similar to the final palette or employing complementary colors to create vibrant interactions when the top layers are applied. Allowing parts of the underpainting to show through adds dimension and visual interest.

9. Grounds & Mediums Add Texture (Enhancing the Surface)

Bringing texture into your work adds to the surface interest of the finished painting.

Adding dimension. Texture, whether implied through mark-making or created physically with materials, adds a tactile and visual dimension to abstract art. It creates surface interest, provides areas of contrast, and can contribute to the overall mood and energy of the piece. Various grounds, gels, and pastes are available to build up the surface of paper or canvas.

Texture-building materials.

• Acrylic Ground for Pastels: Creates a gritty, toothy surface on paper or canvas, allowing for drawing and layering. It can be applied over underpaintings and dries clear or can be tinted with fluid acrylics.
• Molding Paste: A thick acrylic medium used primarily on canvas or board to create significant sculptural texture. It can be applied with knives and shaped with tools before drying.
• Gels and Other Pastes: A wide range of acrylic gels and pastes (e.g., pumice, micaceous iron oxide) offer different textures and can be mixed with paint or applied directly.

Application techniques. Texture can be applied to the entire surface or selectively to specific areas for emphasis. Tools like palette knives, brushes, combs, or even found objects can be used to spread, scrape, or press into wet pastes and grounds to create varied patterns and effects. Experimentation with these materials and tools is key to discovering unique textural possibilities.

10. Mastering Color and Value (Making Color Sing)

I found color very challenging until I began working with pastels.

Color complexity. Choosing and using color effectively is one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of abstract art. It involves more than just picking favorite hues; it requires understanding how colors interact, their values (lightness/darkness), and the impact of neutrals. Too many colors or colors of the same value can make a painting feel chaotic or flat.

Strategic color choices. Focusing on a limited color scheme, often based on complementary colors, can bring harmony and impact. Using variations within the chosen hues (e.g., different reds and greens) adds interest. Neutrals (grays, earth tones, muted colors created by mixing complements) are vital for balancing pure, brilliant colors and making them appear more vibrant by contrast.

Value is paramount. Value is as important as hue. A strong abstract painting utilizes a range of values from light to dark to create dimension, contrast, and guide the viewer's eye to the focal point. Underpaintings and thumbnail sketches in grayscale are excellent tools for planning the value structure before applying color. Color studies help test how chosen colors work together in terms of both hue and value.

11. Creating Finished Pieces (Bringing Studies to Life)

You have created small sketches and studies and now want to move on to larger works.

Scaling up. Moving from small studies to larger works involves applying the lessons learned about composition, value, and color scheme. The small pieces serve as guides, helping to maintain the underlying structure and prevent the larger work from becoming overly complicated. It's often beneficial to gradually increase the size of the surface to build comfort.

Acrylic painting process. Creating a larger acrylic painting involves layering materials. Start with texture (molding paste), then drawing (charcoal/pastel), fix the drawing (matte medium), apply underpainting (gesso/fluid acrylics), and build layers of paint from thin washes to thicker application. Use a variety of brushes and tools, mixing paints strategically based on the chosen color scheme and value plan. Don't be afraid to paint over areas that aren't working.

Pastel painting process. For larger pastel works, select a suitable sanded surface or prepare one with pastel ground. Apply an underpainting (fluid acrylic, watercolor, etc.) to establish structure and color. Add charcoal or hard pastel lines over the underpainting. Apply pastel ground if desired. Then, build layers of hard and soft pastels, working lightly initially to allow for multiple layers. Use the side for broad strokes and the tip for lines, varying marks for movement and texture. Work the entire painting, not just one section, and use neutrals to enhance vibrant colors.

12. Evaluating Your Abstract Art (Assessing the Result)

You can evaluate an abstract work by considering the elements of art.

Beyond subjectivity. While abstract art is personal and subjective, its effectiveness can be assessed using objective criteria based on the fundamental elements and principles of art. This helps artists understand what makes a work successful and identify areas for improvement, moving beyond simply liking or disliking the result.

Key evaluation questions. When looking at an abstract piece, consider:

• Skill: Does the artist demonstrate mastery of their chosen materials?
• Impact: Does the work grab attention, create a mood, or evoke an emotional response? Does it have a "wow" factor?
• Balance and Harmony: Do the elements feel well-arranged? Do the colors, textures, and techniques work together cohesively?
• Thoughtfulness: Does the work appear intentional, showing consideration for composition, value, and color? Does it reflect a developing personal style?

Continuous growth. Evaluating one's own work and the work of others using these criteria fosters critical thinking and helps artists refine their process. Photographing work and viewing it in different ways (e.g., grayscale) can reveal aspects not noticed during creation. This ongoing assessment is part of the journey toward creating stronger, more impactful abstract art.

Last updated: May 24, 2025