While we have previously written about some noteworthy abstract painters, we haven’t spent much time on the fundamental idea and meaning of abstract painting, as well as what it should mean to you as a practitioner. If you, like me, believe in the power of painting to communicate your own personality and emotions while simultaneously capturing your inner essence and character, perhaps abstract art paintings as a way of practicing seemingly more liberated than figurative painting.
Is abstract art paintings that complex, or is it just a meaningless “anything goes” universe populated by painters who “cannot paint,” as some claim? You’re on your own there; I’ve got six of my own ideas on the subject.
We don’t need the rest of the world to tell you about artists
Many artists, both novice and skilled, express their frustration that visual art appears to be dependent on the depiction of something real in the physical world. We can sing about our pure emotions, but we can’t paint them; we have to paint at least something tangible that exists outside of feelings. However, abstract painting may help us to approach this free form of creation and emotional expression that we frequently think of as music. The idea that we don’t always have to adhere to conventional “rules” and “techniques” in order for our paintings to be regarded as abstract art is what makes it so intriguing. In a nutshell, it’s all about appreciating paint itself in practice.
You can paint on any surface
It’s not necessary to stretch or buy a canvas in order to begin working in an abstract style. Indeed, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) panels and acrylic paint are an excellent combination. All you have to do now is sand the panel and apply gesso to prepare it for your painting.
Lines can be darker than they appear
Let’s say you’re using a lot of bright blue, red, and yellow in your abstract painting, with white dots to provide some well-spaced highlights. What part does black play in this painting? You’ll surely end up with something horribly muddied if you combine it with the other hues, right? Another approach may be to use black lines in your artwork. Yes, we aren’t talking about using them as outlines for color planes; instead, we’re referring to adding a sense of dynamism, adventure, and unpredictability to your work.
Painting with a lot of elements isn’t an easy challenge for unskilled painters
Abstract painting’s reputation among certain groups as a ‘anything goes’ atmosphere does it an injustice. After all, abstract painting is still just another way to communicate, and the most successful abstract artists are those who know how to best utilize that ability.
Don’t use the claim of “free painting” as an excuse to overlook important aspects such as perspective, flexibility, color theory, composition, shade, and three-dimensionality in your abstract work. In fact, abstract painting is at its optimum when it combines technical and artistic talents with more fundamental ones.
If painting scares you, start with doodle drawings
Those who are more used to painting more obviously figurative or “representational” representations of reality — or who rarely paint a surface at all — might find it difficult to begin an abstract work. If that describes you, the first step toward emancipation from conventional ‘reality’ constraints is to begin by making some basic marks on paper.
Abstract painting isn’t as simple as it looks
Abstract painting may appear to be a “soft” and less demanding style of painting, but this is a misconception that needs to be corrected. An abstract artwork genuinely needs a lot from you. After all, you don’t have the benefit of real-world facts to assist you through each brush stroke or compositional choice. You must scour the world for all of the elements that will go into your abstract painting, including ideas, expertise, and experience. Abstract painting doesn’t only allow you to make decisions on your own; it also necessitates it. As an abstract painter, I find everything that this unique kind of creativity represents no matter what the naysayers may say. What are your thoughts on the field of abstract painting and what have you learned from experimenting with it for yourself?
