Abstract painting is a non-representational type of painting, which means that artists use colors, shapes, and textures to communicate, and do not create an accurate representation of reality. You might worry that abstract painting will be too hard to learn. This guide will help you understand the best methods for learning abstract painting and what you should study first to make the learning process easier. This way, you’ll be successful however you choose to apply your new skills.
What is Abstract Painting?
Abstract painting is generally believed to have originated with German painter Wassily Kandinsky in the early twentieth century. Up until that time, artists believed that they needed to create accurate representations of reality, but Kandinsky insisted that it was possible to express emotions and ideas without objectively representing the material world. His theory represented a turning point in art history.
Abstract painters use abstract elements like lines, colors, textures, and shapes to communicate their ideas. Most do not offer an explanation of their work, instead leaving that up to viewers to decide. Each viewer generally has their own unique interpretation of an abstract painting, depending on their unique set of beliefs and experiences.
Benefits of Learning Abstract Painting?
When you paint in an abstract style, you don’t need to focus on creating an accurate representation of your subject. Many abstract artists say that this can be very freeing. They explain that abstract painting allows you to really explore elements like color and shape, which can be very enjoyable and cathartic. Some people also say that the process of focusing on things like colors and shapes when they create abstract art can help them connect better with their emotions, or process a difficult experience that they have had.
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Learning abstract painting can also be a good way to learn new artistic techniques. For instance, as a beginning abstract artist, you’ll probably learn about mixing colors, how to layer colors, and how to use brushes, knives, and other tools to create different textures. Abstract painters also learn to think about art in a different way, since they are trying to create a unique visual experience that is independent of reality.
Is Abstract Painting Easy to Learn?
Almost anyone can learn abstract painting, however, if you are a beginner you will probably need to spend some time learning and practicing the new skills and techniques involved. People who don’t know a lot about abstract painting sometimes assume that abstract artists just randomly apply paint to the canvas and then call it art, but this art form actually requires a lot of skill. Artists need to understand a range of different theories and techniques such as how to use color and how to apply paint. They also need to learn how to actually create a piece of art using abstract elements. Abstract painter Caryl Pomales comments, “Some people think that abstract art is easier than representational/realistic art. My guess is that those who believe that have never faced the challenge of turning a blank canvas into an exciting abstract work of art.” A great way to start learning about abstract painting is to take an abstract painting class. With a class, you can get some advice from a more experienced painter. Pomales comments, “While anyone can learn to do it, it’s generally not something we’re able to figure completely out without some guidance.”
What You Need to Know Before Learning Abstract Painting
Experienced abstract painters offer a number of pieces of advice to those people who are just starting out with this type of art. One is to look at the art of other abstract artists. You can learn a lot by paying attention to the way other artists paint, for instance, you can look at the colors or type of paint they use. It can also be helpful to watch painting demonstrations, to see how other artists actually go about creating abstract art.
Another common piece of advice from more experienced artists is that to become good at abstract painting, you need to put in a lot of time learning and practicing. They consistently stress that there are no shortcuts in this process. Many abstract artists say that they practice their art for hours a day, and spend years fine-tuning their skills and developing a sense for how to paint in an abstract style.
What You Need to Learn Abstract Painting
Supplies
In order to paint, you’ll need paint, painting tools, and a canvas to paint on. The exact supplies you need will depend on your style and preferences. Many abstract painters use acrylic paint because it dries fairly quickly and is easy to work with, but you can use whatever type of paint you prefer. Many painters also use mediums to make their paints thinner or thicker. Most artists paint on canvas, so you’ll probably need that too, and you’ll find that it comes in many different sizes. Finally, there are a variety of different tools for applying paint. Paintbrushes are common, and painting knives are another popular tool for applying paint and creating texture. In addition, painters typically use a palette to mix and blend their colors on.
A Subject or Theme
As well as painting supplies, if you want to learn abstract painting, you need a subject or theme to paint. Abstract painting is different from many other types of painting in that you don't necessarily need to try to reproduce something like a person or an object, the way it looks in the real-world. However, you do need some type of subject, theme, or feeling. Artist and writer Gavin Lenaghan explains that abstract painters approach the idea of what to paint quite differently from other types of painters. He says that they have a lot more freedom in their choice of what to paint. He explains, “The wonder of abstract painting is the realisation that we don’t necessarily need to be bound by the traditional ‘rules’ and ‘techniques’ of painting, or the apparent need for what we paint to ‘represent’ a tangible real-world object at all. In short, in theory at least, it is about revelling in paint itself.”
The Ability to Understand When a Painting is Finished
While it might surprise beginning painters, many more experienced artists say that knowing when a painting is finished can actually be one of the most challenging parts of abstract painting. Courtney Senior is a self-taught abstract artist, and she says, “This is by far the most challenging part of being an artist. It really depends on my flow state. Sometimes a piece will come together so perfectly in composition and color that stopping just seems natural. Other times, I will contemplate the piece for days before deciding if it’s done.” Senior advises that as an abstract painter, you should be willing to take your time, and maybe step back from the work for a day or two, to know when you should stop working on it. She stresses that you should expect the process to take time, adding, “What I know for sure is to never force creativity.”
Willingness to Deal with a Challenge
Many abstract painters warn that learning to paint in this style is not easy, and stress that as a beginning artist, you should be ready to be challenged throughout the learning process. However, they add that the process is not all challenge, and that there are also a lot of rewarding moments. Abstract artist Cristy West explains that being an abstract painter involves both ups and downs. She says, “One of my early teachers…used to say that the primary qualification of an abstract painter was a tolerance for frustration. As I’ve grown older, I think I’ve become a lot more accepting of the ups and downs of the creative process. While working on a painting, I keep searching until something finally clicks, and I also have faith that eventually something will click.” Many painters say that getting to that moment when things click is one of the most rewarding parts of abstract painting.
Key Takeaways
- Abstract painting can be a rewarding and freeing experience.
- It can take some time to learn all the theories and techniques involved in abstract art.
- In order to learn abstract painting, you’ll need painting supplies like paint, canvas, and brushes and other tools.
- Abstract painters need to develop an idea of a subject, theme, or feeling that they want to portray in their work.
- An important part of abstract painting is known when your painting is finished.
- As an abstract painter, you need to be able to deal with a challenge.
- Contact CourseHorse to get more in-person or online abstract painting class options, including private group sessions.