Abstract painters don’t aim to create an accurate representation of reality, instead, they use abstract elements such as shapes, colors, and lines. With abstract art, the viewer gets to interpret the meaning of the painting. Learning abstract painting can be beneficial in many different ways; it can be a rewarding creative outlet, a way to challenge yourself and learn new skills, and it can help you grow as an artist. Here, you’ll learn more about the ways that you can benefit from abstract painting and how it can enhance your life. Regardless of your overall goals, learning abstract painting can be a valuable and impressive skill to learn
What is Abstract Painting?
Abstract painting is a type of art that contains abstract elements rather than recognizable figures or images. Abstract painters often do not explain their work, instead leaving interpretation up to their audience. Each audience member typically has a different experience and interpretation of an abstract painting, depending on their own unique beliefs and experiences.
It is widely believed that abstract painting started in the early twentieth century, with German artist Wassily Kandinsky. Kandinsky believed that he could express ideas and emotions in his art without objectively representing the material world. Abstract painting has continued to change and evolve since Kandinsky’s time, and is a popular form of expression today.
Benefits of Learning Abstract Painting
When abstract painting first developed as a style, it marked a turning point for many artists, because it encouraged them to feel free to express themselves however they wanted to, rather than focusing on trying to create accurate representations of people, scenes, or objects. This freedom is what many people enjoy about abstract painting. Abstract artists are not bound by the same rules that many traditional artists follow; instead, they have a lot of artistic freedom, and are often limited only by their imaginations.
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Another thing that some people like about learning abstract painting is that they get to think in different ways and learn new things. For instance, abstract painters need to figure out how to represent their ideas in abstract ways. Rather than using traditional painting techniques, they communicate through elements such as colors, lines, and shapes. They also need to learn a variety of technical skills to create abstract art, including brush techniques, mixing colors, and layering paint. There are a variety of classes–both in-person and online–to help beginning abstract painters learn some of these techniques. For instance, The Art Studio NY offers an online class called Beginner’s Intro to Acrylic Painting that covers a range of acrylic painting techniques, including abstract styles. Jade Scarlet also offers an online painting class where beginners can learn new techniques. This one–titled Abstract Watercolor and Fluid Botanicals–is focused on watercolor techniques.
It Can Be Very Rewarding
The process of creating an abstract painting can be very rewarding. Many abstract artists say that they get a lot of enjoyment out of the creative process involved, and from the feeling they get after finishing a piece. Abstract painter Andrew Crane explains that it can be extremely challenging to create a piece of art out of abstract elements, but he explains that because it is so challenging, there is also a lot of satisfaction to be gained from the finished piece of work. He describes the process, explaining that the beginning is often difficult. He says, “The start is always the biggest hurdle. What’s more beautiful than a blank canvas with infinite possibilities? When there is no plan for a painting it usually starts with making a mess on the canvas, maybe with a little structure... and out of that mess, with luck, comes some sort of form, some sort of direction, a story.” He goes on to explain that he particularly enjoys the feeling of getting to the end and wondering how he managed to create his finished piece of art from a blank canvas. He says, “Those are the good times. They may be fleeting, but for me, the measure of success of a painting is the amount of ‘Where did that come from!?’ when it’s finished.”
If you’re a beginning painter and feel like you don’t yet have a good understanding of this creative process, you can find some classes that focus on exactly that. For instance, in New York City, the New York School of the Arts offers a class called Abstract Painting: The Process. In Boston, Art School 99 runs a variety of abstract painting classes that cover the abstract painting process, including Abstracting Images.
You Can Understand Yourself Better As an Artist
Unlike representational painting, where artists try to create work that resembles reality, abstract painting can involve more inner reflection and free-flowing creativity because of its abstract nature. Some abstract painters say that they find that this process helps them develop a better understanding of themselves as artists, and leaves them feeling like stronger artists overall. Artist Angela Fehr explains, “The greatest benefit I have derived from abstract painting is in getting to know myself a little better. Because I am not relying on a reference photo or model, I look inward, seeking to make my time in the studio a greenhouse for creative growth.... Getting alone with your thoughts helps you get to the heart of what really matters to you in your artistic expression and practice.” She believes that this inward exploration has helped her grow as an artist.
Abstract Painting Helps You Learn to Think in Different Ways
Learning to be an abstract painter also involves challenging your brain to think about things in different ways, and to explore emotions and feelings. A blog written by the online abstract art gallery IdeelArt, explains that abstract art is quite different from traditional art. It says, “When we look at an abstract image, we do not have the benefit of objective imagery to help us recognize objects or narratives. We do not have human figures to connect with or any sense of a storyline to follow. We only have the essential formal elements of the image: we have lines, shapes, colors, forms, textures, lightness, darkness, etc. We are left to confront these elements without any prior knowledge of what exactly they mean.” Abstract artists are the ones who combine these essential elements to create an image or a message, and they are constantly challenged about how to do so in a way that will mean something to viewers.
It Can Lead to a Number of Career Opportunities
Abstract artists create art that is displayed or sold in a variety of different places. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS) collects and analyzes information about the labor market. It explains, “Fine artists typically display their work in museums, in commercial or nonprofit art galleries, at craft fairs, in corporate collections, on the internet, and in private homes. Some of their artwork may be commissioned (requested by a client), but most is sold by the artist or through private art galleries or dealers. The artist, gallery, and dealer together decide in advance how much of the proceeds from the sale each will keep.” the BLS groups abstract painters into the category of Craft and Fine Artists, and predicts that this occupation is likely to be fairly stable over the next ten years, with employment projected to grow by 6 percent, which is about average. The agency finds that New York has the highest employment level of fine artists, followed by Texas, and Florida. New York also has the highest annual mean wage, followed by Washington and California.
You Can Meet New People
When you learn abstract painting, you’re likely to find yourself in a number of situations where you meet people who share your interests. For instance, you can meet people in abstract painting classes, at clubs, through exhibitions, or in shared studio spaces. Social connection has been shown to be an important part of health and well-being. The Canadian Mental Health Association explains, “In today’s age, we live busy lives, trying to strike a balance between work, school, hobbies, self-care, and more. Often, our social connections fall by the wayside.” The organization stresses that it has become more important than ever to make a conscious effort to engage in social connection. It says that this connection has many benefits stating, “Connecting with others is more important than you might think. Social connection can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and actually improve our immune systems. By neglecting our need to connect, we put our health at risk.”
How to Start Learning Abstract Painting
One of the most common ways to learn abstract painting is to take a class. With a class, you won’t have to spend time researching the theories and skills involved in this type of art; instead, you’ll be able to learn the fundamentals from an expert. When you take a class, you also get the opportunity to ask questions, and you can get feedback on your work. Another advantage of a class is that you may get to learn some tips and tricks that only come with experience, and could take you years to figure out by yourself.
There are many different types of abstract painting classes. Some focus on fundamental techniques, while others are more specialized, and focus on different styles or mediums. For instance, there is an online class called Abstract Watercolor and Fluid Botanicals, where students focus on creating abstract work that represents plants and flowers. Beginner’s Intro to Acrylic Painting is another online class, and focuses on making abstract art with acrylic paint.
In addition to having a range of different focuses, abstract painting classes also come in different formats. Many people opt for in-person classes because they find it easier to understand the various skills involved when they see them demonstrated in-person. Another advantage of learning in-person is that painting supplies are often provided for you. This can be a good thing if you’re just starting out in abstract painting and are not quite ready to invest a lot of money in getting your own supplies. In-person classes will vary, depending on where you live. For instance, if you’re in New York City, you could take a class like Introduction to Abstract Painting, through the New York School of the Arts. If you live in Chicago, you could enroll in the Abstract Painting Studio through the Evanston Art Center.
While in-person abstract painting classes are popular, they don’t work for everyone. If you can’t–or don’t want to–commute to a class, or if you’re just looking for a bit more flexibility, an online class is another option. One of the biggest advantages of an online class is that you can learn from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. Another advantage of an online class is that since there is no need to commute, you can choose from painting classes all over the country.
Key Takeaways
- Abstract painters work with abstract elements such as shapes, lines, and colors.
- The process of abstract painting can be very rewarding.
- Painting in an abstract style can help you gain a better understanding of yourself as an artist.
- Abstract painting can help you learn to think about things in different ways.
- Taking a class can be a great way to learn abstract painting.
- The in-person class format allows you to get immediate feedback, however, the online format is more flexible since you don’t have to commute to a classroom.
- To find options for either in-person or online abstract painting classes, including private group sessions, contact CourseHorse.