How to do Abstract Art for beginners
Soma Mandal Datta 
7 Easy tips to paint abstract art for beginners
“Abstraction allows man to see with his mind what he cannot see physically with his eyes....Abstract art enables the artist to perceive beyond the tangible, to extract the infinite out of the finite. It is the emancipation of the mind. It is an exploration into unknown areas.”
~ Arshile Gorky
Abstract painting can be a daunting prospect for those who have never tried it before. However, with a few simple tips anyone can create stunning abstract paintings. The key is to experiment, be open minded and to let go of any preconceived notions of what a painting should look like. Abstract painting can also be a way to relax and let loose while practicing creative self-care.
WHAT IS ABSTRACT ART?
Abstract art is a painting or drawing in which the artist has not included recognizable objects. Instead, they have used shapes, colours, textures, and marks to create a work of art.
Abstract paintings can be either non-objective in which the work has no reference to anything outside of itself or semi-abstract in which the work may contain some references to reality but is primarily concerned with form, colour and texture.
Many people believe that abstract art is easy to create because it does not need to represent anything tangible or specific. However, this could not be further from the truth!
Abstract art of high quality can be quite difficult to create because the artist must have a strong understanding of composition colour theory and design principles to create a successful piece. Having said that, it is also an ideal subject for a beginner to explore due to a relatively lesser emphasis on tangible subjects as an outcome compared to other styles of painting such as still life or portraiture.
There are no hard and fast rules for creating abstract paintings which makes you wonder where does one start. So I have shared 7 easy tips that can help you get started with your first abstract masterpiece!
- Start with a mid-tone colour and make it the dominant hue in your painting.
- If unfamiliar with colour recipes, then use a limited palette of just three or four colours to avoid muddy paintings.
- Create interesting textures by using different brushes, tools such as palette, knives and bubble wraps and mediums such as texture pastes.
- Experiment with light and dark values to create depth and dimension in your painting.
- Add white to your mid-tone colour to create a variety of lighter tones. Add black to create darker shades.
- Use a piece of paper or cardboard to block out areas of the canvas that you don't want painted. This will help you to focus on specific areas and create more interesting compositions.
- Allow yourself to make mistakes and don't be afraid to experiment. Abstract painting is all about letting go and having fun with colour and texture.
THE TAKE AWAY!
Abstract painting can be a fun and liberating painting process.
Try using different techniques and mediums and don't be afraid to make mistakes - they can often lead to the most interesting and unexpected results. And with a bit of practice anyone can create beautiful abstract paintings that are truly unique.
“Abstracts, mostly. Nonsense art, my friend Jake calls it. But it’s not really nonsense, it’s just—other people paint what they see. I paint what I feel. Maybe it’s confusing, swapping one sense for another, but there’s beauty in the transmutation.”
~ V.E. Schwab, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
So, there you have it some easy tips on how to get started with abstract art. I hope you found them helpful and that you’re feeling inspired to give it a try.
Remember there are no rules in abstract art. Just have fun and see what you can create.
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Categories: Acrylic Painting, Beginners Guide, Tips and techniques
