Abstract art is a type of art that does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of a visual scene or subject. Instead, abstract art uses color, line, shape, and texture to create a work that is primarily concerned with the overall effect or feeling that it produces. Although abstract art is often associated with modern artists, it actually has its roots in the art of the early 20th century. Abstract artists such as Wassily Kandinsky and Piet Mondrian were influenced by the growing popularity of abstraction in other fields such as music and literature. Today, abstract art remains an important part of the art world, with many contemporary artists working in this style.
Abstract art is gaining traction in the modern world and many young people are increasingly leaning towards it to express themselves. Although some may find abstract art a tad intimidating, it occupies most of the art galleries in the modern era. The enthusiasts who appreciate this art form speaks about how abstract art allows them to express their creative minds. Indeed it certainly is an exciting form of art. The abstract piece is all about creating a flow through the artwork using the elements of art. Here are seven elements of art at your disposal to create a beautiful abstract piece.
Let’s look at them real quick and then we will get into my tips for creating abstract art and some abstract art techniques.
ELEMENTS OF ART
1 Line – defined by moving in space. Can be two or three-dimensional. It is implied or abstract. Create abstract lines by experimenting with different mediums and mark-making techniques. Think about the thickness, direction, and movement of the line.
2 Shape – this is two-dimensional flat or limited by height and width. Consider the negative and positive space in your composition. How do the shapes interact with each other?
3 Form – this is three-dimensional and makes up a volume. It includes height, width, and depth. Think of a cube, sphere, or cylinder for a few examples. It can also be free-flowing and does not need to be a defined shape. Give your abstract painting a sense of depth by playing with light and shadow. Think about how the forms in your painting relate to each other in terms of size, shape, and color.
4 Value – this is the tones of colors, the lightness, and darkness of them. Know that white is the lightest value and pure black is the darkest with middle gray (halfway between white and black) the value between the two. Create a sense of contrast in your abstract painting by playing with light and dark values. This can be done through the use of color, texture, or even brushstrokes.
5 Space – Defines the positive and negative areas and creates a sense of depth. Create a sense of space in your painting by using different techniques such as layering, overlapping, and juxtaposition.
6 Color – consists of three properties – hue (name of the color), value (hue’s lightness and darkness), and intensity (quality of brightness and purity) Use color to create mood and emotion in your abstract painting. Think about the relationship between colors and how they can affect the overall feel of the piece.
7 Texture – this is the way things feel or how they might feel if touched. Add interest to your painting by incorporating textural elements. This can be done through the use of different mediums, brushstrokes, or even found objects.
USE THE ELEMENTS OF ART
Use these elements of art and try new techniques, and experiments, use layers of paint and find your own abstract style. Study many of the masters to see where you fit in and what you like.
Abstract work is abstract expressionism. There are different ways to look at things, memories, and places, and an abstract way is one way to visually represent those items. Remember art and abstract art is a point of view. I know a lot of artists create their work with oil paint or acrylic painting. I love to use watercolor paint and pen and ink to create my abstract art.
Abstract art can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but it’s important to remember that there will be bad abstract art before there is good abstract art. I look back at my first abstract painting and laugh. Remember even experienced artists make bad art, that is how you grow and improve. Over time you will begin creating quality abstract paintings. I have also embraced this medium and here I have listed some of my favorite tips to create abstract art.
IT'S AN INTUITIVE PROCESS FOR ME
I don’t take my abstract art from real life. My subject matter is more about free-flowing or intuitive painting. I just like to make geometric shapes and flowing forms, and add black lines and marks. I use different colors and remind myself that I am not creating a realistic painting but interesting paintings. Here are my four tips for creating abstract art.
1 Look inside to find inspiration – The first tip to creating abstract art is that instead of looking outside to spark your mind, you need to look inward for inspiration. Rely on your personal experiences and focus on your feelings, which will help you express yourself to the fullest and present authentic art pieces.
2 Start with a color palette you love – In my experience, 3 to 5 colors should be just about it for your abstract art project. If you are a beginner, start with the white and black colors, and then slowly work yourself up to 5 colors to create a colorful art piece. Study other abstract art pieces to see how the colors blend together. But always try to be authentic, for that will help you to create a unique abstract art piece, one that your peers appreciate.
3 I like to start with some basic shapes – The initial stage of your project will see yourself dealing with space. Thus, you have to gauge how you distribute the elements in your canvas, and creating a visual illustration in your head will help you imagine the final piece. Start with some basic shapes, don’t just jump into complicated things initially to avoid getting stuck in the middle of your project. The simpler it is, the better it will be to finish the project without facing any hurdles.
4 Add marks – Dots, circles, lines, shapes, etc. should be added to your piece to add a unique element to your project. You can doodle on a piece of paper at first to get a feel for what you are trying to achieve. If you have a vague concept in mind, doodling will help you get a glimpse of your idea in a physical shape. Once you have the final concept hashed out, you can start with the basic shapes, be it big or small, and add marks to them such as dots, circles, and lines to add a sense of character to your art piece. Evaluate your piece after every step, and don’t be afraid to experiment with big shapes. Ultimately, it is a medium of expression, and so you should not be hesitant to step out and create a colorful abstract art piece that truly represents your voice.
The next step, create some art!
Every piece of art I create starts with an interesting piece of inspiration. You can check out my portfolio to see more of my work. I create from the heart and from the soul. To keep up with the latest pieces of art FOLLOW ME on INSTAGRAM.