Creating Abstract Art

Connections I

Violet Horizon

There are many styles of abstract art. Some of the more common styles are impressionism, art nouveau, cubism, surrealism, expressionism, fauvism, and minimalism.

If you aren't sure what style you would like to tackle first, do a web search on Google.com under the images header and look for images for different categories of abstract art. Notice which images pull you in and make you long to capture the same expressive style.

Another great resource is your local library. Peruse the art section and take home some books for inspiration. There are many books filled with colorful images and artist tips to get you started.

Impressionism - Monet - Dusk Venice

Find current artists online and immerse yourself into their world. Check out their website, follow their art blog, follow them on Twitter, Facebook, or Google Plus. Search many of the online stores and see if your artist inspiration has a store on Etsy, Ebay, Zazzle, or Redbubble. Once you have found a few artists to inspire you, learn from them. Let them teach you by observing their use of color, form and style. I've learned more from other artists than in any other way with creating my artwork.

You can also find artists from long ago that speak to you by searching online and in the library as well. The masters have long inspired many beginning artists with their different styles. In our day of modern technology it is quite easy to find paintings to view and study.

Go to a local art gallery and spend a few hours observing the different artist's works and styles. Many towns and cities have monthly Art Walks and several local galleries and art shops will feature local artists. These Art Walks can be very educational and inspirational helping you to learn more about the process of showing and selling your artwork one day should you decide to continue on your creative quest.

The Harvest by Raoul Duffy - Fauvism Style

Dance by Alphonse Mucha

Fruit by Alphonse Mucha

Reeves Fine Oil Colours Sets set of 24

Once you've decided the style of abstract art you would like to practice on first, you will then need to consider your medium. If you wish to be a painter, you have many mediums from which to choose. Oil paint, acrylic, and watercolor are just a few to consider. Research each medium and make sure you understand the ins and outs of each one before investing to buy the supplies you will need. Most mediums come in beginner sets. For a minimal investment, you can start quickly without breaking the bank.

If you are a VERY patient person, you may wish to start out with oil paints. Oil painting can take weeks and sometimes months to be completely dry depending on your climate. There are mediums you can mix with the oils to help them to dry faster so this may be an option. You may also consider dabbling in water mixable oil paints. I personally have not experimented with this type of paint yet but I have heard really good things about it. It is on my art supply list however!

Watercolors dry very quickly and can be used quite easily on heavy art paper. It can however be a challenge to add color on top of color with this medium as wetting will reactivate the layer below. Many artists consider this to be one of the more advanced mediums to paint with.

Acrylic paints are my medium of choice most of the time. I love the versatility of acrylic paints as they can be thinned down to create an almost watercolor impression or they can be used very thick and can resemble oil paintings. Acrylics are quick to dry unless you use a medium to slow down their drying time. Once completely dry, the layer may be painted on top of without disturbing the underlying layer.

9" X 12" Winsor & Newton Stretched Canvas 6 Pack

Your painting surface will of course depend on the type of paints you use. If you wish to preserve your painting and hang for all to view, you need to keep that in mind as well. There is canvas, art paper in different grades of thickness, and wood to name a few surfaces for you to research.

I have only painted with oil paints on canvas and watercolors on paper but I'm sure there are other surfaces to consider for these two mediums. You may paint with acrylics on many different surfaces and your painting will last for many years to come. I have even painted beautiful works on heavy brown paper bags using the inside area and acrylic paints.

If you choose canvas to paint on and it is not already primed, you will most likely need to prime the surface you are going to paint on first with acrylic gesso to make sure your paints will adhere properly.

For beginning artists, you may want to choose a pad that contains several sheets of heavy water color paper to practice on with your watercolors and acrylics. I prefer my art paper to be at least a 140 lb cold pressed as it can be pre-primed and stretched to lie flat once you are complete. There are heavier weights of art paper to choose from however. Many art supply stores also offer canvas in flat panels that come with several to a pack. These panels come in several sizes and are great for beginning artists to practice on.

You will need to consider brushes and other tools such as painter's knives for applying your paint. Each type of paint will have its own brushes for you to use. Most craft stores have their artist brushes grouped according to the type of paints for which they are designed. If you decide to paint with oil paints, make sure to keep your brushes separate from any brushes you may use with acrylics or watercolors in time.

Oil paints need paint thinner or something similar to clean the brushes. Odorless paint thinner is not entirely odorless but does not smell as strong as the alternative. Be sure to have adequate ventilation. Acrylic and watercolor paints clean up with water.

Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh - Post Impressionism Style

Once you've decided on your painting style, medium and subject matter all that is left is to go for it. Allow yourself to experiment and make a big mess if that is what it takes. Start by painting on paper or other materials that aren't costly. I find that it is easier for me to let go and just dive right in if I'm not worried about the cost involved. Then you just need to practice over and over again until you are satisfied.

If after quite a bit of practicing you find you just aren't getting it on your own, you might consider taking some art classes at your local community college or art supply store. Many stores have artists that come in to teach workshops and then you can have more hands on guidance if you need it.

You can do it! I just know it. If I can do it, I know you can. :)
The Kiss by Gustav Klimt - Symbolism Painting Style