July 12, 2013

Tips in Abstract Painting

The techniques used to create abstract art consist of either a pattern or random system of lines, shapes, colors, or splatters of paint. The overall flow of design needs to always be kept in the back of your mind as you add more and more to your creation. Your art techniques will be much like following a method of steps.

1. Layout
Sketch the patterns that you wish to create by drawing them in the canvas with a pencil charcoal. In this way, you are able to outline the figures that you want in the exact places. The great thing about learning how to paint abstract art is that you don’t necessarily require any form of subject matter. But this step is important for you to be consistent in your concept.

2. Background
This is the first layer of color you will be applying to your painting. This layer of paint is just the base of your painting so it has to be a thin layer. This is achieved by using small amount of turpentine to the color you are using. Try to make it a point that the color of your background will enhance the composition of your painting.

3. Top color
This is where you will start painting out the framework of your images over the Bottom Color. This is the time where you bring your sketch to life. Planning your colors will make your abstract art more interesting. Discover your own abstract art technique and don’t hesitate to be creative.

4. Details
This is where you put whatever small details that you find necessary before determining your art completion. This is also the step where you can add some more expressions and character to your abstract painting. There are no confines of rules when working with the imagination to produce a beautiful piece.
In order to properly learn how to paint abstract art, you first must begin to appreciate that a lot of what you are trying to produce on the canvas is governed by the nature of your own technique, intention and your inner vision. It takes a lot of passion and imagination to create an abstract art.
I believe you can never really learn how to abstract paint because it is more on an instinct. When trying to paint an abstract art for the first time, remember that you don’t really have to get it right. If you’re not satisfied with your work then keep on going. There is no finish line or mistakes in abstract painting. As long as you convey to your audience and have mutual (not necessarily the same) appreciation of your art.

Image source: www.wallpaperabstract.com

July 11, 2013

Tips on How to Understand Abstract Art

Interpreting an abstract art doesn’t have to be so complicated. Just like interpreting more realistic paintings, there is no fixed right or wrong way to look at it or understand it. . Here are some tips that you can take into account when viewing abstract art.

Claudie-Bastide-2 — Abstract art by Claudie Bastide www.claudiebastide.wordpress.com

• Create a connection with the art. The artist has probably carefully considered your role as the viewer of the painting and wants it to speak to you on some level. The connections you make with a piece of abstract art may discover a whole new meaning. Artists are open to hear what different viewers uncover in dialogue with their artwork, even if it’s nowhere near the artist’s original idea. Just the thought of allowing yourself to be taken in by their painting will make them feel satisfied with their art.
• Do not try to interpret abstract art by looking at the title given to the work. This will more often than not confuse you even more because you will try to look for the title in the painting instead of looking for the concepts and other more important things that the art can offer. Try not to be influenced by the title then you will see that it is so much easier to understand it, irrespective of what its name suggests.

Abstract art by Brian Potter www.brianjpotter.com

• Do not let other viewers to influence your interpretation when trying to figure out a piece of abstract art. This may lead you to believe that you do not ‘understand’ abstract art and you’ll try to modify your own interpretation. When seeing a work of abstract art, you have to see what the scene means to you and what emotions it evokes in your mind. It may not be the same as anyone else’s opinion, but this will be your unique interpretation of the work.
• See it as more than a single, isolated creation: there must be a context to truly appreciate a work of art. Every painting is created within a particular environment, and if you do not understand that environment, you will never be able to appreciate what the artist has to offer you. This is why, when you study the work of a particular artist, it makes sense to learn something about his life and the culture in which he lived.
• Do not focus on physical aspects of the art but instead try to see the energy, the darkness and brightness, and the shower of emotions that these things reflect and you will find that you finally ‘understand’ abstract art. Let your eyes play with the colors of the painting, slipping around the geometry, following the twirls, twists and turns, dipping in and out of the surface.

Image source: www.abstractartistgallery.org