There are as many styles of abstract art as there are artists, but abstract art be understood as an art form that either simplifies or exaggerates a familiar subject. To create your own abstract painting from a photograph, let your imagination come alive and be flexible about your ideas of structure.
Instructions
Creating a Masterpiece
1. Select an image. Choose an image that is important to you or conveys a message or idea that you appreciate. This is an important part of the painting process. Artwork can be expensive to create, so make sure that the image you select really speaks to you.
2. Examine your chosen photograph. What images stand out? What are the most important elements, and what images do you want to portray in your artwork? Make a mental picture of what direction you want your artwork to take. Will you simplify the photographic images, breaking them down to basic colors, or will you exaggerate them so they are more symbolic than representational?
3. Sketch your painting onto a piece of artist's sketch paper. Use this time to tweak your ideas. Don't be afraid to erase your image and start over. Remember that it is important that you don't follow any set rules of composition. If necessary, create several drawings before you start to work on your canvas.
4. Set up your easel in a well-lit space. Make sure that it is not located in a high-traffic area. Depending on which paints you select for your composition, your painting may need several weeks of drying time.
5. Sketch your underpainting onto the canvas. Only draw the basic image outlines. Add small details after the larger images have been painted.
6. Paint your canvas. Paint the larger background images first. Work your way forward adding smaller images and more detail as the work dries. For an added appearance of depth, use dark colors under lighter colors.
