Abstract painting is a generic term used to describe a broad category of art that includes representational and non-representational images. Representational images are pieces that have a clear subject grounded in the physical world (objects, people, places), while non-representational art is that which does not represent a tangible object or physical space. Although abstract art is often non-representational, movements like Cubism that fall under the blanket of abstract art still feature recognizable physical objects that have been abstracted. To begin your own abstract art you may be painting a subject that you intend to portray abstractly, or you may begin your painting with nothing but an idea of putting paint on the canvas. Both are valid.
Instructions
1. Choose a location where you will be painting. The room where you are painting should have adequate light. If you're using oil paint, you will need to work in a room that has adequate ventilation.
2. Set up your canvas on an easel and your palette and paintbrushes nearby. If you intend to paint from a subject, you may or may not actually have an example of that subject to look at. If you do, set up your subject nearby, or place the photograph of that subject in a place that is easily visible.
3. Distribute a range of colors onto your palette. Most important is to include the primary colors and white. All other colors may be created by mixing colors--including black, which can be created by mixing thalo blue or indanthrone blue with a brown such as raw umber. In general, it is better to mix colors when at all possible, rather than using paint from the tube, which tends to look flat.
4. Select a large or medium-sized paintbrush for applying your first coat of paint to the canvas.
5. Start to paint--it's that easy, and that hard. Apply the paint quickly and with brush strokes that feel natural. For this first coat of paint, thin the paint with paint thinner or water (depending on the medium). If you're not working from a subject, this is when you need to let yourself go, and follow your instincts. Try not to over-think the activity. For many people, the act of painting non-representationally will start to feel wrong, just because logic and experience will tell you that a painting should be "of" something. You will do well to quell your doubts and try to have fun. Don't think too much about the color choices or the structure of the piece; just put the paint on the canvas. Choose colors you like.
6. Flesh out the painting by applying a thicker coat of paint for the second coat. Start looking at the structure and balance of the piece. Color, form, negative space and texture are just a few elements of the painting that should be balanced--meaning there should be an even distribution of these elements. If you are not trained in the principals of two-dimensional design, you may want to study this online or from books in the library. For artistically inclined people, it is likely that you'll be able to produce a well-balanced piece instinctively. If you're uncertain, try turning the painting on its side or upside down at various points during the process, to give you a fresh perspective on what your painting looks like.
7. Repeat step 6 as necessary, fleshing out the painting with subsequent layers, and altering the balance and design as necessary.
8. Set your painting aside and allow it to dry. This may be set aside for a few days or a few weeks.
9. Return to the painting when you feel that you have given yourself time enough to forget the look and feel of the painting and return with a fresh perspective. Make changes as necessary. Paintings can take weeks or months, so don't feel like it needs to be finished within a certain period of time.
