Abstract paintings are created with a variety of tools.
Acrylic paint is a versatile medium that can be modified in many ways to produce different results, which makes it a good choice for creating an abstract work of art. It can be applied to canvas, wood and fabric, among other surfaces, and can be thinned with water or thickened with an acrylic medium depending on the effect that is desired.
Collage
Acrylic paint can be used as a glue when you are creating a collage. Use it to insert ready-made imagery and letter forms into your abstract painting. Cut out images and words from old newspapers, magazines, books and other publications and recombine them in ways that suit your project. Ticket stubs, fortune cookie inserts, office supplies, branches and household items can also be applied with paint or glue to give your painting added dimension and texture.
Effects Mediums
Mediums are used to change the consistency and attributes of acrylic paint and are often used by abstract artists to give their work a textured quality. String gel transforms the paint so that it can be applied in long, string-like portions that dry solid and transparent, retaining the paint's color in the process. Glass bead gel can be mixed with a paint color to give it a glossy, bubbled look when dry. Ceramic stucco is a heavy texture medium that can be mixed with paint to give it a rough, gritty appearance once it has dried.
Surfaces
An artist's working surface serves as the foundation for the rest of her materials, making it the most important part of the painting process. Acrylic paint can adhere to just about any surface, so experiment with materials that have unusual textures and qualities. Glass, ceramic, aluminum and foliage are relatively uncommon materials for creating an abstract acrylic painting. Combine them with more common materials like canvas, paper and wood to give your painting instant visual interest.
Utensils
Experiment with different utensils while painting. Combs, forks and other utensils can be repurposed to create a continuous ridge effect in acrylic paint. Use a cleaning sponge to add texture to your painting or apply it over a layer of dried paint for increased depth of color. A palette knife is an old standby used for mixing paints, but it can also be used on an actual painting to create a thick, uneven layer of color.
