Create Your Own Abstract Painting

Of all the art styles available to try, probably the easiest one to tackle is abstract art. I am not an artistic person, and if I tried to draw or paint an apple, you probably wouldn't know what it was without a couple of guesses. I am sure with some lessons I could learn to do better, but it sounds like a frustrating experience. However, creating your own abstract painting can be fun for even the non-artist.

So, what do you need to get started? A decent beginner paint brush. Be careful, like any hobby, you can spend a lot of money, but avoid this temptation to get "the best" available. You can spend a lot more money later if you really enjoy painting. Next, you need some paint. I would recommend acrylics, though oil paints work also. I have even heard of people using latex house paints for an abstract painting. Last, you need a medium to paint on. Canvas is most people's first instinct, but it can also be expensive. A good quality paper will work, but there are many other options such as wood or metal (after all, it is abstract!).

Now that you have the basics, it is time to get started. One great thing about abstract art is that it is based upon feelings and being able to express them through painting. Having a strong imagination and some natural creativity really help. You need to be able to put together different colors, textures and shapes to express how you feel.  

There are a couple of ways to proceed, but one thing to remember is that there is no absolute correct way to create an abstract painting, you have to find what works best for you. Some people like to have an object in mind and then abstract it by imagining the object as a blur and then painting the shapes and colors that stand out.

Other people like to listen to music that reflect their feelings and then let the beat, tempo and rhythm dictate the speed that they paint, the colors that they use, and how they apply it to the canvas.

I like to close my eyes when I paint, I find that I can let my true feelings come through easier instead of worrying about what the paint looks like on the canvas. Plus, I love the surprise when I open my eyes!

With an abstract painting, you can also vary how you apply the paint to the canvas. You don't have to just brush it on. You can do what is known as "action painting", this is when the paint is spontaneously applied to canvas using such methods as dribbling, splashing, and smearing. You can also use other items besides just a paint brush to apply the paint.

The main thing to do is to have fun, to create something that you like. You are not going to create a master piece worth tons of money, there are a lot more rules and professional knowledge that an accomplished artist puts into his work that qualifies it as great art. But that doesn't mean that you can't dabble in the artists world and create your own abstract painting for your own enjoyment.