Last August I explored abstract art a bit, creating different paintings from ideas and suggestions I found in Artist magazine. I’d like to say that I learned a lot from the experience. I’d like to say that I developed a newfound appreciation for abstract art. I really can’t say either of those things, though.
Abstract art remains as much a mystery to me now as it was before I began my little experiments. I had fun with some of the projects. Others were baffling and frustrating. Here are the links, if you’d like to read about the creation process behind each painting.
Or, here’s a quick view… in no particular order.
I can’t say that I like any of these abstractions — or weird paintings as I more usually describe them. All the same, it was good for me to play around with these different ideas. Trying new things — especially things that are out of the ordinary for us — is a good way to broaden our horizons and gain new knowledge.
Today I have one more painting to add to the abstract collection. It, too, was completed during the summer. It’s been sitting around, and I’ve never really cared for it. Lately, though, I’ve been looking at it from different perspectives. I can’t say yet that I like the painting, but I will say that I don’t hate it as much as I once did.
It’s called Point and Counterpoint, and it includes not only acrylic paints, but gesso and fabric. The concept of the painting was based in part on musical expression with ideas of rhythm and polyphony — different voices — predominating.
Or maybe I do still hate the painting. I don’t know. I know that abstract art isn’t something I want to pursue, mostly because I don’t understand it. I do like the idea of abstract expression, though, and from time to time I’ll splatter a little paint around, cut out pieces of fabric, and grab that gesso again. It is fun to play, no matter the results.
Maybe someday I’ll begin to understand abstract art, and maybe then I can create a piece I really do like.
Artistcoveries 
I don’t quite get abstract painting either, although I dabble with doodles, lol. I actually like the first of your series posted here – maybe it’s the lines or the colours.
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Thanks. It’s always fun to play, and I enjoy trying new things. For me, though, abstract painting baffles me.
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Sometimes I am in the mood for making abstract art too. I find it amazing. You have a very nice abstract art on your blog here 🙂
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I know how you feel! Abstract art can be……confusing? Lol but other times its nice just to enjoy the colors and shapes; you pay more attention to the brush strokes and the way it was created rather than focusing on a subject. You did a beautiful job!
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Thanks, Meg. Yes, it’s very confusing. I’ve been reading about “pure design”, and I hope eventually what I’m learning will help me create occasional abstract paintings. It is fun to play.
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Have you ever tried Acrylic Pouring. If you haven’t. I think you would be glad you did. I love the process because the paints create on their own then we the creative can go in after it dries and tweak I have a hard time leaving mine alone. But am proud of my tweaking. There are tons of videos out there if you would like to research. I have some of my own let me know if you are interested
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I’m very intrigued by acrylic pouring and I plan to try it — just haven’t cleared up a work space for it yet LOL.
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I know the feeling. I started out on my kitchen table. And it’s been about 1 1/2 years and now I’m feeling the need to revamp my studio it’s that full cos pouring is that addictive 😀
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My easel and paints are in our kitchen — it’s the only area where I have good lighting. I have quite a mess there. I’m glad my husband doesn’t fuss about it.
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Hi Judith firstly thank you for liking my blog/website much appreciated. I have been reading your posts regarding abstract painting with great interest. I was thinking about what to write about in my blog apart from repeating myself about my latest painting. You have got me thinking more deeply about how I go about producing my work and how it is interpreted. It may take me a while but I will attempt to explain abstract art from my point of view.
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Oh, Sandy, I would love to read about your process in creating abstract art. I feel there is so much there within abstract art that I can learn from. When I try it on my own though… well, it’s just baffling. I find myself staring at the canvas with no idea where to go or what to do.
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At last I have put a couple of words together about my ideas on abstract art. https://sandymcfarlane.art/blog/
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Great! I will go read right now!
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Just read it, loved it, and left you a comment. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
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To me, abstract is anything that goes beyond the distortion of Impressionism. Sometimes we try too hard to make something look like what we think should be “abstract”. I agree with you that it should be something we play around with and have fun! If we can manage to keep composition and values in mind at the same time we are more likely to end up with something that pleases our eye.
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I like your definitions. 🙂 I seem to lose all sense of composition and value — and everything else — when I try to do any “abstract”. I know how important all of those elements are. I just can’t get my brain to focus in “abstract” terms, I guess. 🙂
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I don’t believe I will ever understand how to create a pleasing abstract, but I have one attempt that hangs where I can see it every day. Like you, I don’t quite hate it, but I don’t really like it either. Still, with all good intention to paint over it, there it still hangs (for a couple of years now). Maybe I’ve just grown attached at this point.
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We do get attached to certain paintings. In fact this morning’s post (Monday) is about exactly that!
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