Acrylic paint offers a range that not many other paints can provide you, whether that be in terms of texture, feel, consistency, or overall style and finish. With acrylics, you have so much possibility, especially when you introduce an element of abstract art into the mix.
Here we have put together a guide to abstract acrylic painting to help you get started on your quest to become an abstract acrylic artist.
Nothing is Off Limits
It’s important not to feel overwhelmed when you are abstract acrylic painting, especially when you are first starting out. It can be a difficult style of painting to get into at first and it’s easy to get a little too fixated on the outcome of your piece. However, it’s important to take a step back before you start a painting and really focus on what works for you. The basic idea is that it’s abstract art, so you really do have the freedom to let your imagination run free. Don’t allow yourself to become restricted or pigeonholed by a set goal or aim you want to achieve as these often never work out the way we want them to.
We can frequently put ourselves off from starting something because we’re not sure where to start. The beauty of acrylic abstract art is that it gives you the freedom to really start anywhere, and you’ll usually be able to work from there.
Trial Different Colour Palettes
Everyone has their own style and particular colours which appeal to them most, but it’s important to mix it up and try different combinations. Sometimes you can come across the best, most obscure colour combinations entirely by accident: Combinations you might think logically would never compliment each other, yet somehow do. Sometimes abstract acrylic painting with a pallet knife can be a great way to mix in different colours and blending while working on different compositions. This can also be fun to just trial some different colours and mixes in your art.
Colour is also one of the best ways to display emotion, so think about what message you want to achieve with your art, what feelings inspire your pieces, or what you want others to feel when they see it. It’s important to remember when creating abstract art there are no set colour guides, you can choose to stay as close or move as far away from matching colours to their original forms as possible – for example, if you’re painting a landscape, why should grass always be green, or water blue? Embrace the freedom that abstract art provides you.
Considering Materials
Nowadays there are many different materials for you to choose from, from different types of acrylic paints, to the type of surface you choose to paint on. It’s important you choose the best materials that work for you or fit your style, and to do this you’ll need to know some of the acrylic mediums you have to choose from:
- Heavy body acrylic
- Soft body
- Fluid acrylic
- Acrylic markers
- Acrylic sprays
- Acrylic inks
- Open paints
- Acrylic Gouache
- Interactive Acrylics
Once you’ve settled on the types of acrylic paints you want to use, you also need to consider the type of surface you want to paint on. Obviously, your mind might immediately first think of canvas when looking to start painting. Although they are excellent and offer a large surface to showcase your art, they are also rather large to store and can be expensive, especially if you just want to trial out a few different styles. Some artists have said that they find painting with acrylics on canvas feels a little intimidating when starting off, as it feels so complete and final.
If you are starting off with acrylic painting it could be a good option to use watercolour paper. You can look for single sheets of paper or even a watercolour pad that would be filled with pages for you to experiment with or showcase your new style.
Produce Work That is Yours
It’s important for any artist that you try and find your own style; a way of creating that works for you, art that says what you want it to show, and provides enjoyment and fulfilment to you.
Finding inspiration is a key part of creating art as we all have specific artists or certain styles that appeal and inspire us. Often before starting off, it can be great to find some artwork that gives you inspiration or even guidance. One of the best ways to find abstract acrylic painting ideas is to use platforms like Pinterest, Instagram or even good old fashioned Google.
Find what works for you and dive in, the beauty of art is it really is for anyone, regardless of education, experience, or ability.
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