8 Fun Ways to Start an Abstract Painting.
Updated: 14th of June 2022
Hi There!
Do you want to start painting abstract art, but are feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start? Let’s see if these prompts and gentle suggestions can help you out. I use a variation of these in my practice. Especially in my sketchbook where I feel the most free.
So, when you read further, see what speaks to you the most and try it out. Sometimes listening to our intuition and feeling can be a helpful guide.
The short version:
Draw lines with your non dominant hand.
Color block the page with three colors.
Use one tool to make some beginning marks.
Use some leftover paint from your last painting.
Use a reference photo.
Use only a dark color to make the composition.
Fluid Paint.
Paint to Music.
How to start an abstract painting?
There are endless ways to start a painting. There is a new beginning every time an artist starts putting marks on paper. It’s never identical as the last time. Remember, no one can paint what you can paint. Just by being you there is endless possibilities to start a painting. This is what makes it so magical (and sometimes overwhelming). Here are some gentle suggestions to get you going.
1. Draw lines with your non dominant hand.
Maybe use a watercolor pencil, a charcoal stick or your favorite colored pencil? Just start wherever on the paper and make some squibbles, circles or lines. Try not to think too much. Just go wherever your hand goes.
Option: do the same but in smaller thumbnails. Or switch between your left and right hand.
What kind of lines or squibbles do you enjoy?
2. Color block with only three colors
Premix three colors. One of my favorite combinations is a dark blue, light peach and a green middle tone. Color block your paper or canvas with these three colors only.
Try to think of repetition and variation of space. Remember there is no right way to do this. Some people like the way similar shapes and color blocks looks on a canvas, while others enjoy variations between small and larger areas of different colors.
Option: You can also do this exercise the thumbnail version
3. Use one tool to make some beginning marks.
Using one specific tool can start an interesting abstract piece. Use whatever you have laying around, a toothbrush, bubble wrap, paper, palette knife, your fingers or maybe even a brush!
4. Use some leftover paint from your last painting
Start pushing the paint down on the canvas in random strokes or drop colors on your paper. Maybe use a different tool than what you used in your last painting.
I often paint in my sketchbook with gouache from yesterdays palette.
5. Use a reference photo (for example from nature).
Squint your eyes and get inspired by the different values you see, maybe draw or paint at the same time. Block in the values and try to stay free. You don’t want to copy the photograph but use it as inspiration.
6. Use only a dark color to make the composition
This is a fun one. Maybe even use a bold black. If you paint with acrylics, it’s easy to cover it up later in the process. I often end up using collage paper if I feel like some areas are too busy for my taste. This happens a lot when I work with mixed media in my sketchbook.
7. Fluid Paint
Pour some paint on your paper. If you use watercolor just add enough water while mixing your paint. If you use acrylic, you can also add water, but to keep the quality of the paint and pigment I would use pouring medium or fluid paint (for instance from Golden).
Leave it as is or maybe use a scrape or brush to move it around.
Voila, you have your first layer.
8. Paint to Music
Put on some tunes that fits your mood and just let the music guide you. This is especially fun when working on a bigger canvas.
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On the more intuitive level
Where do you feel like starting today?
Is there a color you feel drawn to? Maybe a specific type of paint, pencil or brush?
Just start. Try not to overthink it. Making good abstract art means you need to make a lot of art. Like a lot! So, let’s try and enjoy the process.
Every time I finish a painting, I’m kind of done with it. I might enjoy and be proud of it, but I’m already thinking about my next piece, or thinking about how good it feels to put the paint on my canvas, so I just want to make another one. But remember, we are all different so it’s important to figure out what works best for you.
Some thoughts on my process…
The meaning of these suggestions is to get you started, which for many (including myself) is the hardest part. Feeling scared of ruining that expensive paper. Scared of making bad art. This is one reason I stopped painting for many years. I was too scared and self-critical, which in turn made me anxious about the process and I stopped enjoying it. These exercises are meant to get your body and creativity moving before that self-judgment kicks in. It does take practice and it's easier said than done but keep at it and hopefully you will enjoy moments of pure joy without that annoying inner critic messing around.
Thank you…
…for prioritizing you and your creativity. Do you want to try some of these exercises? I would love to hear some more suggestions on how to start an abstract painting. It’s so good to have at hand when you don’t know what to paint and where to start. Let me know in the comments down below or let’s chat over on instagram. I post a lot of process videos and abstract sketches on my instagram so go check it out for more inspiration.
I wish you a kind and self-compassionate creative practice
x Eirin
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