Abstract Art Article - Giselle Art Studio

Abstract Art and Painting - Art Article

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Abstract Art and its misconceptions

Abstract Painting is a style of art which comes with lots of misconceptions.

For the accomplished artist, who chooses abstract painting as a preferred style, it may be the culmination of years of study, painting and exploring multitude styles, techniques, mediums and self exploration, and it may not stop there either.

Abstract art is seldom an art form to start a painting carrier or interest, if it does, it may be based on:

Several Misconceptions:

Abstract art is easy.
Everyone can splash paint around
Abstract artists don't need to know any other painting techniques.
And finally, because abstract art seems to be in vogue, and can be seen in any shop window, the misconception of beginners to think; " I can do that "

To help understand and appreciate "abstract" art, one should look at the art movements in art history which led to abstract art. One should also think about the word itself, abstract art is to abstract something, meaning you actually need to have something before you can abstract something.

This something can be a motive, another painting or just something in you mind.

Motive and why you paint abstract is of vital importance for an artist.

For a non-artist however, who wants to beautify their home with their own abstract painting, the motive may not be of an artistic pursuit, but rather an alternative to buying a "Picasso", and it's certainly a cheaper option.

The distinction to be aware of is the motive and the artistic background, and if you are in a position of buying an abstract painting, it maybe worth while to seek out the artistic credentials of the artist. What has s/he painted before, can you see a natural progression towards abstractions, is it a specific style of abstraction and what are the reason for those abstractions.

Understanding an abstract work of art will help you do see and appreciate that piece of work.

Anything else is just interior design, "not that there is anythinbg wrong with that".

Having hopefully disposed some of the misconception, lets talk about the different types of abstract art

I mentioned before, to paint abstract you may need something to abstract from, but you may also choose the form you would like that abstraction to take.

Using pure shapes

Again this is probably the easiest form of abstractions to be copied from a lay persons point of view.

However, consider this enormous step in Art History when a complex landscape or any classical style got reduced - abstracted to some basic geometrical shapes.

And yes, if you do that today, it may not mean much to you, other than some pretty coloured shapes. However, you still may see a difference if you had a motive or concept before you started painting, and the composition and choices of colours, mediums, brushstrokes or other application techniques still will mean something specific to the artist who has chosen to paint that way.

Pure shapes:

Pure shapes, or pure shape abstract design can be used in many ways as a means to the end, or as a basis for a painting.

Contrary to common believe, artist do use rulers or instruments to achieve what they have set out.

Pure shapes therefore can be designed with rulers, compass or even stencils for geometrical shapes. Free form shapes are usually hand drawn, but flexible rulers are available or can be made up.

Once again, creativity, motive or concept will determine how you apply the shapes, separate or overlapping or a combination. A restriction of your colour palette can also be very effective. Superimposed thin black lines can be used to enhance the results.

Other techniques are, repeating a shape at random or creating it into a pattern or cutting out shapes and assemble them in a different way.

Another difference in appearance can be achieved by choosing the direction from where you start your painting. Starting from the centre or developing the picture from sides, top or bottom will result in different outcomes, which can determine your style of painting.

Abstracted Highrise Buildings