Abstract paintings can be some of the most beautiful and intriguing pieces of art. But what about when you’re feeling stuck and uninspired? Where do you turn for inspiration? Look no further, here are four tips on how to find inspiration for your next abstract painting.
Look at the work of other abstract painters
There’s no better way to find inspiration than by looking at the work of other artists who have gone before you. Studying the work of masters like Kandinsky, Rothko, Miró, Pollock, Mitchell, and Hartigan will give you a good sense of the different styles and techniques that are possible in abstract painting.
Abstract painters often get so caught up in their own process and vision that they forget to look at the work of their contemporaries. However, looking at the work of other abstract painters can be hugely beneficial. It can help you to see different perspectives, discover new techniques, and gain a greater understanding of the genre as a whole. In short, it can make you a better artist
- Seeing different perspectives. One of the great things about looking at the work of other abstract painters is that it gives you the opportunity to see different perspectives. Every artist has their own way of seeing the world, and looking at their work can help you to broaden your own perspective. It’s important to remember that there is no one right way to approach abstraction; by looking at the work of other artists, you can open yourself up to new possibilities
- Discovering new techniques. Another benefit of looking at the work of other abstract painters is that it can help you to discover new techniques. There are endless possibilities when it comes to creating abstract paintings, and chances are there are many techniques that you haven’t even considered yet. By looking at how other artists create their paintings, you may just discover a new technique that you want to try out for yourself
- Gaining a greater understanding of the genre as a whole. Finally, looking at the work of other abstract painters can also help you gain a greater understanding of the genre as a whole. Even if you’ve been painting abstractly for years, there is always more to learn. By seeing how other artists approach abstraction, you can deepen your understanding of what abstraction is and what it can be used for
Use nature as a starting point
Nature is a great source of inspiration for all kinds of art, and abstract painting is no exception. Take a walk outside and look for shapes, colours, and forms that catch your eye. Then, see if you can incorporate these elements into your painting in a way that feels natural to you.
There are endless reasons why nature makes for such a great starting point when creating abstract paintings. For one, nature is full of colour. If you find yourself stuck in a rut with your colour palette, taking a walk outside is sure to give you some new ideas. Additionally, nature is always changing—which means that there’s always something new to inspire you. Whether it’s the first buds of spring or the colourful leaves of fall, nature provides endless opportunities for abstraction.
How to Get Started
Now that we’ve talked about why nature is such a great source of inspiration for abstract painting, let’s talk about how you can use it to get started on your next masterpiece.
Step one is simple: take a walk outside and pay attention to what catches your eye. Once you’ve found something that Inspires you, take a picture or make some sketches so that you can remember what it was that caught your attention in the first place. From there, it’s up to you to decide how to incorporate this into your painting. Maybe you’ll use those shapes as starting points for geometric patterns or use those colours to create an entirely new palette. The sky’s the limit—so let your imagination run wild!
Nature is full of beauty – and it can be full of inspiration for your next abstract painting, too! So next time you’re feeling stuck, head outside and see what catches your eye. You might be surprised at how easy it is to get started once you’ve found some natural inspiration.
Experiment with different mediums
One way to find new ideas for your painting is to experiment with different mediums. Try working with oil paint, acrylics, watercolours, or even mixed media. See what happens when you let yourself play and experiment with different materials. You might be surprised by what you come up with!
Not sure where to start? Here are a few suggestions for how to experiment with different mediums and find new painting ideas.
Oil Paint
Oil paint is one of the most versatile mediums available. It can be used to create both detailed and impasto works. What’s more, oil paint dries slowly, giving you plenty of time to work on your painting and make changes as needed. If you’re looking for a challenge, oil paint is a great option.
Acrylics
Acrylic paint is a synthetic polymer made from acrylic acid. It dries quickly, making it perfect for those who want to work fast or layer colours quickly. Plus, it’s very versatile—you can use it on almost any surface. Don’t be afraid to experiment with acrylics if you’re looking for something new!
Watercolours
Watercolours have been around for centuries, but that doesn’t mean they’re old-fashioned! This medium can be used for both realistic and expressive paintings. Watercolours are also portable, making them ideal for plein air painting or sketching on the go. If you’re looking for a classic medium with a modern twist, watercolours are a great option.
Mixed Media
Mixed media is simply when two or more mediums are combined in a single work of art. This could include anything from oil paint and charcoal pencils to fabric and beads. The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to mix things up and see what you can create.
Let your intuition guide you
At the end of the day, the best way to find inspiration for your painting is to follow your intuition. Trust your gut and go where it leads you. You might not always end up where you thought you would, but that’s part of the beauty of abstract painting—the unexpectedness of it all!
Trusting your intuition can be hard. You might not always end up where you thought you would, but that’s part of the beauty of abstract painting – the unexpectedness of it all! Here are a few tips on how to let your intuition guide you to finding inspiration for your painting.
Follow your heart
If something feels right, it probably is. Go with your gut and trust that you’ll end up where you need to be.
Be open to new possibilities.
Don’t be afraid to explore different techniques or try new things. Sometimes the best results come from unexpected places
Let go of preconceived notions.
If you’re too attached to a specific outcome, you might miss out on something even better. Be open to whatever might come your way.
Listen to your inner voice.
It will never steer you wrong. If you’re feeling lost, take a step back and listen to what your heart is telling you
Painting is all about creativity and self-expression, so let your intuition guide you! Trusting your gut will help you tap into a well of inspiration that you never knew existed. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to painting something truly amazing in no time!
There’s no one right way
There’s no one right way to find inspiration for your next abstract painting project.
Trying to figure out what to paint next can be a frustrating experience. You might look at your blank canvas and feel like you’ve got nothing to say. Or, you might look at other people’s paintings and feel like you’ll never be able to create something as beautiful or as meaningful.
If you’re feeling stuck, don’t worry. The important thing is to keep your mind open and allow yourself to be led by your intuition. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to come up with something unique and beautiful that is all your own.