Creating abstract paintings is a journey, much like living a human life. It’s filled with moments of spontaneity, mistakes, unexpected beauty, and deep reflection.
In abstract art, there are no strict rules to follow—only the freedom to express.
Every brushstroke tells a part of the story, and each layer builds upon the last, forming a rich, textured narrative that mirrors the ups and downs of our personal experiences. Through this process, we not only create art but also connect more deeply with ourselves, finding beauty in the imperfections and joy in the unexpected.
1. Stay Loose and Free
When we approach abstract painting, it’s important to stay loose and free. The beauty of abstract art is that it invites us to embrace spontaneity, allowing our emotions and instincts to guide the brush. At times, we’ll feel the need to press down hard with our brush, creating bold, intentional strokes. Other times, a lightest touch will speak volumes. Each stroke, whether heavy or soft, contributes to the energy of the painting.
2. Tolerating Mistakes
When we make a mark we don’t like, it’s crucial to tolerate it. We can create a window of tolerance, resisting the urge to change or erase the mistake immediately. Sometimes those little “ugly” spots can evolve into something unexpected and beautiful. They add a bit of the weird or offbeat to our painting, making it more intriguing. These imperfections make people want to step closer and engage with the work on a deeper level. So, let’s give them a chance to stick around before we decide to edit them out. Abstracts allow us this freedom to hold space for mistakes—they often end up adding richness and interest.
3. Embrace the Unexpected
In abstract painting, having a little bit of unexpected is awesome. Whether it’s a misplaced brushstroke, an odd shape, or an unusual color combination, these moments of surprise breathe life into the painting. Abstract art thrives on contrast—it’s those tiny imperfections that make the painting truly interesting. We might feel uncomfortable with it at first, but if we tolerate these oddities for a bit longer, they often become the very elements that make the artwork stand out.
4. The Power of Brushstrokes
Each brushstroke tells a story, and in abstract art, they hold even more weight. The energy and intention behind each stroke—whether it’s confident, hesitant, or chaotic—will speak through the painting. It’s important not to underestimate the power of brushstrokes. The way we lay down the paint can convey emotion and movement, even if we aren’t working with a recognizable form. Let’s not underestimate the power of a single brushstroke to change the entire mood of our work.
5. The Evolution of the Painting
There will be moments when we don’t like how the painting is coming along. That’s okay. We’re not trying to like it yet; we’re trying to build something—getting some energy, color, movement, and texture on the canvas. We want the painting to tell a story, and without moments of imperfection or challenge, it can’t do that. Our goal is to create a painting that feels like it has a history, like it has been through different transitions, struggles, and triumphs.
By layering moments of pretty and ugly, wild and refined, we give the painting its depth. There’s no need to rush the process; we’ll have time to refine and focus as we move towards the end. In the beginning stages, let’s stay open, wild, and free, allowing allowing creativity to lead the way and allowing the painting to grow on its own terms.
6. The Depth of Darkness
Even in an abstract painting, moments of darkness can bring depth. Adding a dark motif or pattern can introduce contrast that makes the brighter areas shine even more. Darkness isn’t something to shy away from; it’s part of the natural ebb and flow of the painting. We don’t know if that dark section will stay until the end, but for now, we allow it to add complexity and richness. We’re creating from a place of freedom, both in our bodies and spirits, embracing the unpredictability of the creative process.
7. Creating Stories with Layers
Creating an abstract painting is much like living a human life. Each layer we add is a chapter, representing experiences, emotions, and growth. There are times of brightness and ease, where the colors flow effortlessly, and times of struggle, where the strokes are heavy and the hues darker. But it’s these layers, both the pretty and the ugly, that create a story.
Just like life, abstract art thrives on contrast and complexity. We don’t erase our mistakes or hardships; instead, we build upon them. Those layers of imperfection give the painting its depth and history, just as our own challenges shape who we are. In both art and life, we evolve, layer by layer, growing through each experience. The painting, like life, tells a unique, layered story that is richer because of its imperfections.
8. Trusting the Process
One of the greatest challenges in abstract painting is trusting the process. There will be stages where the painting looks messy or chaotic, but that’s a natural part of the journey. We have to remind ourselves that each layer, each brushstroke, adds to the final outcome, even when it feels unclear or uncertain.
The beauty of abstract art is that it often doesn’t make sense until it suddenly does. Trusting that we’ll arrive at that point can be difficult, but it’s essential. We’re building a dialogue with the canvas, and every mark we make is part of that conversation.
9. Let the Painting Speak to Us
Sometimes, we start with a certain idea in mind, but as we work, the painting takes on a life of its own. It begins to speak to us in unexpected ways. Our job is to listen. If a color calls for more attention, or if a certain texture asks to be highlighted, we need to honor that.
Abstract art is less about controlling the outcome and more about letting the painting guide us. Let’s stay open to those moments when the work tells us where to go next, even if it means veering off our original plan.
10. The Beauty of Imperfection
Imperfection is not only accepted in abstract art; it’s celebrated. In fact, imperfection is often what gives our paintings soul. Those little mistakes or uneven lines tell the story of human touch, of the artist behind the work.
In a world that often demands perfection, abstract painting gives us permission to embrace the imperfect, the uneven, the flawed. We can let go of the pressure to get everything just right and instead enjoy the quirks that make our work unique. Imperfection is where authenticity lives.
11. Intuition Over Logic
In abstract art, intuition is often more powerful than logic. We don’t have to plan everything out or understand every decision we make. Sometimes, the best moves come from a gut feeling, from that instinctual urge to throw down a particular color or make a bold mark. Abstract painting invites us to trust that inner voice, the one that isn’t constrained by rules or expectations. The more we let go of logical thinking and embrace our instincts, the more free and expressive our work becomes.
12. Explore Color as Emotion
In abstract art, color can be a powerful stand-in for emotion. We might not be painting recognizable forms, but the colors we choose can evoke a range of feelings—from joy and warmth to sadness or tension. We can use vibrant, bold hues to bring energy into our work, or soft, muted tones to create a sense of calm. Let’s think of color as a language we’re using to communicate mood, energy, and emotion. Sometimes a single streak of color can change the entire atmosphere of a painting, so let’s experiment and play with it.
13. The Role of Play
Abstract art is an invitation to play. Whether we’re scribbling, splattering, or smearing paint with our hands, the more we embrace playfulness, the more alive our work becomes. Play allows us to step out of our heads and into the flow of creativity. It frees us from the weight of expectations and lets us enjoy the sheer act of creation. In these moments of play, new ideas and surprises often emerge. So, let’s make space for play in our process and remember that art doesn’t always have to be serious—it can be pure joy, too.
14. Letting Go of the Outcome
One of the most liberating aspects of abstract painting is letting go of the need for a specific outcome. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to approach it. We don’t have to strive for beauty or even meaning. Sometimes, the process itself is the most valuable part of the experience. Let’s allow the painting to unfold naturally, without forcing it to be something it’s not. When we let go of controlling the final result, we make room for creativity to flow more freely. And often, that’s when the most unexpected and beautiful things happen.
15. Inviting Texture and Dimension
Incorporating texture into our abstract paintings adds an entirely new layer of interest. Whether we’re using thick impasto techniques, adding fabric, or scraping through layers of paint, texture gives our work a tangible, dimensional quality. It invites viewers to not just look at the painting but to feel it with their eyes. By playing with different materials and surfaces, we can create a painting that has depth and complexity—one that feels like it’s alive and evolving. Texture makes the painting more interactive, inviting people to explore it from different angles and perspectives.
Conclusion
Creativity isn’t a critic but a supportive friend encouraging you to explore and experiment.
The journey of abstract painting is about exploration and expression, not about achieving immediate perfection. So, allow your work to evolve naturally, cherish the mistakes as part of the story, and remember that creativity thrives in freedom.
Keep going, stay wild, and trust in the process—your painting will tell its story in its own time.
