In this video from Art with Adele, you will learn about 3 principles for painting abstracts that engage. Adele breaks down these principles in an easy-to-remember way that will positively impact every painting you create. She discusses the importance of adding and subtracting, balancing bold and subtle elements, and achieving contrast in your artwork. By following Adele’s guidance, you can enhance the visual appeal of your paintings and take your abstract art to the next level.
Adele demonstrates these principles on a painting, showing you how to make intentional marks, create contrast, and ensure balance in your artwork. She emphasizes the importance of thinking about how the viewer’s eye will move around the canvas, leading to a more engaging and dynamic composition. By incorporating these 3 principles into your painting process, you can create abstracts that truly captivate and resonate with your audience.
Principles for Painting Abstracts
When creating abstract art, there are three key principles to keep in mind: subtracting and adding, subtle vs. bold choices, and creating balance within your composition. These elements will help guide your artistic process and enhance the impact of your artwork.
Subtracting and Adding
Adding paint or collage elements to your abstract piece can create depth and texture. It adds visual interest and allows for experimentation with different materials. On the other hand, subtracting or removing certain elements can help refine your composition and create focal points within the artwork.
Subtle vs. Bold
Striking a balance between subtle and bold choices in your marks and colors is crucial. By incorporating subtle details that may not be immediately noticeable but add complexity upon closer inspection, you create layers of intrigue. Bold elements, on the other hand, can draw the viewer’s eye and create dynamic contrast within the composition.
Creating Balance
Balancing different elements within your abstract piece is essential for guiding the viewer’s eye. By strategically placing colors, textures, and shapes, you can create a harmonious composition that engages the viewer’s attention and leads them through the artwork.
Techniques Demonstrated by Adele
Artist Adele demonstrates various techniques in her abstract paintings, including the use of collage elements to add texture and depth. She also showcases how to make subtle marks with brushes, adding layers of complexity to the artwork.
Using Collage Elements
Incorporating collage elements into your abstract paintings can bring a unique visual dimension to your work. By layering different materials and textures, you can create a dynamic composition that captures the viewer’s interest.
Making Subtle Marks with Brushes
Utilizing brushes to create subtle marks on your canvas can add depth and intricacy to your abstract piece. By varying the pressure and movement of your brush strokes, you can achieve a range of textures and visual effects within your artwork.
Color and Value Considerations
When working on abstract paintings, choosing colors thoughtfully can greatly impact the overall composition. Selecting colors that create interest and contrast can enhance the visual appeal of your artwork. Additionally, using similar colors for depth can create a sense of cohesion and unity within the piece.
Choosing Colors to Create Interest
Experimenting with different color combinations can bring life and energy to your abstract paintings. Vibrant colors can evoke emotions and capture the viewer’s attention, while more muted tones can create a sense of calm and depth within the composition.
Using Similar Colors for Depth
By incorporating similar colors in different shades and tones, you can create a sense of depth and continuity within your abstract artwork. This technique helps tie the composition together and creates a cohesive visual narrative for the viewer to explore.
Texture and Layering Techniques
Texture and layering techniques play a crucial role in creating dynamic and visually engaging abstract art. Utilizing palette paper for texture and adding thin and thick layers can add depth and complexity to your compositions.
Using Palette Paper for Texture
Experimenting with different textures using palette paper can add visual interest to your abstract paintings. By layering paint and other materials on textured surfaces, you can create depth and unique tactile experiences within your artwork.
Adding Thin and Thick Layers for Depth
Incorporating both thin and thick layers of paint can create a sense of depth and dimension within your abstract piece. By varying the application of paint, you can build layers that interact with light and shadow, adding visual complexity to your composition.
Importance of Contrast in Abstracts
Contrast plays a significant role in creating impact and intrigue in abstract art. Using bright colors to draw attention and subtle markings to invite closer inspection can create a dynamic visual experience for the viewer.
Using Bright Colors to Create Impact
Bold and bright colors can grab the viewer’s attention and create focal points within your abstract paintings. By strategically placing vibrant hues against more subdued tones, you can create visual interest and energy within your composition.
Utilizing Subtle Markings for Intrigue
Incorporating subtle markings and details in your artwork can encourage viewers to take a closer look and discover hidden layers of complexity. Subtle textures and delicate brushwork can add sophistication and intrigue to your abstract pieces.
Final Touches and Adjustments
Finishing touches and adjustments are essential steps in the abstract painting process. Lightly going over drips and maintaining balance through adjustments can refine your composition and enhance its overall impact.
Lightly Going Over Drips
Addressing any drips or uneven areas in your abstract painting can help maintain a cohesive and polished look. Lightly going over these imperfections can blend them into the composition and create a harmonious visual flow.
Maintaining Balance Through Adjustments
Making slight adjustments to the composition, color palette, or texture can help maintain balance within your artwork. By stepping back and assessing the overall composition, you can identify areas that need refinement and ensure that the piece maintains its visual integrity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding and applying these three key principles in abstract painting can have a significant impact on your artistic practice. By considering elements such as subtracting and adding, subtle vs. bold choices, and creating balance within your compositions, you can elevate your artwork and engage viewers on a deeper level. Experimenting with different techniques and exploring the interplay of color, texture, and value can further enhance the visual impact of your abstract art. Incorporating contrast, final touches, and adjustments can help refine your compositions and create compelling and dynamic artworks that captivate and inspire. Embrace these principles in your artistic journey and unlock new possibilities within your abstract painting practice.
3 Principles for Painting Abstracts that Engage / Art with Adele
Do you ever lose track of all the “do’s” and “don’ts” you learned in art classes? Whether it’s rules about perspective, composition, color combinations, it can be challenging just trying to remember them all. In this video, I explain 3 basic principles that are easy to remember and that will make a positive impact on each and every one of your paintings.
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