Interested in starting your own abstract painting but not sure where to begin? Look no further than Liz Ackerley’s video tutorial on how to kickstart your creative process. She shares valuable insights into her studio set up, the initial layering of paint, and even provides tips on developing a color palette. With a focus on keeping things loose and playful, Liz’s approach to abstract painting is perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike.
Through her ramshackles project, Liz demonstrates how to work on cradle panels or canvas surfaces, making her techniques accessible to all. By avoiding the pressure of overthinking and embracing experimentation, she shows how to create rich layers and textures in your paintings. So grab your paintbrushes and get ready to unleash your inner artist with Liz Ackerley’s guidance.
Setting up your space
Clear your workspace
Before diving into the creative process, it’s essential to clear your workspace. Remove any clutter or distractions that might hinder your focus and creativity. Make sure you have enough space to move around freely and access all your materials easily.
Gather materials
Ensure you have all the necessary materials within reach before starting your abstract painting. This can include various paints, brushes, palette knives, scrapers, found objects or paper for texture, adhesives, and any other tools you plan to use. Having everything prepared will save you time and make the process smoother.
Choosing your surface
Selecting canvas or cradle panels
When choosing a surface for your abstract painting, consider whether you want to work on canvas or cradle panels. Canvas offers a traditional texture and is versatile, while cradle panels provide a solid, flat surface that can be easier to work on. Select the surface that best suits your style and preferences.
Considering size and shape
Think about the size and shape of your surface before starting. Larger surfaces allow for more expansive gestures and movements, while smaller surfaces can create a sense of intimacy and detail. Consider how the size and shape of your surface will impact the overall composition of your painting.
Prepping your surface
Priming the surface
Before applying any paint, make sure to prime your surface. This will create a smooth and stable base for your colors to adhere to. Choose a primer that works well with the type of surface you’re using and apply it evenly for optimal results.
Creating texture or underpainting
If you want to add texture or depth to your painting, consider creating an underpainting or adding texture to the surface. This can involve using different techniques and tools to build up layers before applying your main colors. Experiment with creating interesting textures to enhance the overall look of your abstract piece.
Selecting a color palette
Choosing a limited color scheme
Selecting a limited color palette can help create a cohesive and harmonious painting. Choose a few key colors that work well together and stick to them throughout your piece. This will give your painting a unified look and allow the colors to interact and complement each other.
Experimenting with different color combinations
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different color combinations and variations. Mix colors together, layer them on the surface, and see how they interact and create new shades. By exploring different color options, you can discover unique and unexpected results that can add depth and interest to your abstract painting.
Exploring mark-making tools
Experimenting with brushes
Try out a variety of brushes with different shapes, sizes, and textures to create different marks and strokes on your surface. Experiment with using brushes in unconventional ways to achieve interesting effects and add depth to your painting.
Trying out palette knives and scrapers
Palette knives and scrapers can be used to create bold, textured marks on your painting surface. Experiment with scraping, smearing, and layering paint using these tools to add dimension and movement to your abstract piece. Don’t be afraid to play around and see what unique effects you can create.
Applying the first layer of paint
Keeping it loose and fresh
When applying the first layer of paint, focus on keeping your strokes loose, spontaneous, and fresh. Avoid overthinking or trying to create a perfect composition right away. Let go of expectations and allow the paint to flow freely, embracing the process and staying open to new possibilities.
Avoiding overthinking the process
It’s important not to overthink the process of applying the first layer of paint. Trust your instincts, follow your intuition, and allow the painting to evolve organically. Embrace imperfections and happy accidents, as they can lead to unexpected and exciting results in your abstract piece.
Creating depth and richness
Layering paint strategically
To create depth and richness in your painting, consider layering paint strategically. Build up layers of color, allowing previous layers to peek through and interact with new ones. Experiment with transparent and opaque effects to add complexity and visual interest to your abstract piece.
Playing with transparency and opacity
Explore the possibilities of transparency and opacity in your painting. Play with translucent washes of color and thick, opaque layers to create depth and contrast. By alternating between transparent and opaque elements, you can achieve a dynamic and multidimensional look in your abstract piece.
Adding texture and collage elements
Incorporating found objects or paper
To enhance the texture and visual interest of your painting, consider incorporating found objects or paper into your piece. Experiment with different materials and adhesives to create unique textures and surfaces that add depth and complexity to your abstract artwork.
Experimenting with different adhesives
When adding texture and collage elements to your painting, explore different adhesives to find the best ones for your materials. Test out adhesive options to see how they interact with your surfaces and objects, ensuring they adhere securely without compromising the integrity of your artwork.
Developing your composition
Balancing negative space
When developing your composition, pay attention to the balance of negative space in your painting. Negative space, or the areas between and around your main subjects, can play a crucial role in the overall composition. Experiment with different arrangements and placements to achieve a harmonious and visually engaging composition.
Creating focal points
Consider creating focal points within your painting to draw the viewer’s eye and create visual interest. Highlight certain areas, colors, or shapes to establish focal points that anchor the composition and guide the viewer’s gaze. Experiment with different focal points to see which ones resonate with your artistic vision.
Finishing touches and final details
Adding finishing touches with fine lines or details
As you near the completion of your abstract painting, add finishing touches with fine lines or intricate details. These final flourishes can enhance the overall look of your piece and add a personal touch to the composition. Consider adding subtle marks or highlights to bring out specific areas of interest.
Stepping back to assess the overall composition
Before considering your painting finished, take a step back and assess the overall composition. Distance yourself from the artwork to gain a fresh perspective and evaluate the balance, coherence, and impact of the piece. Make any final adjustments or refinements necessary to ensure your abstract painting meets your artistic vision.
By following these steps and exploring the creative process of abstract painting, you can develop your skills, experiment with new techniques, and create unique and expressive artwork. Embrace the journey of painting abstractly, trust your instincts, and enjoy the freedom of creative exploration. Remember to stay open to new ideas, take risks, and push your artistic boundaries to discover the endless possibilities of abstract art.
If you are interested in starting an abstract painting, this video where I show how I begin some of my ramshackles paintings is perfect for you! I share my studio setup and the process of applying the initial layer of paint.
music: www.bensound.com
I have also made several other videos about the Ramshackles body of work.
This video showcases some location drawing:
• ‘Ramshackles’ the magic of ink drawin…
This video demonstrates the development of drawings in the studio:
• How to create exciting and expressive…
Here, I present my approach to creating a series-specific collage concertina:
• Changing things up with collage play
I also discuss gathering materials to begin the work here:
• Painting series kickoff essentials
And I explain how I develop the color palette here:
• how to develop an inspired colour pal…
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