How to get started creating your own abstract art work with these 4 basic tips. The inherent simplicity is what makes these tips as opposed to rules. As an abstract artist you can create whatever you like, there are no guidelines to follow. As the painting composition should be liberal, in abstract art there is no right or wrong. 

Rainbow Hatching, psychedelic doodle © Sarah Klockars-Clauser 

1. Prepare to create your art work with a subject or theme in mind. Even though this is abstract art, it is important for the artist to have a clear idea of what the finished piece will mean to them personally. You can start out with a literal object portrayal and then work on blurring the vision of that object. Or, you can create an abstract concept from the beginning and work towards making a slightly more obvious representation. The first step is to know the general direction so you have a true starting point.

2. When it comes to supplies used, the decision is also completely up to you. You may choose to paint in vibrant colors or without color altogether. When first beginning as a painter a modest paint set and using paper is a good way to start without having to invest much money. If you choose to embrace this endeavor further, having higher quality and more varied selection of paints and brushes, perhaps even committing to use of canvas or other more expensive supplies would then be sensible.


3. The technique in creating an abstract painting is generally spontaneous and natural as opposed to mechanical. Freehand is the typical fashion of an abstract painter. If you choose to start out with a sketched foundation, try not to over-detail or create a drawing that represents the subject too methodically. Remember if you draw first it is only a framework and not to be the actual artwork itself. 

4. Relax and have fun - the ultimate goal in artistic expression is to let the imagination loose and create a work of art that you feel connected to and enjoy. The act of creating in abstract may provide an outlet for feelings that are indescribable in words. Also the sense of achievement in producing your very own painted artwork, customized to your own sensitivities is a gift in itself.

Since this is painting in abstract, keep in mind everyone will likely see something different in the painting. Try not to take this as criticism or a challenge to your intended subject matter. This is actually part of the value in abstract where it is many things to many people. As an artist you will develop your own style and with it convey your own perspectives with abstract imagery. If you find yourself looking for inspiration, further reading Abstract Painting Ideas may help you along.

Abstract art could be referred to as a creative method of illustrating an artist's view of the world not just the physical but also the ethereal. 

Fugue / Fuga,Wassily Kandinsky  1914
image courtesy of Beyeler Foundation

In contrast to other art forms, abstract art emphasizes ideas or imagination, expressed on canvas or other mediums. It is these ideas in their native abstract state that are not transformed into set-in-stone representation. It is very tricky to be able to create something in an actual substantive format with intangible characteristics. For starters, the artist must be in touch with their emotions enough to know exactly what feeling they want to convey.

Art that is abstract is created when an artist gives their thoughts and imagination a physical manifestation. These are then painted on canvas, drawn or shaped into the form of abstract art. Such types of art must depict stimulating images for other people to interplay in their minds and connect to in some specific way. It is just then that the art's true purpose is served. By using simple or complex shapes, colors and forms, it becomes possible for an abstract artist to create a piece of art for the purpose intended.

With so many people facing so much stress in today's frenzied world, abstract art can be a great means to vent out one's unexpressed emotions and to express oneself on canvas successfully in place of using sentences or words. You may wish to approach abstract art as a therapeutic type of hobby. There are 4 basic components to abstract art: sketching or drawing, perspective, color theory, and tools and procedures. These play a vital role in this particular form of art. Generally considered to be a very liberal form of modern art, abstract art does not emphasize the techniques or expertise that artists use of to create representative art but it does not exclude it either.

One thing that cannot be overlooked is the use of colors. Combining the colors to give the artwork the right intensity is a significant aspect to be remembered while creating abstract art. This is not to say that one cannot produce fine abstract imagery with only black and white, but again that is a matter of mastery. If you are just starting out colors are great for evoking feeling and are very important in giving the art the right impact. An important though typically not assumed fact is the effect that fine art training can have on an abstract artist's abilities. For instance, basic still life and portrait theories which are required classes for many art students may seem unnecessary to an artist already into creating in the abstract style. One such artist, Elisa Gomez ,tells me about her experience: 

"The teacher was a successful and very talented abstract artist and someone I felt I could be straight with. I asked him at the beginning of the semester (we had a history of classes at that point and he knew my style) if he felt it was truly necessary for me to take this class. He adamantly told me yes- yes, you need to know color theory, triangulation and many other elements to make a good still life. They are tools that can be manipulated in abstraction for a deeper more meaningful work. He was absurdly correct. What I am trying to say is while traditional techniques seem far and away from abstract art- those very tools help me to take my work from interesting to captivating." 

The emphasis in abstract art is focused on the artist's perspective of how they see the world. The feelings of the artist along with the knowledge of the aforementioned basic components should be enough for producing some form of abstract art. The more ideas and emotions stirred up in others upon viewing your work is a good gauge of how well your efforts turn out.  For some tips to getting started read 4 Tips for Painting Abstracts.