#Abstract Expressionism Explained

Most abstract painters blame colour when their work feels flat. But colour isn’t the problem — value is. Our eyes see value before colour. Without strong lights and darks, your painting has nothing to pull the viewer in. Everything just sits there. This is the #1 thing I correct during live feedback in Living Abstracts. The colour choices are often beautiful — but the value range is too narrow. Everything lives in the midtones. And I get it. Pushing bold darks and strong lights is scary. It means committing. But staying safe in the midtones is exactly what makes a painting less interesting. I just posted a full YouTube video where I break this down while painting — showing you exactly what happens when you push your values. Comment YouTube and I’ll DM you the link to my channel. 🎁 Want a head start? Grab my free Clarity Kit — it includes the Clarity Checklist (6 things to check before calling a painting done) + a 3-part video workshop on value, variety, and colour. Comment Clarity for the link!

I see so many new abstract artists doing this, and it's something that's so easily fixed! 🛠 Rushing into painting without a clear composition or balance in mind.👩‍🎨 Abstract doesn’t mean random! Even the most expressive, intuitive art needs a strong foundation—whether it’s through contrast, focal points, or movement. 💡 The Fix? Before you start, take a moment to plan your composition. 🔹 Where will the eye be drawn? 🔹 Are there areas of rest vs. energy? 🔹 Does your piece feel intentional? The difference between an amateur and a confident abstract artist? Purposeful decision-making. ✨ Want to know how to merge intuition with decisive painting? ✍️ Comment PALETTE below, and I'll send you the link to my free training on my secret process to abstract success! 🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨 #acrylicabstractartist #abstractart #arttips #Intuitiveart

Starting an abstract painting with bold dark marks and blocks of color creates a strong foundation. This actually simplifies the ‘messy middle’ stage. It’s all about creating balance from the get-go, making the entire process more effortless and enjoyable. ➡️ Follow me to see the full transformation of this painting. ➡️Want more painting technique advise? Be sure to subscribe to my art emails located here in my bio for tips , guides and upcoming online workshops. #artistoninstagram #abstractfloral #abstractartistoninstagram #paintingprocess #markmakingart #contemporaryart #artforthehome #artistworkshop

Abstract Expressionism explained for self taught artists in Hindi #learnart #artistoninstagram #abstractexpression #arthistory #selftaughtartist #modernart

One of the most important parts of abstract painting actually happens before the painting even begins. The base layer. Many artists experiment with different base colors and textures because it completely changes how the rest of the painting evolves. A darker base can create depth and drama. A lighter base can make colors glow and feel more open. Sometimes I even add texture in the base layer so that the following layers interact with it in unexpected ways. That’s the beauty of abstract art — every layer influences the next. This painting started with a textured base that helped guide the composition and create the movement you see now. abstract painting process abstract art techniques textured abstract painting mixed media art process abstract painting layers contemporary abstract art #abstractart #abstractpainting #artprocess #mixedmediaart #artiststudio

Abstract expressionism #abstract #abstractart #abstractexpressionism

@artful.cristina #abstractart #abstractpaintings #loveabstractart #texturedpainting #abstractobsession

🔹Credit @alex_artiste_peintre 🔹 🔹#abstractpainting #acrylicanvas #abstracto #bestart #followart

Such an abstract work of art needs many steps and time to develop. Now here is the complete process in 90 seconds from start and many improvements to completion. Have fun watching and trying it out. #painting #abstraktpainting #acrylbild #acryloncanvas #acryliconcanvaspainting #abstractart #abstractcurator #abstraktmalerei #acrylicpaint #acrylicpaintings #artchallenge #artcurator #acrylmalerei #Spachtelarbeit #spachteltechnik #malenlernen #malerei #artwork #kunstaufinta #Kunstwerk #kunstinhildesheim #hildesheim

Everyone says you need to learn the rules first. Learn the techniques. Get the foundations right. Follow the proper steps. Blah blah blah …. But I’m done with that narrative. When it comes to expressive abstract art, the real starting point is not the rules. It is you. It is learning to trust yourself. To follow your instincts. To listen to your intuition before anything else. And I get why this is hard. Most of us grew up in systems that taught us to doubt ourselves. The education system told us there was one right answer. {don’t even get me started on the Education system.} That neat and tidy was better. That creativity needed to follow a formula. So no wonder we lose our way when we try to create. We second guess everything. We try to do it the right way. We feel like we need permission to even begin. But your most powerful art will not come from following rules. It will come from letting go. From reconnecting with what you already know deep down. From painting with instinct. With feeling. With freedom. Forget the rules. Trust yourself instead. And if you feel like you need guidance back to yourself, that is exactly where Unleash Your Creative Potential comes in. It is not about painting like me or anyone else. It is about discovering how to create like you. Click here to discover more https://learn.rosehewartson.com/unleash-your-creative-potential-2 or follow the link in my bio. . . . . #beginnerartist #abstractart

Quick Inspo Video! Elements of an abstract painting: Hi Everyone! Here are some tips on how you can add different techniques to your abstract paintings and WHY 😉 Brush coverage: Get your base coverage on and don’t waste any paint by simply mixing color direct to canvas. Scraper Layers: Using the scraper can produce some hard areas on top of your brushed on layers. You’ll get some angles and can create attention grabbing LINE in your work. Collage: Get the deli wrap paper (cheap and cheerful!) and pull some prints. Collage is an easy way to anchor a composition. Stencils: Add a pattern (I like to sometimes hide pattern in a small area of the piece- less is more) and if you use heavy body paint, you can make it textural too! Got any questions? ASK ME! 🩷 PS- I just put up an amazing collection of old workshop footage- 20 hours of video, about 20 paintings, and all for $59. I’m calling it “Self-Guided Classics” and if you are a fan of my early work, you can grab this group of workshops and paint until…like a really long time. Classes from 2010-2016 are LOADED with techniques. Check out the class samples and get into the workshop by following my profile to my links. Of course, my new workshops are also available. 😉

The second layer of a 36x36” colorful painting 🌷 My only goal here is to play and keep things moving. I started by adding large collage pieces in a blue and orange palette, then used prompts and my painting guides to push new ideas onto the canvas without overthinking. To finish the layer, I brought in light-value neutrals to balance things out and added a few bold marks with black and white China markers. At this stage, I’m not focused on the outcome at all. The more I try to control it, the more stuck I get. So instead, I lean into experimentation, layering, and uncertainty, saving the refining for later. If you’re feeling stuck, try giving yourself a layer like this: no pressure, just movement. Save this for your next painting session or share it with someone who needs a reminder to loosen up 🌷 🏷️ Abstract Painting Process, Layered Painting Technique, Colorful Abstract Art, Mixed Media Painting, Collage In Painting, Creative Process, Contemporary Abstract Artist, Acrylic Painting Tips #artwithadele