At the risk of being cliché, art is subjective. Art will always spark debate, be it technique, meaning, or purpose. Indeed, techniques are fundamental. Talent is enabling. But the underlying concept of art is always about representation; the artist’s technique can come after.

Abstract art is a well-known type of art that surpasses the classic need of accurately depicting tangible objects. It’s a modern art movement that challenges putting emphasis on technique over meaning. While in realism an apple must exactly look like one, in abstract art, a blob of red and green is enough to depict the fruit.

This unbridled and liberated nature of abstract art is the reason why it has been exceedingly gaining fame in recent years. Abstract art tickles human curiosity and nothing else is more inviting than a little piece of mystery.

If you’re planning to get into it or perhaps you want to expand your repertoire of art techniques, here are pointers on how to paint abstract art like a pro:

1. Solidify Your Intent And Purpose
Art is the product of an artist’s intent and purpose. Without the artist moving, art is but a figment of imagination. Suffice it to say, the intent of the artist is the soul of the art and purpose as its reason for existence.

The rationale behind the intent, however, could vary from artist to artist. Some intend to create art for expression, profession, or a combination of both. Others do it as a hobby or to get over a certain sadness. Identifying your intent is usually the first step in creating art—abstract or not.

Despite its importance, however, a lot of artists struggle in identifying their intent, let alone the purpose of their art. When blocks like these happen, it’s better to distract yourself with something else. Pause for a moment. Get inspiration from somewhere else. You can start by peeking through your window and observing nature in its rawest form, or you can get ideas from well-designed wall art or any other medium.

2. Select Your Medium



There’s an array of art media out there. There’s watercolor, gouache, acrylics, oils, or even non-paint media such as stones, pebbles, leaves, and more. The medium that you’ll use in your abstract art must be something relevant to your purpose that you have prior experience using, or anything that you have a personal connection with.

Choosing the appropriate medium in your piece is important for it gives more depth and meaning to your artwork. Watercolor pieces typically have a relaxed and quiet finish to them. Meanwhile, oils have the power and volume to make it seem like the object will jump out of the canvas at any given minute. It may be a reason why they were a popular medium among classic impressionists.

Whichever medium you’ll use, choosing the right one will help you convey your story via your abstract art piece.

3. Let Your Hands Do The Work
When it comes to abstract painting, you need to forget about forms as much as possible. Since it aims to provide an abstract representation of the world, having to continuously think of material forms will make abstract art harder for you.

Yet it doesn’t mean that you make your art visually chaotic. Abstract still follows the rule of composition, color theory, and texture in making it. Proper blocking of elements and hue selection is still important, making abstract art equally as valid as other extremely technical art techniques.

4. Don’t Overthink
Not overthinking is easier said than done. Ruminating over the meaning, components, media, among others, make abstract art extremely difficult to do. Having to spend time predicting how the final piece will look may result in not even starting your piece.

Also, your art doesn’t need to have meaning nor are you required to explain your work to others. How to paint abstract art like a pro? Refrain from thinking of the associated dialogues or narratives that you ought your piece to have—remember, intent and purpose are there to guide your creative process, and not your viewers’ interpretations.

Besides, the charm of abstract art lies in its ability to disturb thoughts. Its inclination towards being misinterpreted or being interpreted differently is a massive part of the appeal of many abstract art pieces. Furthermore, meaning doesn’t need to be grand. Whether you’re inspired by swimming ducks by the park pond or the ravaging effects of capitalism, your art is still valid.

In A Nutshell
Art is a beautiful way to give light to the darkest corners of the human mind. It’s personal yet social, it’s divine yet gruesome. It’s about freedom of expression, which everyone’s entitled to, rightfully.