10 Practical Abstract Acrylic Painting Ideas for Beginners

Published on 20 June 2023 10 min read

Embarking on a creative journey with abstract acrylic painting can be both exciting and daunting for beginners. With a myriad of techniques and styles to choose from, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. To help you get started, we've compiled a list of 10 practical abstract acrylic painting ideas that are perfect for beginners. These ideas will not only inspire you but also help you develop your own unique artistic style. So grab your brushes and let's dive in!

1. Color Blocking

Color blocking is a great technique for beginners to experiment with when exploring abstract acrylic painting ideas. It involves dividing your canvas into different sections and filling each one with a solid color. Here's how you can create your own color-blocked masterpiece:

Choose your colors: Select a color scheme that appeals to you. It could be complementary colors, analogous colors, or even a monochromatic palette.
Divide your canvas: Use a ruler and pencil to lightly draw lines that divide your canvas into sections of varying sizes and shapes. You can make them geometric or free-form, depending on your preference.
Fill in the sections: Using a flat brush, carefully paint each section with the chosen colors. Let each color dry before moving on to the next to avoid accidental blending.
Add depth: To make your painting more visually interesting, consider using different shades or tints of your chosen colors for some sections. This will add depth and dimension to your artwork.

Color blocking is an excellent way for beginners to gain confidence with acrylic paints while creating eye-catching abstract pieces.

2. Drip Painting

For those seeking abstract acrylic painting ideas that are both fun and spontaneous, drip painting is the way to go. This technique involves dripping paint onto the canvas, allowing gravity to create unique patterns and textures. Drip painting can be as controlled or chaotic as you like—experiment and see what works best for you. Here's how to get started:

Prepare your workspace: Lay down a drop cloth or newspapers to protect your floor from paint splatters. Make sure your canvas is secured on an easel or propped up against a wall.
Thin your paint: Mix your chosen acrylic paint colors with water or acrylic medium to achieve a slightly runny consistency. This will allow the paint to flow more easily when dripped.
Drip away: Hold your brush or squeeze bottle filled with paint above the canvas and allow the paint to drip down. You can control the flow by adjusting the height and angle of your hand. Feel free to experiment with various dripping tools, such as pipettes or even a turkey baster.
Layer your drips: Let the first layer of drips dry, then add more layers of different colors to create depth and visual interest. You can also tilt the canvas to guide the direction of the paint flow.

Drip painting is a fantastic way to loosen up and let your creativity flow freely. Plus, it's a great opportunity to develop your own unique abstract acrylic painting style.

3. Geometric Abstraction

Geometric abstraction is another exciting avenue to explore when searching for abstract acrylic painting ideas. This approach uses simple geometric shapes and lines to create visually striking compositions. Don't let the simplicity fool you, though—there are countless ways to get creative with this style. Here are some tips to help you dive into geometric abstraction:

Choose your shapes: Start by selecting a few basic shapes, such as squares, circles, triangles, or lines. You can either stick to one shape or mix and match to create more complex patterns.
Plan your composition: Sketch out your design on the canvas using a pencil or masking tape. This will give you a clear roadmap to follow as you paint and help you maintain clean, sharp lines.
Experiment with color: One of the key features of geometric abstraction is the use of bold, contrasting colors. Consider using a limited color palette or complementary colors to make your shapes pop.
Play with scale and repetition: Vary the size of your shapes and repeat them across the canvas to create a sense of rhythm and movement. This can add visual interest and balance to your composition.

Geometric abstraction is a fantastic way to sharpen your design skills and explore the power of simplicity in abstract acrylic painting. With a little practice, you'll soon be creating eye-catching masterpieces that showcase your artistic flair.

4. Palette Knife Technique

Looking for a new and exciting way to add texture and depth to your abstract acrylic paintings? The palette knife technique might be just what you need. By swapping out your paintbrush for a palette knife, you can create stunning effects that will elevate your artwork. Here's how to get started with the palette knife technique:

Choose your materials: Invest in a few different sizes and shapes of palette knives to give yourself a range of options. You can find both metal and plastic varieties, each offering its own unique feel and effect.
Load your knife: Scoop up a small amount of paint with the edge of your palette knife. You can either mix colors directly on the knife or apply individual colors for a more vibrant result.
Experiment with application: There are several ways to apply paint with a palette knife. Try scraping, dabbing, or dragging the paint across the canvas to create different textures and patterns.
Layer your colors: One of the key advantages of the palette knife technique is the ability to create thick layers of paint. By building up these layers, you can create a sense of depth and dimension in your abstract acrylic painting.

The palette knife technique is a fantastic method for artists looking to push the boundaries of their abstract acrylic painting ideas. With practice, you'll be able to create dynamic, textured masterpieces that truly stand out.

5. Splatter Painting

Channel your inner Jackson Pollock and explore the world of splatter painting! This fun and energetic technique allows you to create abstract acrylic paintings that are truly one-of-a-kind. Here's a quick guide to help you dive into splatter painting:

Prepare your workspace: Splatter painting can get messy, so make sure to cover your floors and walls with drop cloths or plastic sheets. You may also want to wear old clothes or an apron to protect yourself from paint splatters.
Choose your colors: Select a variety of acrylic paint colors that you find inspiring. You can mix and match your favorites or stick to a specific color scheme to create a cohesive look.
Thin your paint: Add a small amount of water to your acrylic paint to achieve a slightly runny consistency. This will help the paint splatter more easily onto the canvas.
Get splattering: Dip a brush, toothbrush, or even your fingers into the thinned paint, and start flicking, dripping, or splashing it onto your canvas. Feel free to experiment with different tools and techniques to create unique patterns and textures.
Layer it up: Allow each layer of paint to dry before adding the next. This will prevent colors from blending together and help you maintain sharp, distinct splatters.

By embracing the spontaneity and unpredictability of splatter painting, you can create abstract acrylic paintings that truly capture your imagination. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to splatter paint — the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!

6. Swirling Patterns

Swirling patterns can add movement, depth, and visual interest to your abstract acrylic paintings. With a bit of practice, you can create mesmerizing designs that draw the viewer's eye across the canvas. Here are some tips to help you get started with swirling patterns:

Select your colors: Choose a few complementary or contrasting colors that will look great when swirled together. Keep in mind that some colors may blend and create new shades as you swirl them, so consider how different combinations will interact.
Apply your paint: Squeeze or brush your acrylic paint directly onto the canvas in the areas where you want to create swirls. You can make dots, lines, or any other shapes that appeal to you.
Swirl it up: Using a brush, palette knife, or even a toothpick, gently drag your tool through the paint to create swirling patterns. Be careful not to overwork the paint, as this can cause colors to become muddy and less distinct.
Experiment with techniques: Try different swirling methods, such as spirals, loops, or waves, to see what effects you can achieve. You can also experiment with varying the pressure, speed, and direction of your tool as you swirl the paint.
Embrace imperfection: Don't worry if your swirls don't turn out exactly how you envisioned. Part of the beauty of abstract acrylic painting lies in the unexpected surprises that emerge as you work!

With swirling patterns, the possibilities are endless. As you explore this technique, you'll discover your own unique style and create abstract acrylic paintings that showcase your artistic flair.

7. Texture Exploration

Texture can play a vital role in abstract acrylic painting, adding depth and dimension to your artwork. By experimenting with various materials and techniques, you can create captivating tactile effects that bring your paintings to life. Here are some ideas to help you dive into texture exploration:

Use thick paint: Apply your acrylic paint generously to the canvas, creating a thick layer that will result in a raised, textured surface. You can use a brush, palette knife, or even your fingers to spread the paint.
Add texture mediums: Acrylic texture mediums, such as modeling paste or coarse pumice gel, can be mixed with your paint to create a variety of textures. Experiment with different mediums to see which ones work best for your desired effect.
Impasto technique: Impasto is a painting technique where paint is applied in thick layers, creating a textured, sculptural effect. To achieve this look, use a palette knife or brush to apply your paint in bold, sweeping strokes.
Found objects: Incorporate everyday items, like bubble wrap, plastic bags, or sponges, to create unique textures in your abstract acrylic paintings. Press these objects into wet paint and then lift them away to reveal interesting patterns and textures.
Layering: Build up layers of paint and texture mediums to create depth and complexity in your artwork. Remember to let each layer dry before adding the next to avoid unwanted blending or smudging.

As you explore different textures in your abstract acrylic paintings, you'll develop a greater understanding of how they can impact the overall mood and feel of your work. With a bit of experimentation and a willingness to try new things, you'll soon be creating visually stunning and tactile masterpieces.

8. Pour Painting

Pour painting is a fun and accessible technique for beginners looking to create dynamic abstract acrylic paintings. As the name suggests, this method involves pouring paint directly onto the canvas and manipulating it to create interesting patterns and color combinations. Here's a simple guide to help you get started with pour painting:

Choose your colors: Select a few complementary or contrasting colors for your painting. Think about the mood you want to evoke and how the colors will interact when mixed together.
Prepare your paint: In separate cups, mix each color of acrylic paint with a pouring medium, which will help the paint flow more easily across the canvas. Stir well until the mixture reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
Layer your paint: Pour each color into a single cup, one on top of the other, without stirring. This will create a colorful "stack" of paint that can be poured onto the canvas in one go.
Pour and tilt: Carefully pour your stacked paint onto the canvas, either in a straight line or a circular pattern. Then, tilt the canvas in different directions, allowing the paint to flow and blend together in captivating ways.
Experiment with tools: You can use various tools, like a palette knife, straw, or even a hairdryer, to manipulate the paint and create unique patterns and effects in your pour painting.

Pour painting is an exciting way to experiment with abstract acrylic painting ideas, as it allows for spontaneity and unpredictability in your creations. With a bit of practice, you'll be able to achieve stunning results that are sure to impress.

9. Negative Space Art

Negative space art is an intriguing approach to abstract acrylic painting that plays with the relationship between the subject and the space around it. By emphasizing the areas around the main subject, negative space art can create striking visual effects and add depth to your paintings. Here's how you can experiment with negative space in your artwork:

Choose a subject: Pick a simple shape or object to be the focal point of your painting. This could be anything from a circle to a silhouette of a tree or a mountain range.
Paint the background: Start by painting the entire canvas with a single color or a gradient of colors. This will act as the base for your negative space.
Add your subject: Using a contrasting color, paint your chosen shape or object onto the canvas. Be mindful of the placement, as this will affect how the negative space interacts with the subject.
Enhance the negative space: To emphasize the negative space, add layers of paint around your subject, using different shades or tints of the background color. This will create a sense of depth and draw attention to the space around the subject.
Experiment with textures and patterns: To further explore abstract acrylic painting ideas, consider incorporating textures or patterns into the negative space, such as using a sponge or a palette knife to apply paint in interesting ways.

By focusing on the negative space in your paintings, you can create captivating and thought-provoking abstract art that invites viewers to look beyond the obvious and appreciate the beauty in the spaces between.

10. Mixed Media Collage

Mixed media collage is a versatile and exciting way to explore abstract acrylic painting ideas by combining different art materials and techniques. This approach allows you to experiment with texture, color, and composition while creating unique, multi-layered artworks. Here's a simple guide to help you get started with mixed media collage:

Gather your materials: Collect a variety of items to incorporate into your collage, such as paper, fabric, magazine clippings, or even natural elements like leaves or twigs. You'll also need acrylic paint and a canvas or sturdy paper to serve as your base.
Create a background: Start by painting your canvas or paper with a base color or a combination of colors. This will set the tone for your mixed media collage and help unify the various elements.
Arrange your collage elements: Experiment with the placement of your materials, considering composition, color, and texture. Once you're happy with the arrangement, use glue, tape, or other adhesives to secure the pieces to your background.
Integrate acrylic paint: Now it's time to incorporate acrylic paint into your collage. Use brushes, sponges, or palette knives to apply paint over and around your collage elements, creating a cohesive and harmonious artwork.
Add finishing touches: To complete your mixed media collage, consider adding details such as lines, patterns, or additional textures using paint or other materials. This can help to further unify your piece and enhance the overall visual impact.

Mixed media collage offers endless possibilities for creative expression and experimentation, making it an excellent option for beginners looking to expand their repertoire of abstract acrylic painting ideas. So, why not give it a try and see where your imagination takes you?

If you're passionate about improving your acrylic painting skills, don't miss the workshop 'Improve Your Acrylic Painting Skills' by Rachel Christopoulos. This workshop is the perfect opportunity to learn new techniques, refine your existing skills, and take your artwork to the next level.