5 Techniques to Find Your Abstract Drawing Style

Contents

1. Find inspiration from daily life
2. Experiment with different materials and techniques
3. Practice free drawing
4. Study the works of abstract artists
5. Create a drawing series

Drawing in an abstract style can seem daunting at first, but it's a journey of self-discovery that can lead to a unique aesthetic all your own. In this blog post, we're going to explore five simple techniques that can help you on your path to discovering your abstract drawing aesthetic. No need for fancy art degrees or high-end supplies here—just your creativity and willingness to step outside the box.

1. Find Inspiration from Daily Life

Discovering your abstract drawing aesthetic starts from your day-to-day experiences. Your life is a treasure trove of inspiration! So grab a sketchbook, your favorite drawing tool, and let's dive in.

Observe Your Surroundings

Begin by observing your surroundings. Look at the colors, shapes, and textures in your environment. Maybe it's the way light reflects off the glass buildings in the city, or the intricate patterns on a tree bark in your backyard. These can all serve as starting points for your abstract drawings.

Express Your Feelings

Abstract art is often about expressing emotions. So, let your feelings guide your hand. Are you feeling happy, sad, or even confused? Try to capture those emotions in your drawings. You could use bold colors for exciting emotions, or softer colors for calmer feelings.

Use Everyday Objects

Don't forget about the ordinary items around you—they can be extraordinary sources of inspiration! Take a close look at your coffee mug, your lamp, or even your shoes. Try to see them in a new light. Think about their shapes, their lines, and how you can interpret these in an abstract way.

To sum up, discovering your abstract drawing aesthetic is about opening your eyes to the world around you and letting your feelings flow onto the paper. It's about finding beauty in the mundane and expressing it in your unique way. So, keep an open mind and remember—every day is a new opportunity for inspiration!

2. Experiment with Different Materials and Techniques

The path to discovering your abstract drawing aesthetic is not a straight one—it's an adventure filled with twists, turns, and exciting discoveries. One of the most exciting parts is experimenting with different materials and techniques.

Play with Different Mediums

The world of art supplies is vast, and each medium can give you a different effect. Try working with pencils, charcoal, ink, or pastels. Maybe you'll find that you enjoy the precision of pencils, or perhaps the unpredictability of watercolors is more your style. There's no right or wrong here—only what feels right for you.

Explore Various Techniques

Abstract art doesn't follow a set of rules—it's all about breaking them! So feel free to explore various drawing techniques. Try stippling, hatching, or cross-hatching. Experiment with blending, layering, or scraping. Each technique can add a different texture or effect to your artwork, so don't be afraid to mix and match.

Think Outside the Box

Remember, abstract art is about pushing boundaries. Why not try using unconventional tools for drawing? You could use sponges, toothbrushes, or even sticks. You might be surprised at the unique effects you can create!

In conclusion, experimenting with different materials and techniques can lead you to unexpected discoveries on your journey to finding your abstract drawing aesthetic. Don't limit yourself to traditional tools and techniques—embrace the unexpected, and let your creativity soar!

3. Practice Free Drawing

As you continue on the journey of discovering your abstract drawing aesthetic, remember to make time for free drawing. This is a time for you to let go of expectations and simply let your hand move across the canvas.

Let Your Mind Wander

Free drawing is all about spontaneity. Instead of aiming for a specific outcome, let your mind wander and see where your hand takes you. This practice can lead to some surprising and exciting results, which might just help you uncover new aspects of your unique aesthetic.

Engage Your Senses

While you're drawing, take a moment to engage all your senses. Listen to the sound of your pencil on the paper, feel the texture of your materials, even smell the faint scent of the graphite. This multi-sensory experience can help you connect more deeply with your art and might inspire new directions in your work.

Embrace the Unexpected

When you're free drawing, the unexpected is your best friend. A stray line, a smudge, or a sudden change in direction can all lead to exciting new ideas. Remember, in the world of abstract art, there are no mistakes—only opportunities for creativity.

In the end, free drawing is a powerful tool in discovering your abstract drawing aesthetic. It's a time to let go, explore, and see where your creativity leads you. So grab your favorite drawing tool and start exploring the limitless possibilities of your imagination!

4. Study the Works of Abstract Artists

One of the most effective ways of discovering your abstract drawing aesthetic is to study the works of established abstract artists. Their art can provide a wealth of inspiration and teach you more about the wide range of styles and techniques within the abstract genre.

Identify Artists that Resonate with You

There are countless abstract artists out there, each with their own unique aesthetic. Your task is to identify those whose work resonates with you. Perhaps you're drawn to the vibrant colors of Wassily Kandinsky, the geometric shapes of Piet Mondrian, or the expressive lines of Jackson Pollock. Whichever artists you connect with, study their work closely and try to understand what draws you to their art.

Learn from Their Techniques

Once you've identified your favorite abstract artists, take some time to learn about their techniques. How do they use color, line, and form in their work? What materials do they prefer? Studying these aspects can give you new ideas to incorporate into your own art, and help you refine your aesthetic.

Draw Inspiration, Not Imitation

While it's helpful to learn from other artists, remember that the goal is not to imitate their work, but to draw inspiration from it. You're looking for elements that you can adapt and make your own. So, don't be afraid to experiment and push boundaries. After all, abstract art is all about breaking the rules and expressing your unique vision.

In conclusion, studying the works of abstract artists is a valuable step in discovering your abstract drawing aesthetic. It can open your eyes to new possibilities, inspire you to push creative boundaries, and ultimately help you develop your unique style. Remember, the beauty of abstract art lies in its diversity — so embrace it, learn from it, and let it guide you on your artistic journey.

5. Create a Drawing Series

Another powerful technique for discovering your abstract drawing aesthetic is to create a series of drawings. Working on a series allows you to dive deeper into your chosen theme or concept, and explore it from various angles.

Pick a Theme or Concept

Start by choosing a theme or concept that fascinates you. This could be anything from a particular emotion or idea, to a specific shape or color scheme. Once you've decided on your theme, commit to exploring it in a series of drawings. This process can help you to uncover new facets of your aesthetic that you might not have discovered otherwise.

Explore Variations

With each new drawing in your series, aim to explore a different aspect of your chosen theme. Change up your color palette, experiment with new shapes, or play around with different compositions. These variations will not only keep your series interesting, but also help you to broaden your abstract drawing aesthetic.

Reflect on Your Progress

Once you've completed your series, take some time to reflect on your work. What did you enjoy about the process? What techniques worked well, and which ones didn't? What similarities and differences do you see across your series? Reflecting on these questions can provide valuable insights into your aesthetic and guide your future work.

In the end, creating a drawing series is a journey of exploration, one that can lead you to fresh perspectives and deeper understanding of your own aesthetic. So, why not start your series today? You never know what you might discover about your abstract drawing style.

If you're eager to explore more techniques to find your unique abstract drawing style, we highly recommend checking out the workshop 'How to Find your Unique Art Style' by Stefan Große Halbuer. This workshop will guide you through the process of discovering and developing your distinctive art style, helping you stand out in the world of abstract drawing.