Creating Abstract People Paintings: Techniques and Tips for Beginners

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 8 min read

Abstract people painting is a captivating form of art that allows you to express emotions and ideas through the use of color, shape, and form. If you're looking to explore this exciting world of artistic expression, you've come to the right place. In this blog, we'll discuss the materials, techniques, and tips you need to get started with creating your own abstract people paintings.

1. Choose Your Materials

Before you can start painting, it's important to choose the right materials that suit your style and preferences. In this section, we'll explore different types of paints, canvas options, and brush selection to help you make an informed decision.

Acrylic vs. Oil Paints

When it comes to abstract people painting, there are two main types of paint you can use: acrylic and oil. Let's compare their key features:

Acrylic paints are water-based, fast-drying, and easy to clean up. They're versatile, allowing you to achieve a wide range of textures and effects. Acrylics are a great choice for beginners as they're more forgiving and easier to work with.
Oil paints are slow-drying, which allows you more time to work on your piece and blend colors. They create richer, more vibrant colors and can yield a more professional finish. However, they require more skill and patience to master.

Ultimately, the choice between acrylic and oil paints comes down to personal preference and the specific look you're aiming for in your abstract people painting.

Canvas Options

Choosing the right canvas is crucial for the success of your painting. There are various options to consider:

Stretched canvas: This is the most common choice for artists. It's pre-stretched on a wooden frame and ready to use. Stretched canvases come in various sizes and depths, allowing you to choose the perfect one for your painting.
Canvas panels: These are flat, rigid surfaces covered with canvas. They're more affordable than stretched canvases but may not provide the same depth and texture.
Canvas rolls: If you prefer to create custom-sized paintings or experiment with different surfaces, canvas rolls can be an excellent option. They allow you to cut your desired size and stretch it yourself.

Keep in mind that the quality of the canvas can impact the final outcome of your abstract people painting, so it's worth investing in a good-quality option.

Brush Selection

The brushes you choose can greatly affect the style and appearance of your painting. Consider these factors when selecting brushes for your abstract people painting:

Shape: Brushes come in various shapes, such as round, flat, and filbert. Each shape creates different strokes and effects, so experiment with different shapes to find your preferred style.
Size: The size of the brush will determine the width and coverage of your strokes. Use larger brushes for broader strokes and smaller brushes for finer details.
Bristle material: Brushes can be made from natural hair or synthetic fibers. Natural hair brushes tend to be more expensive but can provide a smoother, more even application. Synthetic brushes are more affordable and work well with acrylic paints.

Building a collection of various shapes, sizes, and bristle types will give you a versatile toolkit for creating your unique abstract people paintings.

2. Basic Sketching Techniques

Before diving into the actual painting process, it's a good idea to develop some basic sketching skills. These techniques will help you create a solid foundation for your abstract people painting and allow you to experiment with different ideas before committing them to canvas.

Gesture Drawing

Gesture drawing is the practice of capturing the essence of a subject's movement and posture in a few quick, expressive lines. This technique is perfect for abstract people painting, as it helps you focus on the energy and emotion of the human figure rather than getting bogged down in details. To practice gesture drawing:

Choose a reference image or live model.
Set a timer for a short duration, such as 30 seconds or 1 minute.
Quickly sketch the figure, focusing on the overall flow and movement rather than the specific features.
Repeat the process with different poses and time limits to build your skills and confidence.

As you become more comfortable with gesture drawing, you'll find it easier to create dynamic, expressive abstract people paintings.

Proportions and Measurements

Understanding human proportions is helpful in creating a sense of balance and accuracy in your abstract people painting. While abstraction allows for creative freedom, knowing the basic measurements of the human figure can help you maintain a sense of realism. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

The average human figure is roughly 7.5 head lengths tall.
The shoulders are typically about 2 head widths wide.
The elbows fall at the waistline, and the hands reach the mid-thigh.

Remember, these are just guidelines, and every person's proportions are unique. Don't be afraid to play with proportions to create interesting and stylized abstract people paintings.

Simplifying Shapes

In abstract people painting, it's essential to break down the human figure into simple shapes. This helps you focus on the overall composition and makes it easier to create an abstract representation of the subject. To simplify shapes:

Observe the figure and identify the basic shapes that make up the body, such as circles, ovals, and rectangles.
Sketch the shapes, keeping the size and position relative to one another.
Connect the shapes to create a simplified outline of the figure.

As you practice simplifying shapes, you'll develop an intuitive understanding of the human form, allowing you to create more expressive and impactful abstract people paintings.

3. Color Theory and Palette

Color plays a significant role in the mood and impact of your abstract people painting. By understanding color theory and developing a cohesive palette, you'll be able to create harmonious and visually appealing artwork. Here are some concepts to consider when selecting colors for your painting:

Harmonious Colors

Harmonious colors are those that work well together and create a sense of balance in your painting. These colors are typically found close together on the color wheel, such as different shades of blue or variations of red and orange. To create a harmonious color scheme in your abstract people painting:

Select a dominant color from the color wheel as your starting point.
Choose one or two adjacent colors to serve as your supporting hues.
Experiment with different shades, tints, and tones of these colors to add depth and variety to your painting.

Using harmonious colors can create a soothing, cohesive look that enhances the overall impact of your artwork.

Contrasting Colors

Contrasting colors are those that are opposite each other on the color wheel, such as blue and orange or red and green. These colors create a sense of vibrancy and energy in your abstract people painting when used together. To incorporate contrasting colors in your artwork:

Select a dominant color from the color wheel.
Choose the color directly opposite your dominant color as your contrasting hue.
Use the contrasting color sparingly to create focal points and add visual interest to your painting.

Keep in mind that using too much contrast can result in a chaotic and overwhelming composition, so finding the right balance is key.

Complementary Colors

Complementary colors are a combination of harmonious and contrasting colors. They create a balanced and visually appealing color scheme that can bring depth and dimension to your abstract people painting. To develop a complementary color palette:

Select a dominant color from the color wheel.
Choose one or two adjacent colors as your harmonious hues.
Add a contrasting color to serve as an accent and create visual interest.

By incorporating complementary colors in your artwork, you'll be able to create a dynamic and engaging abstract people painting that captures the attention of your viewers.

4. Painting Techniques

Once you have your materials, sketch, and color palette ready, it's time to dive into the actual painting process. There are numerous techniques you can use to bring your abstract people painting to life. Here are three popular methods that can help you create a unique and captivating piece:

Layering

Layering involves building up your painting by adding multiple layers of paint, one on top of the other. This technique can add depth, texture, and complexity to your abstract people painting. To effectively use layering:

Start with a base layer of paint, which can be a solid color or a simple pattern.
Allow the base layer to dry before applying additional layers.
Add subsequent layers in varying thicknesses, colors, and patterns to create visual interest and depth.

Remember, patience is key when working with layers, as each layer must be dry before adding the next one. This process can result in a rich and dynamic abstract people painting.

Glazing

Glazing is a technique that involves applying thin, transparent layers of paint over a dried, opaque layer. This method allows you to create subtle color variations and a luminous, glowing effect in your abstract people painting. To achieve a glazing effect:

Prepare a glazing medium by mixing a transparent paint with a glazing medium or a slow-drying acrylic medium.
Apply the glaze over a dried layer of paint using a soft brush.
Experiment with different colors and thicknesses of glazes to achieve the desired effect.

Glazing can add a sense of depth and atmosphere to your painting, making it an excellent technique for abstract people artworks.

Dry Brush

The dry brush technique involves applying paint with a brush that has minimal paint and no added water or medium. This method creates a rough, textured appearance in your abstract people painting. To use the dry brush technique:

Dip your brush in paint, then remove most of it by wiping the brush on a paper towel or the edge of your palette.
Lightly drag the brush across the surface of your canvas, allowing the texture of the canvas to show through the paint.
Experiment with different brush sizes, pressure, and angles to create a variety of textures and effects.

Dry brushing can add an intriguing, tactile quality to your abstract people painting, making it a valuable technique to explore.

5. Finding Inspiration

One of the most challenging aspects of creating abstract people paintings is finding inspiration. Knowing where to look for ideas can help ignite your creativity and keep you motivated. Here are some places to find inspiration for your next masterpiece:

Art Galleries and Museums

Visiting local art galleries and museums can be a treasure trove of ideas for your abstract people painting. Observing the work of other artists can help you:

Discover new techniques and styles.
Understand different color palettes and compositions.
Learn about the history and context of abstract art.

Take note of the pieces that catch your eye and think about what elements you can incorporate into your own abstract people painting.

Online Art Communities

If you can't visit galleries or museums in person, online art communities can be a valuable source of inspiration. Websites and social media platforms dedicated to art can help you:

Connect with other artists and share ideas.
Discover new trends and techniques in abstract people painting.
Find motivation through challenges, prompts, and collaborations.

Explore different online platforms to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences, and don't be afraid to engage with other artists and ask for feedback.

Nature and Surroundings

Looking to the world around you can provide endless inspiration for abstract people paintings. The shapes, colors, and textures of nature and your everyday surroundings can offer:

Unique color combinations and palettes.
Intriguing patterns and textures to replicate in your painting.
Ideas for abstract representations of people and emotions.

Take time to observe your surroundings with an open mind, and you might be surprised at the ideas that emerge for your next abstract people painting.

If you're fascinated by the timeless beauty of classical painting and want to incorporate it into your modern art practice, don't miss the workshop 'Classical Painting in the Modern Day' by Eric Drummond. This workshop will provide you with the knowledge and techniques to blend the best of classical painting with contemporary art, creating truly unique and captivating pieces.