Creating Compelling Abstract Shapes Paintings: Tips and Techniques

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 9 min read

Abstract shapes painting is a captivating art form that allows artists to express themselves through the use of shapes, colors, and textures. This blog post will guide you through the process of creating compelling abstract shapes paintings, discussing everything from exploring different types of shapes to learning from the masters of abstract art. By the end of this post, you'll be well-equipped to dive into the world of abstract shapes painting and create stunning artworks of your own.

1. Exploring Abstract Shapes

Before you begin your journey into abstract shapes painting, it's essential to understand the different types of shapes and how they can create visual interest in your artwork. Let's dive into geometric and organic shapes, sources of inspiration, and combining shapes for maximum impact.

1.1 Geometric vs. Organic Shapes

There are two primary categories of shapes to consider when creating an abstract shapes painting:

Geometric shapes are defined by straight lines, angles, and curves. Examples include squares, circles, triangles, and rectangles. These shapes can create a sense of order and stability in your artwork.
Organic shapes are irregular and free-flowing, often inspired by nature or the human body. Examples include leaves, clouds, or puddles. Using organic shapes can add a sense of spontaneity and movement to your painting.

Experiment with both geometric and organic shapes in your artwork to create a dynamic and engaging composition.

1.2 Sources of Inspiration

When it comes to abstract shapes painting, the possibilities for inspiration are endless. Here are a few suggestions to get your creative juices flowing:

Look to nature for organic shapes like leaves, flowers, and clouds.
Architecture and cityscapes can provide intriguing geometric shapes and patterns.
Explore various cultures and their unique patterns, such as tribal art or Celtic knots.
Draw inspiration from your emotions, memories, or personal experiences.

Keep an open mind, and don't be afraid to incorporate unusual or unexpected elements into your abstract shapes painting.

1.3 Combining Shapes for Visual Interest

One of the keys to creating a captivating abstract shapes painting is combining different shapes in interesting ways. Here are a few tips to help you create visually engaging compositions:

Experiment with scale: Use both large and small shapes to create a sense of depth and variety.
Overlap and layer shapes to create new forms and add dimension to your painting.
Play with repetition and pattern: Repeating a shape or pattern can create a sense of rhythm and movement in your artwork.
Contrast geometric and organic shapes to create visual tension and balance.

Remember, there's no right or wrong way to combine shapes in an abstract painting—allow yourself the freedom to explore and experiment!

2. Color Theory in Abstract Art

Color plays a crucial role in abstract shapes painting, as it can evoke emotions, create depth, and add visual interest to your composition. To make the most of color in your artwork, it's helpful to understand color theory and its applications in abstract art.

2.1 Color Harmony

Color harmony refers to the arrangement of colors in a way that is visually pleasing and balanced. In abstract shapes painting, achieving color harmony can be done using various methods:

Monochromatic: Use various shades, tints, and tones of a single color to create a harmonious and cohesive composition.
Analogous: Choose colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel, such as blues and greens or reds and oranges, to create a sense of harmony and unity.
Complementary: Use colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, such as blue and orange or purple and yellow, to create a vibrant and dynamic contrast.
Triadic: Select three colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel, such as red, blue, and yellow, for a bold and balanced composition.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different color schemes to discover what works best for your abstract shapes painting.

2.2 Contrast

Contrast in color can help to create a sense of depth, highlight specific shapes, and add visual interest to your abstract shapes painting. Consider these techniques for incorporating contrast into your artwork:

Use light and dark colors to create a sense of depth and dimension.
Combine warm and cool colors to create visual tension and balance.
Experiment with contrasting textures and finishes, such as matte and glossy paints or smooth and rough surfaces.

By effectively using contrast, you can make your abstract shapes painting more dynamic and engaging.

2.3 Color and Emotion

Colors can evoke various emotions, and understanding this connection can help you create an abstract shapes painting with a strong emotional impact. Here are some common associations between colors and emotions:

Red: Passion, energy, excitement
Orange: Warmth, enthusiasm, creativity
Yellow: Happiness, optimism, energy
Green: Growth, harmony, renewal
Blue: Calm, trust, stability
Purple: Mystery, spirituality, sophistication
Black: Power, elegance, sophistication
White: Purity, simplicity, clarity

Keep these emotional associations in mind as you select colors for your abstract shapes painting, and consider how they may influence the viewer's experience of your artwork.

3. Tools and Materials

Having the right tools and materials for your abstract shapes painting can make a significant difference in the quality of your work. In this section, we'll discuss some popular paint brands, brushes, and canvases to help you make informed choices for your art practice.

3.1 Paint Brands: Liquitex, Golden, and Winsor & Newton

When it comes to choosing paint, quality matters. High-quality paints have a greater pigment concentration and better durability, resulting in vibrant and long-lasting abstract shapes paintings. Some popular paint brands to consider are:

Liquitex: Known for their range of acrylic paints, Liquitex offers a variety of consistencies, from fluid to heavy body, suitable for different painting techniques.
Golden: Golden produces high-quality acrylics and mediums, available in various consistencies and finishes, making them a favorite among abstract artists.
Winsor & Newton: This brand offers a range of artist-grade acrylics, watercolors, and oil paints, providing options for artists working in different mediums.

While these are just a few examples, it's essential to find a paint brand that works best for you and your abstract shapes painting style.

3.2 Brushes and Tools for Abstract Painting

The brushes and tools you use can influence the look and feel of your abstract shapes painting. Here are some suggestions for brushes and tools to consider:

Flat brushes: Ideal for creating sharp edges and filling in large areas with color.
Round brushes: Great for creating smooth, curved lines and adding details to your painting.
Filbert brushes: A versatile brush with a rounded tip, suitable for blending and creating soft edges.
Palette knives: Perfect for applying thick paint, creating texture, and mixing colors.
Sponges, rollers, and unconventional tools: Experiment with different tools to create unique textures and effects in your abstract shapes painting.

Having a variety of brushes and tools at your disposal will allow you to explore different techniques and styles in your abstract shapes painting.

3.3 Canvas Selection: Blick, Frederix, and Masterpiece

The canvas you choose can impact the final appearance of your abstract shapes painting. Some popular canvas brands to consider are:

Blick: Blick offers a range of affordable and high-quality canvases in various sizes and materials, making them a popular choice for many artists.
Frederix: Frederix produces premium stretched canvases with a variety of surface textures and finishes, suitable for different painting techniques.
Masterpiece: Known for their high-quality, pre-stretched canvases, Masterpiece offers a range of sizes and surface options for artists seeking a durable and long-lasting painting surface.

When selecting a canvas for your abstract shapes painting, consider factors such as size, texture, and material, and choose one that best suits your artistic vision.

4. Painting Techniques for Abstract Shapes

Experimenting with various painting techniques can help you create visually striking abstract shapes paintings. In this section, we'll explore some techniques you can use to bring your abstract vision to life.

4.1 Layering Abstract Shapes

Layering is a powerful technique that can add depth and complexity to your abstract shapes painting. To create layers:

Start with a base layer of color or texture, covering the entire canvas or specific areas.
Allow the base layer to dry completely before adding the next layer.
Continue adding layers of shapes, colors, or textures, building upon the previous layer.
Experiment with varying the thickness and transparency of each layer to create interesting effects.

Remember, there's no right or wrong way to layer your abstract shapes painting, so have fun and see what works best for your style.

4.2 Creating Texture with Mixed Media

Texture can add an exciting dimension to your abstract shapes painting. To create texture, consider incorporating mixed media elements, such as:

Collage materials: Use paper, fabric, or other materials to add an extra layer of interest to your painting.
Modeling paste or gel mediums: Apply these materials with a palette knife or brush to create raised textures and sculptural effects.
Found objects: Incorporate items like buttons, beads, or small toys to create a unique and tactile surface.

Experiment with different materials and techniques to find the perfect combination of textures for your abstract shapes painting.

4.3 Glazing Techniques

Glazing is a technique where you apply a thin, transparent layer of paint over a previous layer to create depth and a luminous effect. To create a glaze in your abstract shapes painting:

Choose a transparent or semi-transparent paint color.
Thin the paint with water, acrylic medium, or oil, depending on your chosen paint type.
Apply the glaze with a soft brush, gently covering the desired area.
Allow the glaze to dry completely before adding additional layers or other elements.

Glazing can create a sense of depth and luminosity in your abstract shapes painting, giving your artwork a unique and captivating appearance.

5. Learning from the Masters

Studying the works of famous abstract artists can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your abstract shapes painting journey. Let's take a closer look at three masters of abstract art and their unique approaches to shape, color, and technique.

5.1 Wassily Kandinsky

Wassily Kandinsky, often considered the father of abstract art, used geometric shapes and bold colors to create visually striking compositions. Key lessons from Kandinsky's work include:

Using basic shapes like circles, triangles, and squares to create dynamic compositions.
Experimenting with vibrant color combinations to evoke emotions.
Exploring the relationship between shapes and lines to create movement and rhythm.

Studying Kandinsky's work can inspire you to push the boundaries of shape and color in your abstract shapes painting.

5.2 Piet Mondrian

Piet Mondrian is known for his minimalist approach to abstract art, using simple geometric shapes and primary colors. Some key elements to take away from Mondrian's work include:

Embracing the power of simplicity with basic shapes and limited color palettes.
Creating balance and harmony through the careful arrangement of shapes and lines.
Using negative space to highlight and emphasize the shapes and colors in your composition.

Mondrian's minimalist style can inspire you to create bold, eye-catching abstract shapes paintings with a focus on clean lines and simplicity.

5.3 Jackson Pollock

Jackson Pollock, known for his "drip" paintings, took a more organic approach to abstract art, with loose, flowing lines and layers of paint. Lessons to learn from Pollock's work include:

Embracing the unpredictability of lines and shapes to create a sense of movement and energy.
Exploring the use of unconventional tools and techniques, such as dripping or splattering paint.
Layering colors and textures to create depth and complexity.

By examining Pollock's work, you can discover new ways to create abstract shapes paintings that are full of energy, movement, and texture.

6. Finding Your Own Style

While learning from the masters can be invaluable, it's important to develop your own unique style in abstract shapes painting. Let's explore some ways to find your artistic voice and make your work stand out.

6.1 Experimentation

One of the best ways to discover your personal style is through experimentation. Don't be afraid to try new techniques, materials, and color combinations. Some ideas to get you started include:

Combining geometric and organic shapes in unexpected ways.
Experimenting with unconventional tools, such as using a palette knife or even your fingers for painting.
Playing with different textures, like adding sand or other mixed media to your paint.

Remember, there are no rules in abstract art — so let your imagination run wild and see where it takes you!

6.2 Developing a Signature Style

As you continue to experiment and grow as an artist, you'll begin to notice patterns in your work. Pay attention to the shapes, colors, and techniques that resonate with you. To help develop a signature style, consider:

Focusing on a specific theme or subject matter that inspires you.
Refining the techniques and materials that work best for your artistic vision.
Creating a consistent color palette or aesthetic that sets your work apart.

By refining and embracing your unique style, your abstract shapes paintings will become more recognizable and memorable.

6.3 Gallery Exhibitions and Online Showcases

Sharing your work with others is an important step in developing your artistic voice. Gallery exhibitions and online showcases are excellent opportunities to:

Receive feedback and constructive criticism from fellow artists and art enthusiasts.
Gain exposure and build a following for your work.
Learn from the styles and techniques of other artists in the abstract shapes painting community.

Embrace the opportunity to share your work and learn from others, and watch your artistic style evolve and flourish.

If you enjoyed this blog post and want to dive deeper into the world of illustration, don't miss the workshop 'Composing Complex Illustrations using Basic Shapes' by Juliet Schreckinger. This workshop will teach you how to create intricate and visually stunning illustrations using simple shapes as building blocks. Expand your artistic skills and create amazing artwork with this fantastic workshop!