Exploring Abstract Art

Abstract art can be intimidating for many artists, especially those trained in traditional representational techniques. But there's something deeply liberating about letting go of the need to recreate reality and instead focusing on pure expression through color, form, and texture.

What is Abstract Art?

Abstract art doesn't attempt to represent visual reality accurately. Instead, it uses shapes, colors, forms, and gestural marks to achieve its effect. This art form emerged in the early 20th century and has continued to evolve, offering artists a way to express emotions, philosophical ideas, and even spiritual experiences that might be difficult to convey through representational means.

Abstract art can be completely non-representational, or it can be derived from real objects, landscapes, or figures that have been simplified or distorted. The key is that the artwork doesn't aim to depict what things literally look like, but rather what they feel like or what they mean to the artist.

Getting Started with Abstraction

If you're interested in exploring abstract art but don't know where to begin, here are some approaches that might help:

1. Start from Reality, Then Simplify

Choose a subject—perhaps a landscape, still life, or figure—and gradually abstract it. Begin by sketching the subject realistically, then start to simplify forms, exaggerate certain features, and eliminate details. With each iteration, move further away from literal representation toward a more abstract expression.

2. Focus on Elements of Art

Create compositions that explore specific elements of art: line, shape, color, texture, etc. For example, you might create a piece that's all about the interplay of different types of lines, or one that explores the relationships between organic and geometric shapes.

3. Let Emotion Guide You

Consider creating work based on emotions or sensations. How would you visually represent joy, melancholy, or tranquility? What colors, marks, and compositions evoke specific feelings for you?

4. Experiment with Process

Some of the most interesting abstract work comes from unique processes. Try techniques like pouring paint, creating monoprints, working with unusual tools, or incorporating chance and randomness into your work.

Finding Meaning in Abstraction

One common criticism of abstract art is that "anyone could do it" or that it lacks meaning. In reality, creating compelling abstract work requires just as much thought, skill, and intentionality as representational art—it's just operating under different parameters.

As you develop your abstract practice, consider these questions:

• What are you trying to communicate through your work?
• What decisions are you making about color, composition, mark-making, etc., and why?
• How does your abstract work relate to your personal experiences or interests?
• What makes a particular abstract piece successful or unsuccessful?

The answers to these questions don't need to be fixed or definitive. In fact, one of the joys of abstract art is that it can operate on multiple levels simultaneously and evolve in meaning over time.

Artists to Study

If you're looking for inspiration, here are some influential abstract artists worth studying:

• Wassily Kandinsky - Often credited as the pioneer of abstract art
• Piet Mondrian - Known for geometric abstraction using primary colors
• Mark Rothko - Famous for his color field paintings with luminous rectangles
• Helen Frankenthaler - Developed the "soak-stain" technique for creating lyrical abstract works
• Cy Twombly - Created expressive, gestural works often incorporating text
• Julie Mehretu - Contemporary artist creating complex, layered abstract compositions

Embracing the Journey

Moving into abstraction is not just about changing your style—it can represent a profound shift in how you think about art-making itself. The journey might feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you're used to having representational accuracy as a measure of success.

Allow yourself time to experiment without judgment. Some of your early abstract attempts might not feel successful, and that's okay. The important thing is to keep exploring, reflecting, and refining your approach.

Remember that abstraction isn't about abandoning skill or intentionality—it's about redirecting those qualities toward different artistic goals. With practice and persistence, you may find that abstract art offers you a freedom of expression that opens up entirely new creative possibilities.