Abstract Painter.Art Educator.
David M. Kessler Fine Art
If you’ve ever wondered how to create an abstract painting composition, this video and pdf are for you!
Sometimes I like to simplify the shapes and colors in a painting as much as possible, and in this case red, black, gray and white was the answer for me. I love this classic color combination. It goes with everything and never seems to get old.
Read MoreI have students say to me quite often, “I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t love my art.” My response is to focus on those who do like your art, and not those who don’t. There is no one thing anywhere in life that you can get a 100% consensus on in a large group of people. It just isn’t going to happen. Like lots of stuff in art, you have to be OK with that, and just move on.
Read MoreThe Painting of Sunburst 4
While this video was filmed several years ago, I enjoyed the process - and I hope you enjoy watching. I am painting with a simple complementary color combination of red-orange (dominant) and blue-green (accent), on 22x30 gessoed 300 lb Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Paper.
Here are the Golden Heavy Body Acrylic Paint colors I used:
Quinacridone Magenta
Pyrrole Orange
Benzimidazalone Yellow Light
Diarylide Yellow
Minty G (my custom mixture)
Titanium White
Non-Golden Paint:
Australian Blue Gum by Matisse Paint
I tried to keep the colors simple, with very little mixing needed on the palette. As I often do, I begin putting in my dark value shape (straight Quinacridone Magenta) followed by some middle value orange. In this painting, I am trying to get some shapes and values on the surface before i place my centers of interest (accent color). Once I determine the placement, I strike those in using the Australian Blue Gum first, followed by the Minty G.
With my accents firmly in place, the rest of the painting process is simply filling in middle and light middle value color with my dominant color (red-orange). I adjust shapes, values and edges as I paint. It’s an intuitive process for me that I really don’t think about as I paint.
Once my accents pop, and I am satisfied with my shapes and values, the painting is complete. I don’t overwork. To me an overworked painting looks tired and even dead. I like to keep the painting as fresh and alive as possible.
If you’re interested in a great online course to learn All About Color, then Click Here for More Information.
If you'd like to learn about abstract painting and making your own authentic work, then please join me for a painting workshop: (You can view a list of workshops HERE)
October 8-10, 2021, “Abstracting the Coastal Landscape “ Fort Walton Beach, FL
Arts and Design Society (ADSO). Click HERE for Information and Registration.
October 26-28, 2021 “Bigger, Faster, Fresher, Looser Abstract Painting” Daytona Beach, FL
Art League of Daytona Beach, Click HERE for Information and Registration
November 3-5, 2021 David M. Kessler Fine Art Studio, Winston-Salem, NC. This is a Studio Workshop in Abstract Painting. Click Here for Information and Registration. Only 2 Seats Left!
November 13-14, 2021 Art of the Carolinas, Raleigh, NC. Sponsored by Jerry’s Artarama. I will be teaching two full-day abstract painting workshops. Click Here for Information and Registration.
As always, thanks for your support!
Simple Color System Colorwheel
If you have seen my videos on YouTube or taken one of my workshops, you have seen me use my Simple Color System Colorwheel. My Simple Color System is easy to use and assures that the color in your paintings will be harmonious. Proudly made in North Carolina.
You can purchase the Colorwheel HERE.
ALL ABOUT COLOR is a great online course that will show you a straightforward, no nonsense, clear and easily understandable approach to using harmonious color in your paintings. Now On Sale for $50 Off!
Abstract Painting Academy is an online workshop experience specifically designed to teach you how to paint Abstract Paintings (like only you can!), Loosen Up your painting style, and use Design Fundamentals to give your paintings Dynamic Visual Impact. You get David’s personal attention and feedback on all of your work during the course. Now On Sale for $100 Off!
Click Here to Find Out More
The Painting Insider (formerly Abstract Painting Insider) now has a new format and is not abstract painting specific. Weekly lessons provide an abundance of information to painters at any level. I have poured information about everything I have learned about painting over the last 30 years into one course!
Oh, how I love the color violet (I am often surprised how many students don’t like it). Violet is one of the colors that you’ll use in many different color combinations, so knowing how to mix it is important.
Read MoreI’m back this week with another series of (6) paintings on paper, this time in a complementary color combo of green and red. I’m using 140lb. Fabriano Artistico Cold Press Watercolor Paper. As always my paint is Golden Heavy Body Acrylic Paint, and the art crayons are Marabu Art Crayons.
Read MoreThere are art instructors (and painters on YouTube) that make painting seem so complicated. Many artists get confused. I get questions from artists around the globe every week asking, “How can I be a better painter.” The information available varies so much and there are so many differing opinions about what it takes to be a better painter.
Read MoreSometimes I need to be reminded that making art is manual labor and I need to keep myself strong in order to make it successfully for a long period of time. Maybe that’s something all artists should keep in mind, particularly as we grow older (in our 60’s, 70’s and 80’s).
Read MoreOne of the very best art related compliments I ever received was this: “You’re the only artist I know whose left brain and right brain actually talk to each other.” While most of the artists I know have a balance of both sides of the brain, some are just completely out there. I believe it makes sense to have a good balance between the two hemispheres.
Read MoreI decided to do things differently in this video. I normally would edit the video to a length of between 4-6 minutes and add music. This time I decided to provide an almost unedited, uncut video showing in real time how long it took to do the painting.
Read MoreLet me ask you a question: Are you a Shape Maker or a Mark Maker? I fall into the category of Shape Maker, and I hope you do as well. “Mark Making” is an art buzzword that means absolutely nothing. It’s a word/phrase that you’ll never hear me use in an art instruction setting. I want my students to learn how to make shapes, which are the foundation of painting design and creation.
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