How to Make 4 Quick Intuitive Abstract Paintings

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How to Make 4 Quick Intuitive Abstract Paintings

The painting exercise shown in the video is a great one if you want to relax and paint, have fun, get loose, or study colors and composition for a larger painting. The key is to keep the color selections simple and not mix much, if any, color on the palette.

These small studies are 10x10” each painted on 140lb Fabriano Artistico Watercolor Paper coated with gesso. You can use 140lb paper when you are working on these small paintings, but anything larger than 12x12 or so will buckle, particularly if you paint with lots of water. The color combo for these studies is a complementary combo of violet and yellow with violet acting as the dominant color and yellow as the accent color.

I used the following Golden Heavy Body Acrylic Paint colors:

  • Benzimidazolone Yellow Light

  • Naples Yellow Hue

  • Medium Magenta

  • Light Violet

  • Dioxazine Purple

  • Titanium White

All I am trying to do here is (the same as I would do in any painting) develop a center of interest using the accent color and try to create contrast of light and dark around those accents for maximum impact. The basics of painting are really simple, however it’s the long term implementation of them to create a consistent body of work that is so difficult.

If you would like a FREE copy of the 5-Step Abstract Painting Process I used in this video, You Can Click Here to Get Your Copy

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)

2022 Workshops

David

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.

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I Have a NEW Online “Short Course”:

Using the Color Wheel. Has anyone (even an art instructor) ever asked you to purchase a color wheel, or told you need a color wheel, but then never taught you how to use it? In this course I’ll show you exactly how to use it and provide you with a system to implement all the color combinations in your work. Includes 13 video tutorials. $47.

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Other Online Workshops

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!

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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!
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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!

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