Tips for Coloring Abstract Art


Coloring abstract artwork, most think it’s easy, well, then the question is, why aren’t they doing it? That’s because coloring abstract art is difficult. Of course, art is seen differently by different people, but there are different techniques when it comes to abstract art that many beginners should follow. 

To color abstract art use different techniques, skills, and an open mind. There are many different styles of abstract art, such as minimalism, abstract expressionism, aboriginal art, non-objective, neoplasticism, etc. There are different three major components of abstract art, which is composition, color, and texture. 

In this article, we will go over the components, techniques, styles, and tools to use to color abstract art. For beginners, this is a great starting point if you want to take your coloring artwork to the next level. Here are a few tips for coloring abstract art.

The Three Main Components of Coloring Abstract Art

These components are important to keep in mind when looking at or working on abstract art. If you don’t open your mind to these components, it can be hard to understand what is on the page. 

Composition

This is the placement of objects or focal points that you want to place in the art. It can be shaped, in different sizes, or objects. 

Color

It is not advised to throw a bunch of colors on the canvas and call it a day. You want to think about the color palette that you want to use for each piece of abstract artwork you create. Instead of using a bunch of different colors in a palette, only use a few. Instead of using the colors straight, mix them with others. It is recommended to use basic colors, such as red, yellow, blue, etc. Using those colors, you can make endless colors. 

Texture

If you want to make your abstract artwork stand out, use texture. With the various ways to create texture, such as applying thick paint, or colored pencil wax. The important thing is to use texture consistently in your artwork. You don’t want to go and try different textures. It won’t work. 

Techniques to use to Create Abstract Art

With these 8 different techniques, you can create different types of abstract art that will stand out, be good enough to frame, and work that you can be proud of. Here are a few things to keep in mind when creating new artwork. 

Flipping the Canvas

Flipping the canvas is so much fun and can create some great abstract work. Start with drawing something in the room, then flip the canvas to the side or upside down and continue. Keep flipping and you will start to see jumbled objects, shapes of all sizes, and pieces of artwork. 

Play with the Background

There are various ways to play around with the background of your artwork. This technique can create awesome pieces of work. For example, let paint or melt some colored pencils to drip down the canvas or paper or incorporate different textures. This is where you get to create and use your imagination. Be creative!

Let go of the Rules

Many artists let the brush or the colored pencil do the work, rather than following the rules or staying within the lines. The point of abstract work is for it to be fun, funky, and creative. So, let go of the rules, and think out of the box. 

Let Music Guide You

Play your favorite music and play it loud. Let the beat, the words, the feeling you get when you listen to it guide you. Let it create for you. This technique can give you rhythm!

Use Paper to Create a Collage

Go through magazines, newspapers, different cuts of construction paper, old books, etc. When you collect enough you can use it to create your next piece of work. Cut them into different shapes and sizes, and add them to your cart. 

Use Photography for Reference

If you are a big fan of taking photos, you can use them as a reference. They can be of different objects, people, etc, use what you see to create something on the canvas or paper you are using. Sometimes a little bit of influence can be inspiring. 

Create Semi-Abstract Paintings and Drawing Artwork

Maybe creating complete abstract artwork isn’t your thing, maybe parcel abstract work is! Such as a portrait of someone with a creative background, or added objects connected to the focal point of the piece, etc. 

Play around with Different Mediums

Use paint, pastels, colored pencils, charcoal, etc. There isn’t just one avenue with abstract paintings. Be creative, and use different tools to create stand-out artwork. This is your work, do what makes you happy. 

Different Styles of Abstract Art

There are many different styles of abstract art and everyone has their own added twists to these styles. The point of abstract art is to have fun with it, again art has different outlooks, on different people. So, create something that you can relate to. Here are a few different styles to try. 

Paint Splatter, and Drip Style Art

One of the most popular styles, due to its simplicity, and beginner techniques. It is throwing paint, melting crayons, or colored pencils onto a canvas or paper. These styles can create colorful, bright, and stand-out pieces of work. For beginners, you should start here. Have fun with it; throw paint, play loud music, and get into it. When you finally see the outcome, you will want to do it once again. 

Block Color

Creating different-sized squares, rectangles, etc, connected can create some great abstract work. Go with it, see where it leads you, and what it creates. Place block-like shapes together with different colors. 

Marbling

You see this all over TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, etc. people creating these marble-like pieces. You will see a lot of people filling solo cups of layered paints and letting them glide over a canvas creating a marble-like piece of work. People use this on canvas’, tumbler coffee mugs, creative tabletops on coffee tables, or desks, etc. It is a veritable method to create abstract art and objects. 

Cubism

This is a geometrical and fragmented technique. You have probably seen this method in a lot of Picasso, or Braque paintings. This isn’t a new method, but more of a classic one. The modern way that artists use low-poly backgrounds and architectural planes, give the work 3D dimensions. 

Line Art

Line art is a very popular style today. Lots of people get line artwork tattooed on them because of its simplicity, as well as its elements. It was a popular style back in the 60s and 70s, putting together simple objects together with a plain, or colorful background. Or single-motion line work, where the pen, pencil, or brush doesn’t leave the canvas or paper and creates a figure or object. Another popular tattoo style. If you have created this type of style, someone is probably wearing it on their skin right now. 

Memphis Style

This is probably the most abstract style out there. It is a contemporary style that has lots of energy to go along with it. This type of style can give off a joyful, positive move with its stand-out method and look. Full of 3D-like objects, this one is a more difficult style for any beginner. 

Abstract Organic

This is a natural textural style of abstract work. These are organic shapes, with the use of natural materials, textures, and colors. This is an easy beginner-type style to do because they are more of a flat design and easy to draw and add color to. 

Halftone

This is a dotted detailed type style that shows a lot of texture with a stand-out quality. It gives off a retro look and can be experimented with with different colors faded into each other. 

Abstract Relief and Sculpture

These are close-ups or different sculpture-type art. They have different designs, and shapes, or look completely like real sculptures. 

Check out more tips HERE.

Conclusion

Coloring and drawing abstract art can be hard, but it is all about thinking outside the box, and creativity. Whatever you feel is great art, your style, your ideal pallets, then do it. Art is about what you create and how you feel about it. With these tips, you will be able to create great works of art, with different styles that you can experiment with. Be sure to try some of these techniques, with different textures and with bright colors. Remember to let the art speak to you, use different objects as a reference, and put the music on loud, and let it speak to you. Good luck on your abstract journey of creation. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Look at Abstract Art?

  1. Don’t look at the clock. …
  2. Don’t insult the artist’s imagination. …
  3. Don’t mind the title. …
  4. Do read the wall text. …
  5. Do let the painting reach out to you. …
  6. Don’t stress about feeling something. …
  7. Don’t ask all of the questions just yet.

What Colors are used for Abstract Painting?

Use primary colors (red, blue, yellow) and fill in several shapes with paint. While you could fill in every shape, this will make your painting look busy and overwhelming.

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Shawn C

Hi! I’m Shawn and I Love Coloring and Art and the people in it! I created this website as a resource to help those who are considering getting into adult coloring. My website is your one-stop destination for all the inspired instruction and resources you need to start and grow your adult coloring hobby. From geometric to floral to zen doodles and from time to time even mandala’s when I am in the mood. I have researched and gathered the information to help you in your goal of starting your adult coloring hobby.

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