Abstract painting is the most exciting and freeing form of art you can practice. Unlike realistic or representational art, abstract painting enables you to tap into feeling, mood, and thought without worrying about how things appear in the physical world outside of you. Whether you are a complete beginner or just wish to experiment with something different, painting abstract on canvas can prove to be a very rewarding experience.

In this blog, we'll guide you through the steps of creating your own abstract canvas painting. Along the way, we'll also cover some useful subjects such as landscape painting and how to sell paintings online — so you have a better overall understanding of art and what's possible.

What You'll Need

Let's get started with a list of basic materials you’ll need for your abstract painting:

  • Canvas (any size you want)

  • Acrylic paint (or oil paint, if you work with that)

  • Various-sized brushes

  • Palette or mixing tray

  • Cup of water (for acrylics)

  • Paper towels or rags

  • Palette knife (if you find one convenient)

  • Easel (optional but extremely useful)

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Canvas

Get a comfy, well-light spot to work. Cover your work area with newspaper or a plastic sheet to avoid spills messing up your work surface. Put your canvas on an easel or table.

You may prime your canvas with a coat of white acrylic paint if it is not already primed. This makes your colours pop and provides a smoother finish.

Step 2: Understand Basics Abstract Art 

Before you start painting, it helps to understand what abstract art is all about. Abstract art doesn’t try to show objects realistically. It uses shapes, colour, lines, and texture to express feelings or concepts. Imagine it as music for the eyes—where brushstrokes and colours produce rhythm and harmony.

You don't need to map it all out. Go with your feeling and try new things without worry.

Step 3: Select Your Colours and Materials

Select a colour scheme that you like. Some artists enjoy painting with bold colours, but others paint with soft, muted colours. The colours you select will determine the mood of your artwork.

Experiment with palette knives and brushes. The brushes will produce smooth lines, but the palette knives will add sharp edges and texture. Experiment with sponges, your fingers, or even a strange object such as a comb or stick for other effects.

Step 4: Start with a Background Layer

Start with a loose underlayer of paint. Brushstrokes or colour washes to cover the canvas. Don't worry about precision — the background is the foundation.

This step helps you set the overall tone. For example, if you want a calming effect, you might use blues and greens. For energy, try reds and yellows.

Step 5: Build Up Shapes and Layers

Once the background is dry, start adding lines and shapes. Geometric or organic shapes, overlapping hues, and contrasting hues are common in abstract canvas painting.

Pay attention to composition — how the elements are positioned on the canvas — at this stage. Consider balance and movement: Where do you want the eye of the viewer to travel?

Experiment with altering the brush size and stroke type. Thick-textured areas and thin, smooth areas can be used.

Step 6: Add Details and Textures

Add small details and textures to generate more attractiveness in your painting. Scrape or use heavy paint layers with palette knives.

You can experiment with splatting, drips, or scratching into the surface to get unusual effects.

Remember, abstract painting is a game. It's about playing and experimenting. Don't worry if you mess up or you don't like something. You can cover it with more paint.

Step 7. Step Back and Think

Sometimes, step back from your artwork and observe it. This helps you view the overall composition and connect with the emotion behind it. Sometimes what appears nice close-up will look busy or confusing when viewed from a distance.

Ask yourself: Does this make me feel like I belong in the place I wish? Is the composition visually appealing? If not, remove or add something as necessary.

Step 8: Complete and Save Your Painting

Once you feel your painting is done, allow it to dry out. Acrylics dry quickly, but oil takes days or weeks.

To preserve your art, you may varnish it with a clear one. It darkens colours as well as provides your painting with a professional shine.

Bonus: What is Landscape Painting?

Though freehand and expressive, abstract painting is different from landscape painting, which is a more conventional method that depicts natural images such as mountains, rivers, trees, or skies.

Curious to know, what is landscape painting? It can simply be defined as artwork that reproduces outdoor scenes, usually attempting to portray the beauty of nature realistically or impressionistically.

Understanding various types of art can also serve as an inspiration for your abstract art! You could even blend landscape elements in abstract for a creative effect.

Marketing Your Abstract Paintings

If you are working on something you love, you may be wondering how to sell paintings online. With the era that we are living in, it is easy for artists to upload their paintings on websites and market them internationally.

Some of the best-known methods are:

  • Having your own website or store

  • Selling on marketplaces 

  • Advertising on the web by social media such as Instagram or Facebook

  • Advertising your paintings on the web through art festivals

Ensure good, clear images of the painting, honest descriptions, and reasonable prices. It does take time to make an online impact, but it can lead to wonderful opportunities.

Final Abstract Painting Advice for Beginners

Don't hurry. Enjoy every second.

  • Try out colours, brushes, and methods.

  • Let feelings dictate the process.

  • Look at other artists and artwork.

  • Practice every time.

Abstract canvas painting is a great means of portraying your inner world. If you wish to paint for yourself or begin selling paintings online, the process is extremely creative and experimental.

Want to try your hand at abstract painting? Discover stunning original artworks on canvas at Gallerist and bring home a piece that truly speaks to you.