Over the years, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with abstract painting. While there are some abstracts that leave me completely baffled, there are some that have a lot of depth and interest, which prompted my fascination with this art style. But abstract painting can be difficult, and there are times when I struggle too. But today, I’m going to show you a very easy abstract painting technique that is perfect for beginners (like me!).
All you need are a few of your favorite colors, a paintbrush, and your fingers!
Easy abstract painting technique for beginners
This video will show you a super fun and easy way to create an abstract painting. I’ll walk you through the steps that I took to create this abstract painting in my art journal, and the complete supply list below the video.
Abstract painting walkthrough
I created this abstract painting in an art journal I made from a shopping bag – you can see a quick little video of this journal on Instagram. It was an old shopping bag from W – I opened up the bag, used some collage on the printed side; painted the other side, cut it up and folded it into a small art journal.
Since I had a painted background when I started this painting, I used colors that were similar to what was already on the page, or that would cover those colors well.
One thing to remember when creating an abstract painting, is to try not to have huge blocks of color just sitting on the page. Break up any area that looks too blocky with randomly colored in areas. Or make some abstract marks or doodles, if that’s more your style.
It’s important to move colors around the page – at around the 3:12 mark on the video, I introduced a new color that I hadn’t used so far – yellow ochre. Just observe how I moved that colour around the page for an example. Immediately after that, I work with the cobalt violet and move that around the abstract painting, too.
Once the paint is dry, add in some scribbles if you like. I already had bits of the original pattern from the page showing through, so I opted to not add in any. Instead, I highlighted some of the dots that were showing through. This is probably the only step where I was more deliberate with my choices.
And there you have it – a simple, easy, and super fun way to create an abstract painting!
Supply list
Acrylic colors:
Pebeo: Blue Turquoise, Azo Pink, Cobalt Violet, Yellow Ochre, Naphthol Carmine,
Camel artist’s acrylics: Manganese Blue, Aqua Green, Permanent Yellow Deep
Your fingers!
I hope you enjoyed this process video on how to create an easy abstract painting. Do subscribe to my YouTube channel – I will be adding a new art video every 2nd and 4th Saturday!
Pin this image for later
Questions? Ask away in the comments! And if you want to know about some technique or supplies in particular, do let me know!
Healing with art
There is so much joy and healing that I find at the painty table. It’s a joy I wish everyone could experience. Which is why I love to create mini art + soul ecourses that include curated guided meditations, journaling questions, and an art journal project from start to finish. The videos are broken down into easy to watch segments, which makes it perfect even for the most busy people to watch and create! You can find all the ecourses and sign up for one or more here.
* Note: These are affiliate links, which means that I will make a small commission on your purchase at no extra cost to you.
Loved watching that video and the way the final art piece took form. You make it look so instinctive and easy, that too without brushes or any other paraphernalia. The colours came together beautifully.
Thank you! I chose a palette of colors that I knew would work together; where to place the paints, that was very instinctive. And fun!!
I found it mesmerizing to watch your hands. So pretty – the art and your hands! 🙂 Art is so therapeutic!
Aww! Thank you!! 🙂 Art is my therapy for sure!
I totally agree with Vidya, here. Art is indeed very therapeutic! Loved watching the video and now, feeling inspired to give it a go sometime soon. Thank you for sharing this post, Shinjini. Just the nudge one needs to pick up the brush and paints after a long time.
It is! My art practice has been life changing for me, and I don’t say that lightly. I hope you get to pick up paints and brushes soon, and I’d love to see what you create!
Sure, Shinjini. I used to practise art a lot, but stopped doing it over time as life got in the way. Will start again and would be happy to share them with you too. ?
It’s wonderful to watch how art takes form. Different colors, textures, patterns! I haven’t done finger painting in a long time. This looks like so much fun.
It is a lot of fun, as I’m sure you already know 😉
great ideas #ablogginggoodtime
Wow this is so cool. I’ve pinned it to give it a go Thanks for linking to #ablogginggoodtime