Creating abstract art isn’t about making something random—it’s about expressing something real without the constraints of realism. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how I create an abstract painting, from blank canvas to finished piece.
Step 1: Set the Mood
Before I paint, I tune into a feeling. Sometimes it’s calm, sometimes it’s restless. I choose music or silence based on that mood. The emotional tone sets the direction—even if I don’t know where it’ll end up.
Step 2: Choose a Limited Color Palette
Abstract doesn’t mean chaotic. I usually select 2–4 colors to start with. I think about contrast, harmony, and what kind of emotion each color brings out. Warm tones feel energetic; cool tones feel introspective.
Step 3: Build Layers
I don’t go in with a plan—I let the piece evolve. I use brushes, palette knives, and even old gift cards to apply paint. I add textures with gel mediums or scrape things back to reveal what’s underneath.
Step 4: Step Back (A Lot)
After each layer, I step away. I rotate the canvas. I take photos. This helps me see the composition more clearly and catch imbalances I wouldn’t notice up close.
Step 5: Know When to Stop
This is the hardest part. Abstract art can always be “more.” But I stop when the piece feels resolved—when it matches the energy I started with, or surprises me in a good way.
Final Thoughts
Abstract painting is a conversation between intention and intuition. There’s no right way to do it—only your way. The magic lies in letting go of control just enough to discover something you didn’t expect.