Acrylic and Collage Landscape Video Tutorial

In this video tutorial, we will explore the world of acrylic and collage to create a dynamic and loose cityscape with an abstract feel. Don’t be fooled by the apparent chaos – behind the scenes, I carefully plan the composition, design, and values to maintain control in the midst of artistic spontaneity. And I’ll share that with you in this article.

Seven Tips for Painting Loose, Abstract Art

Cultivating a loose and abstract style in your artwork opens up a world of creative possibilities. Here are some valuable tips to help you paint in a loose and abstract manner:

1. Embrace spontaneity: Allow yourself to paint freely without overthinking every brushstroke. Embrace the unexpected and let your intuition guide you.
2. Use bold and expressive brushwork: Experiment with large brushes, palette knives, or unconventional tools to create energetic and expressive marks on the canvas.
3. Explore color harmonies: Play with vibrant and contrasting colors to evoke emotion and create visual impact. Don’t be afraid to mix unexpected color combinations.
4. Simplify shapes and forms: Rather than focusing on intricate details, aim to capture the essence of your subject by simplifying shapes and emphasizing their abstract qualities.
5. Experiment with different techniques: Explore various techniques such as dripping, splattering, or wet-on-wet to add texture, movement, and depth to your artwork.
6. Let go of perfectionism: Embrace imperfections and happy accidents along the way. Sometimes the most captivating abstract art emerges from unexpected outcomes.
7. Find inspiration in the process: Allow yourself to enjoy the journey of creating abstract art. Be open to exploration and let the process guide you towards new and exciting discoveries.

Remember, painting loosely and abstractly is all about expressing your unique voice and embracing artistic freedom. So, let go of constraints and dive into the world of abstract art with confidence and joy.

Composition Matters!

Composition plays a crucial role in art as it serves as the foundation for creating visually appealing and impactful works. It refers to the arrangement and organization of elements within a piece of art, including the placement, balance, and interaction of shapes, lines, colors, and other components.

One of the primary reasons why composition matters in art is its ability to guide the viewer’s eye and communicate the artist’s intended message. A well-composed artwork directs the viewer’s attention and creates a visual hierarchy, leading them to focus on specific areas or elements that are significant to the overall concept or narrative. By strategically arranging the elements, artists can create emphasis, establish focal points, and control the flow of visual movement, effectively guiding the viewer’s interpretation of the artwork.

Composition also contributes to the overall harmony and balance of an artwork. It involves considering the distribution of visual weight, the relationship between positive and negative spaces, and the use of symmetry, asymmetry, or other compositional techniques. A balanced composition evokes a sense of stability and visual satisfaction, while an unbalanced or intentionally dissonant composition can create tension or evoke specific emotions.

In short, no matter what style you decide to paint, one MUST spend some time on the design and composition! Abstract artists take less to on the finished piece but thought goes in to the design.

Finished Art & Composition Sketches

Take a peek at the initial design and composition sketch that sets the stage for this creative adventure.