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How to Create Abstract Art: Unleash Your Inner Artist with Creativity and Color

September 10, 2024

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Don’t let art intimidate you. You can unleash your inner artist with abstract art and add gallery worthy pieces to your home. I want to help you find inspiration, choose a color palette, and get creative. It’s one of the most cathartic – albeit sometimes challenging – practices to incorporate into your life, but I promise you will be so incredibly fulfilled. 

Creating abstract art is an incredible way to express yourself, explore new ideas, and unleash your inner artist. With just a few tools and some inspiration, you can create stunning pieces that reflect your unique personality. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting, abstract art allows you to dive into creativity without limitations. This guide will help you find inspiration, select a color palette, and start your abstract art journey.

Finding Inspiration: Start with What Moves You

One of the most important aspects of creating abstract art is finding inspiration. Inspiration can come from many sources – your surroundings, emotions, music, or even a memory. Start by identifying what moves you. Look around your home, neighborhood, or city for patterns, shapes, and colors that catch your eye. Notice how light falls on different surfaces or how various textures interact.

Tips for Finding Inspiration:

Take a walk in a park, along the beach, or stare up at the clouds and notice the colors and shapes.

Listen to music that evokes strong emotions and let it guide your creative flow.

Create a mood board on Pinterest with images that resonate with you. 

Reflect on personal experiences or emotions and think about how they might translate into art.

Follow emerging and established artists on Instagram for inspiration and technique tips.

By surrounding yourself with elements that spark your creativity, you’re more likely to find ideas that inspire your abstract art pieces.

Selecting Your Color Palette: Let Your Emotions Guide You

Color is a powerful tool in abstract art. Your choice of colors can set the tone, evoke feelings, and create visual interest. Think about how different colors make you feel and how you can use them to convey your message or mood. A carefully chosen color palette can bring harmony or contrast to your piece, depending on the mood you want to create.

Color Palette Tips:

Choose a base color that speaks to your emotions and build around it.

Experiment with complementary colors for dynamic contrast.

Use shades and tints of the same color for a monochromatic effect.

Don’t be afraid to use bold colors to make a statement.

Selecting a color palette based on your emotions allows you to create a more personal and meaningful piece of art. I’ve always thought of the color palettes the different phases of sunset give us.  Those cotton candy skies breathe life and inspiration into some of my most treasured pieces in my home that I get to enjoy every day.  

Embrace the Creative Process: Let Go of Perfection

Woof, this one’s easier said than done.  I’ve been through the stages of self-criticism and it’s the total antithesis of why we create in the first place. But perhaps, it’s just a part of the catharsis in the journey.  Abstract art is not about perfect shapes or lines; it’s about embracing the creative process and letting go of perfection. Allow yourself to make mistakes and explore different techniques without judgment. This openness will enable you to discover new styles and methods that resonate with you.

Ways to Embrace the Creative Process:

Use unconventional tools like sponges, palette knives, or even your hands.

Try different painting techniques like pouring, dripping, or splattering.

Focus on the process, not the outcome – enjoy the act of creating.

Revisit unfinished pieces with fresh eyes and add new elements.

By letting go of perfection, you’ll find joy in the creative process and discover new ways to express yourself.

Display and Share Your Art: Celebrate Your Creativity

Once you’ve completed your abstract art piece, find ways to display and share it. Showcasing your work in your home or office can boost your confidence and inspire others. Consider joining local art groups or online communities to connect with fellow artists. Sharing your journey can encourage others to explore their creativity too.

Ideas for Displaying and Sharing Your Art:

Frame your artwork and create a gallery wall at home.

Gift your creations to friends and family.

Participate in local art shows or exhibitions.

Share your pieces on social media platforms like Instagram or Pinterest.

Celebrating your art helps you appreciate your growth as an artist and inspires others to tap into their creativity.

I’ve created a few pieces that I’ll be sharing with y’all and as I create more I’ll bring you along the journey.  Abstract art is a reflection of you, so be authentic and let your creativity run wild!

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ABOUT erica

My obsession with creative expression began at an early age...

Growing up outside of NYC, visiting with family in Puerto Rico, and countless hours at loud crowded dinner tables helped me draw an indescribable connection to the beauty that culture, community, and nature give us. Most importantly, it's about how these pieces of inspiration and adoration organically show up in all elements of life, enabling me to feel at home in all senses of the word. With this in mind, I want to help manifest a sense of community and belonging by seamlessly blending the elements of design and authentic living on your plates, across your walls, and in your soul.


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