Understanding Abstract Art

​Is it really possible to understand abstract art?

For us here at Art Smart, we know it is possible. You just need to have an open mind and a wide imagination to do so ;) And we believe, too that it is precisely where the beauty of abstract art begins!

What do you see in this abstract painting below?

Photo source: www.wikihow.com

Do you sense anger somewhere? Or do you feel a surge of excitement in the strokes? Or it could be that the person was actually kind of calm when he or she did this because of the generous use of blue?
 
We can go on discussing what could be the meaning behind this abstract painting, but one thing is for sure – there are no right or wrong answers!
 
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But first, a little history
 
Historians say that abstract art began in the year 1911 with works by a Russian artist, Wassily Kandinsky, who is referred to as the Father of Abstract Art. With his deep appreciation for music, he believed that colors also had the same ability to provoke emotions.

Picture with Circle by Wassily Kadinsky (Photo source: www.wassilykandinsky.net)

For him, Red was energetic and dynamic. Green was calm and peaceful. Blue was deep and introspective. Yellow was exciting and warm. And White was also peaceful and full of possibilities.
 
Wassily even went far as assigning a sound to go with each color!
 
Red sounded more like a trumpet. Green a violin. Blue a flute or a cello. Yellow a fanfare of trumpets. And white a pause.
 
 
Abstract art is a personal journey
 
They say that abstract art is a very personal exploration of art. A person can express what he or she could be feeling or thinking at the moment without using words to explain it. 
 
At its core, abstract art is an exploration of form, color, line, texture, composition and pattern, and meanings are derived from how these are used to create a visual experience!

Photo source: www.abstractartistgallery.org

Let abstract art take you somewhere, to a different place that words cannot fully grasp.
 
If someone asks you again what the meaning is behind an abstract art, just relax and allow yourself to be taken in by the painting, and let your feelings, memories, and sensations do the "talking" for you.
 
Let the painting "speak" to you. Take your time noticing how the different colors, strokes, materials, and surface interact with one another.
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​How to begin creating abstract art
 
Now that’s a tricky question! ;)
 
As we have said, it's really up to you what you want to paint as it depends on your current mood, your feelings, and the memories and thoughts that fill your head!
 
Ready a blank cotton canvas, a pencil and have as much colors and paint brushes on hand as possible!

Photo source: www.dependingontheweather.com

​Think of a memory or a feeling and use the variety of colors and paint brushes to guide you as you communicate it on your empty canvas.
 
Use different shapes and lines and place colors in such a way that your viewers' eyes will bounce on the canvas!
 
Add details, too, to create the illusion of energy and movement in your painting.
 
 
Here at Art Smart, we’d love to teach you more about abstract art and other techniques from different art movements!
 
Check out our regular schedules below and call us to make a reservation!