Explore texture.
Abstract art is commonly defined as non-representational; in other words, not a picture of something in the common objective way we ordinarily see and define objects. Abstract art can be an expression of a feeling, a geometric statement, or the beauty of a curve. Spontaneity and the creative process are powerful forces that loom large when it comes to art and abstraction. Delving into the subconscious, and the flattening of the picture plane, are big ideas that have been explored through creative visual abstraction. The artwork can simply be a painting that explores a certain shade of blue, or captures the feeling of a shape. Explore an idea visually, or make an exploration that discovers an idea.
Instructions
1. Express a feeling.
Consider what interests you, from a nonobjective vantage point. For example, think about a particular certain shade of a color that affects you. Another approach is to start with no idea at all. Think from the inside out, or refuse to think at all.
2. Look inside.
Go at it. Use any paints you have, or a pencil. Use a canvas, piece of paper, or whatever support you want. If there is a particular feeling or idea whose intention is motivating this creative movement explore it visually.
3. Abstracted representationalism.
Go deeper. Figure out where you are going with it. Feel it. Do not think about what you are doing in the ordinary way. Explore this visually. Do this on the canvas/paper with line, shape, color, and/or texture.
4. Find yourself. Get a track and follow it down. Some tracks are dead ends. Find a track that opens up for you. What you create does not need to be beautiful, but there does need to be something going on with it, something that becomes clear.
5. Create a more substantial expression. Once the discovery takes shape for you inside, bring it out. Find it there in front of you with your hands, using line, shape, color, and/or texture.
6. Let it rest. Put it on the back burner and let it stew. Stop looking at it. Forget about it. Do something else. Then come back to it with a fresh eye.
7. Continue exploring your visual self-expression. When you have a clear line on it, get serious about creating a substantial art object/painting. Have fun with it or struggle until you get it right. A successful abstract artwork can come from any quarter.
