Making an abstract painting.

How to create an abstract painting step by step

Here's a small article with my experience on how to paint an abstract painting using glazes, impastos of color, and dripping. It's a fun, creative, and relaxing learning experience.

Some tips to start creating art like a professional...

Materials:

• Canvas (you can choose the size you prefer)
  - Brushes of different sizes
  - Spatula for applying impasto
  - Acrylic or oil paints
  - Water (if using acrylics)
  - Glazing medium (if using acrylics) or linseed oil (if using oils)
  - Containers for mixing colors, fine-tipped bottles
  - Absorbent paper or cloth
  - Adhesive tape (optional, to create clean edges)

Steps to create your artwork

1. First marks on the canvas. If you wish, you can apply a base layer of color over the entire canvas, or just in some areas. This can be a neutral color or something that inspires you. You can let it dry or continue adding some colors while it's still wet so they blend better.

2. Create the base with glazes. Mix paint with a glazing medium (or water if using acrylics) to make a more transparent mixture and apply it to the canvas with a large brush, creating soft and subtle layers. You can also wipe the brush a little on absorbent paper, meaning don't load it with too much paint, to create streaky brushstrokes. You can layer different colors to achieve depth, in which case let it dry between layers.

3. When dry, you can apply impasto. Use a palette knife to apply thick paint (impasto) to certain areas of the canvas, using vibrant colors to create texture and relief. Always keep in mind the mixtures of primary and secondary colors, and their complements. Experiment with different techniques, such as scraping or dragging the palette knife to create interesting patterns.

Let it dry completely

 4. Incorporate dripping. You can use fine-tipped bottles and prepare a more liquid paint mixture (you can dilute it with water or medium). With a brush or directly from the tube, let the paint drip onto the canvas. You can do it in a controlled way or let the paint flow freely, play with the direction and amount of dripping to create a dynamic effect.

Apply the finishing touch...

5. And now the final details. Once everything is dry, you can add more details with fine brushes or a small palette knife. Finally, you can sign the artwork and varnish it if you wish as a method of protection.