Abstract Painting, Step by Step

"[Abstract Art] should be enjoyed just as music is enjoyed - after awhile you may like it or you may not."
Jackson Pollock

My mother wanted an abstract painting over our couch. Of what, she didn't know. I had picked out a color scheme for this room so it is not mainly brown. My mom approved that so I had an idea of what to kinda use. While I was still thinking though of what to do, I figured I can build up layers.

I had my friends, Heather and Rachel help me on the first two layers of this, since this is a huge piece. We took wall plaster and scraps of fabric to build up texture. We worked the plaster around with our fingers and combs. After that I wanted to sling some paint, so we did. This paint didn't really make a difference to the piece but it was fun!



Next we took bright colors, black, and white that would be used as accent colors in the room to doodle all over the canvas.



You like our water container? One huge hard plastic pool. I couldn't believe how dirty we got that large amount of water.





We loved the pattern and colors so much. Mom not so much. It was too bright and busy. So another layer is needed.


I drew my top layer design on tracing paper on top of the canvas.




I cut out the design and used it as a stencil. As usual of lately, my dog can't seem to get out of the way. He wants to be the center of attention, not my art.


I painted in the background of the design red. Which is my mom's favorite accent color of them all. That way the layer below that comes through the paint just a bit and is completely visible where the tracing paper was.



To finish it I outlined it in black then have it fade out to the red.



I really happy with how it turned out, so is my mother. Since this was for her, she doesn't have the last say. Now that we have this up we need to pull the colors from this painting and pull them throughout the rest of the room.



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7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very nice. Lucky Mom!

Priscilla said...

Please email me asap to claim your prize or I will have to randomly pick another winner.
http://priscillastyles.blogspot.com

my email is heatonup@verizon.net

Priscilla

Unknown said...

Wow, gorgeous work!! I love both versions, equally - so glad your mom loved it!

Joni Nickrent said...

WOW! Love the way it turned out and enjoyed seeing the transformation! Awesome painting for sure and fits the decor perfectly!

bohemiannie! art said...

I liked it both ways. Great job! If mamma ain't happy, ain't NOBody happy!

Tracey FK said...

I loved visiting your blog today and thanks so much for sharing so much of your process in creating the artwork. The pool as water container made me laugh out loud!!

Å olanje na domu-Waldorf said...

I love abstract art and these paintings are wonderful!