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If you’re wondering how to create your first abstract painting, I’m here to guide you through the process, from setting up your workspace to knowing when your piece feels complete. Abstract art has always excited me because it’s such a freeing way to express myself, playing with colours, shapes, and textures without worrying about strict rules.
I remember when I first started, and it seemed a bit overwhelming, but with a few simple techniques and the willingness to explore, anyone can create something truly unique. In this post, I’ll share how I approach organising materials, deciding between a planned or spontaneous composition, and using simple shapes and layers to build depth. One of the most important parts of the process is recognising when to stop, so I’ll give some tips on how to know when your artwork is finished.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to try something new, I hope this guide on how to create your first abstract painting inspires you to embrace your creativity and enjoy the process of making your own abstract artwork.
One of the most important steps when learning how to create your first abstract painting is setting up a workspace that allows for freedom and creativity. Your environment plays a huge role in how your art comes together, so it’s worth taking the time to organise your space before you start. Whether you have a dedicated studio or just a corner of a room, the key is to create a space where you feel comfortable and free to experiment.
To start, you’ll want to gather all of your materials. When figuring out how to create your first abstract painting, having everything within reach is essential. Make sure you have your paints, brushes, canvases, and any other materials you plan to use laid in a way that is convenient and intuitive for you. Organising your supplies ahead of time will allow you to focus on the creative process without constant interruptions to search for what you need.
Lighting is another crucial aspect of your workspace. Good lighting can help you see colours more accurately and assess the progress of your painting as you go. If possible, work in a space with plenty of natural light. If that’s not an option, invest in a good quality daylight lamp or lightbulbs to ensure that the colours you’re working with look as true as possible. Understanding how to create your first abstract painting involves more than just technique; it’s about making sure you can fully engage with the materials and colours at hand.
Comfort is also key. You may spend hours on a single piece, so ensure that you have a chair or stool that supports good posture if you’re working at a table or easel. I have a wiggle cushion that has really made sitting for periods of time much more comfortable. It’s also important to have enough room to move around your canvas and access all parts of it easily. Some artists prefer to work on the floor, while others like to have their canvas upright on an easel—it’s all about what feels right to you. Finding a setup that supports your body and movement will make the process of how to create your first abstract painting more enjoyable and sustainable.
Another tip is to keep your workspace flexible. As you explore different techniques, such as layering, using mixed media, or experimenting with brushstrokes, you may find that your needs change. Allow your workspace to adapt with you. For instance, keep additional surfaces handy for drying canvases, or create space to experiment with other materials. Being adaptable is a key part of understanding how to create your first abstract painting, as the process often requires shifting between different methods and ideas.
Finally, consider the mood of your workspace. Music, scents, and visual inspiration can all contribute to how you feel while creating. Surround yourself with things that inspire you—whether it’s photos, colours, or textures. Your environment should encourage you to take risks and experiment freely, which is an essential part of how to create your first abstract painting.
I have a scented candle burning and music or a podcast playing to help set the best mood for myself. Experiment – I know some artists don’t like having too much auditory stimulation when working so find what best works for you or get the best work from you!
Setting up a well-organised and inspiring workspace is an important foundation for your creative journey. When your space is ready, you’ll find it easier to focus on the artistic process and bring your first abstract painting to life.
One of the things I love most about abstract art is the freedom to choose whether to plan the composition or embrace spontaneity. When I first started thinking about how to create your first abstract painting, deciding whether to plan or go with the flow made a big difference in how I approached my work. Some days, I like to have a clear idea in mind, while other days, I let the paint and shapes guide me. The beauty of abstract art is that either approach works, and it all depends on what feels right in the moment.
One process I always follow, without fail, is to start each piece with play. I go completely wild and just just create in the spirit of play with joy. This gets me over the dreaded fear of the blank canvas in a very invigorating and encouraging way and almost always throws up so exciting and wonderful colours, textures and forms that inspire me going forward. It’s a great way to start.
When I’m in the mood for structure, I like to plan my composition. Sometimes, I sketch out simple shapes or think about how the colours will interact. For me, this gives the painting a sense of direction, especially if I’m working with a specific idea or emotion in mind. Planning can be particularly helpful when you’re learning how to create your first abstract painting, as it can keep you focused and give you confidence as you work.
However, I also love diving into a piece without any preconceived plan. There’s something thrilling about letting go and letting the process unfold naturally. Some of my favourite works have come from these spontaneous sessions, where I allowed myself to experiment and see where the paint took me. If you’re just starting with how to create your first abstract painting, this method can be so freeing because there’s no pressure to create something specific. Instead, you can focus on the joy of creating and exploring different ideas as they come.
But there’s no need to choose between planning or spontaneity—you can blend the two. Sometimes, I’ll start with a rough idea and then let go of it as the painting progresses, or I might begin without a plan and then refine the composition as I go. It’s a balance between control and letting things flow naturally, and I find this hybrid method helps me achieve a piece that feels both intentional and instinctive. But remember, the first marks I make are always in the spirit of play – then I move forward with the piece; whether with a plan or not.
Ultimately, whether you plan your composition or work without one, the most important thing is to find what works for you. When you’re figuring out how to create your first abstract painting, don’t feel tied to anyone else’s method—this is about discovering your own creative rhythm and enjoying the process.
So, whether you plan ahead or dive straight in, remember that creating your first abstract painting is all about the journey, not the destination. Trust yourself and ENJOY, embrace experimentation, and let your unique voice come through in your art in a process of fun and joy.
When I’m working on an abstract piece, I always find it helpful to begin with simple shapes and forms. For me, this step is like laying the foundation of a house—it gives the artwork structure and direction without restricting where I can go later. If you’re learning how to create your first abstract painting, starting with basic shapes is a great way to ease into the process, allowing you to explore freely without feeling overwhelmed by complexity.
Abstract art doesn’t need to follow the rules of realism, so don’t worry about perfection. Simple shapes—like circles, squares, or even random organic forms—can be the perfect starting point. I often like to experiment with the placement of these shapes, layering them or arranging them in ways that feel intuitive. This gives me something to build on, whether I plan to paint over them later or let them peek through as part of the final composition. If you’re unsure where to begin, putting a few basic shapes onto the canvas can be a great jumping-off point when you’re figuring out how to create your first abstract painting.
Once you’ve laid down a few shapes, you can start thinking about how to interact with them. This is where the fun begins. I like to use different brushstrokes or tools to build up texture or create movement within the shapes. For instance, you can experiment with filling them in solidly, blending colours, or even leaving parts of the shapes open to create contrast. As you go through the process of how to create your first abstract painting, remember that these shapes don’t have to stay as they are—you can layer over them, change them, or even partially erase them.
One of the things I find exciting about starting with simple shapes is that they offer so much flexibility. You can build layers on top, letting the shapes interact with each other or with new forms you add later. The more you experiment, the more interesting the relationships between these shapes can become. Don’t be afraid to see what happens when different shapes overlap or blend together, as this can often lead to unexpected and beautiful results.
In addition to brushstrokes, you might want to play with other materials to enhance the shapes. I sometimes use palette knives, sponges, or even my hands to manipulate the paint and create different textures within or around the forms. These techniques can bring new energy to the piece and help to develop the depth that abstract art often thrives on. When you’re learning how to create your first abstract painting, keeping it simple with shapes and forms can actually lead to more room for creativity and exploration.
Another tip I’ve found useful is to let go of the need to be precise. Abstract art is all about expression, and sometimes the best shapes come from just letting your hand move without overthinking. Whether they’re clean and geometric or loose and organic, the goal is to use these shapes as a starting point to dive deeper into your creative process. As you build upon them, your painting will start to take on a life of its own.
Ultimately, starting with simple shapes and forms is about giving yourself the freedom to experiment. If you’re new to abstract art, this approach allows you to establish a foundation while also staying open to where the painting takes you. As you continue to explore how to create your first abstract painting, you’ll find that these basic elements can lead to unexpected complexity and depth as you build layers and textures. The key is to enjoy the process and trust where your instincts take you.
One of the trickiest parts of creating abstract art, at least for me, is knowing when to stop. When I first started painting, I often found myself wondering, “Is this piece finished? Should I add more?” I was often frustrated or angry with myself for going to far and ruining a painting, or looking at a painting again after a gap of time and thinking “I really could have pushed that more”.
When to stop is a question I still ask myself sometimes, but over the years, I’ve developed a better sense of when a painting feels complete. If you’re learning how to create your first abstract painting, figuring out when to stop can be challenging, but here’s the key – with practice, it gets easier. Yes, there are no short-cuts I have found. You just have to keep working and after time and practice you begin to intuitively feel when a piece is done.
A good place to start though, is to take a step back from your work. Sometimes, when I’m deep in the process, I get too close to the canvas—both physically and mentally. I find it helpful to step away for a while, maybe even a day or two – or even longer, and come back with fresh eyes. When you return, you can often see the painting more clearly and decide whether it needs more work or if it’s already finished. Taking breaks is something I highly recommend when you’re figuring out how to create your first abstract painting, as it helps you avoid overworking your piece.
Another thing I’ve learned is to trust my instincts. Sometimes, you just know when a painting feels complete—it’s like a gut feeling that the composition is balanced, the colours are working together, and the layers feel harmonious. It’s important to listen to that inner voice and trust your own judgement. After all, abstract art is a personal and subjective process, so only you can decide when your painting is finished. If something feels right, then it probably is.
That said, there are a few practical tips I use to help me assess whether a piece is done. One is to look at the composition as a whole. Does the painting feel balanced? Is the eye led on a journey around the canvas, or are there areas that feel forgotten – unresolved? I also ask myself if adding more would genuinely enhance the piece or if it might clutter or overwhelm it. These are useful questions to ask as you’re working through how to create your first abstract painting—they can help you determine whether your piece needs more or if it’s time to stop.
It’s also worth considering that sometimes less is more. In abstract art, simplicity can be just as powerful as complexity. I’ve learned that adding too many layers or elements can sometimes take away from the impact of the original idea. When I’m unsure whether to add more, I ask myself if what’s already on the canvas is communicating what I want it to. If it is, then I know it’s time to stop.
When you’re creating your first abstract painting, it’s easy to feel like you need to keep going, but often the power lies in restraint. One of my favourite examples of this is Lee Krasner‘s work ‘Desert Moon’. It is deceptively simple but look at the use of contrast in value, composition, size and colour and you begin to see the artistry and complexity. One of my favourite all time pieces.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to live with your work for a while. I often leave a painting in my studio for a week or so and just let it sit. During that time, I’ll glance at it occasionally, and if it still feels right after some distance, I know it’s finished. Other times, I realise there’s something I want to change or add, and that’s okay too. The key is to give yourself space and time to reflect on the piece without rushing to declare it done.
In the end, knowing when to stop is a skill you develop over time. As you explore how to create your first abstract painting, you’ll start to recognise that point when everything clicks into place. It’s a combination of trusting your instincts, stepping back to reflect, and embracing the beauty of imperfection. Remember, your abstract painting doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to feel complete to you.
About Simone
Experience the magic of colour and nature with my stunning abstract art. Every piece is crafted to bring you joy and elevate your space, making it a focal point that sparks admiration and conversation. Let your home reflect your love for art and beauty."
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