How to Paint Abstract Expressionist Paintings

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I want to do this! What's This?
No. 5, 1948 by Jackson Pollock
No. 5, 1948 by Jackson Pollock
via Wikipedia
Abstract expressionist art--or action art, as it has also been called--is define
d by its emphasis on emotional or spontaneous content not based in reality. Abst
ract expressionist art gained its popularity in the 1950s as a backlash against
rampant McCarthyism. Many artists found themselves victims to the Red scare for
the perceived political ideologies represented in their work. Abstract expressio
nism allowed artists to create without fear of being accused of sympathizing wit
h communists. It also further promoted the idea of "art for art's sake" and the
belief that the spiritual or unconscious mind could be further explored through
the creative process. Abstract expressionism has continued to today, and is a st
yle of art that is within the reach of the beginning artist.
From Quick Guide: Abstract Artwork 101
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History About Abstract Art
Abstract art is one of the major forms of art design in modern artwork. Th
e idea is to simplify or More
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Introduction to Abstract Painting for the Home
Abstract painting is an expression of yourself through color and technique
; learn this and more in this More
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Abstract Painting Supplies
Materials you'll need to create your large format abstract painting includ
ing birch wood and acrylic More
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How to Paint Abstract Expressionist Paintings
Abstract expressionist art--or action art, as it has also been called--is
defined by its emphasis on More
*
How to Defend Abstract Art
You are standing before an abstract painting at a museum with Uncle Bert w
hen he turns to you and says, More
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How to Interpret Abstract Art
Abstract art is different from most art. It is not as much about the subje
ct as about the feeling it More
 *
Creative Methods for Abstract Painting for the Home
Adding a bit more color to your painting through careful use of a squeegee
; learn this and more in this More
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Abstract Painting Color Selection
Color selection for your large format abstract painting is important and w
hat you should consider; learn More
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Adding the 1st Color to an Abstract Painting
How to apply the first color to your birch wood for your large abstract pa
inting by "plopping" the paint; More
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Adding 2nd Color to an Abstract Painting
Method for plopping the second color you'll use for your abstract painting
on wood; learn this and more in More
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Spreading Paint on Abstract Paintings
Using the squeegee to add a bit more paint and refining the appearance of
your abstract painting on wood; More
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Creating Texture on Abstract Paintings for the Home
Using clay sculpting tools for creating texture on your abstract painting
for your home; learn this and More
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How to Finish an Abstract Painting
While it can be tempting to keep painting, tips on how to tell when your a
bstract painting on wood is More
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How to Start an Abstract Expressionist Collection
Expressionism is an artistic style in which the artist distorts reality fo
r an emotional effect. More
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How to Make Abstract Art Using Old Crayons
Abstract art is a great way to express ones self in a fun and carefree way
and is a terrific way to More
5 of 15
More: See All Articles in this Quick Guide
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
* Various art supplies, including but not limited to:
* Paint
* Paper
* Canvas
* Brushes
* Sponges
* Pastels
 Abstract Expressionism Made Easy
1.
Step 1
Hans Hofmann's oil-on-canvas painting The Gate, 1959 60 via Wikipedia
Hans Hofmann's oil-on-canvas painting The Gate, 1959 60 via Wikipedia
Learn as much as you can about the abstract expressionist movement by stud
ying the work of other artists. By understanding the ideology driving the moveme
nt, you can better emulate the well-known artists of the time. The beautiful thi
ng about abstract expressionism is that there is no "standard" look or feel. Eac
h artist expresses him- or herself differently. The wide variety of materials an
d techniques used to create abstract expressionist paintings makes it a highly f
lexible style that can convey the ideas and emotions of the artist without stric
t adherence to a set of guidelines. Popular abstract expressionist artists to re
search include Jackson Pollock, Willem De Kooning, Hans Hoffmann, Helen Frankent
haler and Barnett Newman.
2.
Step 2
Onement 1, 1948, by Barnett Newman. Oil on canvas and oil on masking tape
on canvas. Via Wikipedia
Onement 1, 1948, by Barnett Newman. Oil on canvas and oil on masking tape
on canvas. Via Wikipedia
Gather your art materials and prepare your workspace. Most early abstract
expressionist paintings were done on canvas with oil paints, but there are no ha
rd-and-fast rules governing the types of materials that can be used. Acrylic pai
nts have vivid colors and are easy to clean with rubbing alcohol; watercolors ha
ve more subdued colors but can be used on inexpensive papers and can be cleaned
up with water; cardboard can be substituted for canvas; or pastel chalks can be
used. The possible combinations are endless. Try incorporating found objects lik
e glitter, bottle caps, string or glass. Application tools can be varied as well
. While many artists used traditional paintbrushes, others used sticks, string,
hair, spoons, knives or other implements to apply pigment. Jackson Pollock, for
example, was well known for dripping paint onto the canvas from the cans and tub
es it came in.Before painting make sure to cover any exposed surfaces near your
work area with a drop cloth or other covering to avoid damage. Keep clean up mat
erials such as water, paint thinner, or rubbing alcohol near by and work in a we
ll ventilated area.
3.
Step 3
Woman V, Willem de Kooning (1904-1997) Via Wikipedia
Woman V, Willem de Kooning (1904-1997) Via Wikipedia
Plan your image and start painting. It's a common misconception that abstr
act expressionist paintings are totally spontaneous and require no artistic tale
nt. While they do convey a sense of spontaneity and are often highly emotionally
charged, many abstract expressionist works are very large, making the need for
planning out the image beforehand all the more important. When planning the imag
e, determine in advance the materials you'll use to create the image, what the i
mage should convey to the viewer, the color combinations you'll be using, the si
ze of the image, and what the image will represent to you personally. Once you h
ave a firm idea of how the image should look, start painting.
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Tips & Warnings
*
Careful planning is the difference between great art and haphazard work. D
on't underestimate the effect that planning your image will have on your work.
*
Not everyone will appreciate your art. Don't be discouraged. Continue to p
aint for your own enjoyment.