How to Take Up Abstract Painting in Your Older Years
May 14, 2021
No matter who you are, you probably wanted to take up art at some point in your life but couldn’t because you didn’t have the time or resources to dedicate yourself to it properly. But now you’re older, and you have more time on your hands, you want to explore just what art really means to you.
Abstract painting, especially that of the more contemporary side, might make your art hobbyist dreams become a reality. Here is how you can take up abstract painting in your older years.
Look at contemporary abstract artists
Looking at contemporary abstract artists is the first step into the genre. Looking at upcoming artists can be very good for your imagination.Take your inspiration and see what kind of movements they make, the scale of their work, and how well they convey emotions. This can be an exciting thing to study and take inspiration from, as you can start similarly and branch off later. See what you like and what you want to convey in your art, and just how you might do that.
Experiment with media
Experimenting with media is a massive part of contemporary abstract art. However, this can also get very expensive, so looking at which benefits and grants you might be entitled to by looking at informative sites can be an excellent way to help you cover some of the costs if you’re buying a lot of canvases or paints to follow your new passion.
Take day trips
No matter where you travel to, you will find something beautiful to inspire you and to strike the artistic fire inside. Take the time to explore your local area to find something that makes you want to pick up a brush. A day trip doesn’t have to be an expensive excursion, either. When you reach your senior years you can qualify for discounts on travel – check out this Growing Power article for more details on eligibility.
Find your muse
No matter who you are, you probably have something from which you can take a lot of inspiration. Whether this is nature, your family, friends, or pets, this can help you a lot with your choices of colour, prose, and topic.You can focus on conveying the emotions you feel or the bond you have with your chosen muse through a mixture of hard and soft lines, sweeping shapes, and muted or vibrant colours.
Never hold back
Holding back is what makes abstract art dull. Using the colours you feel conveys your emotions best, and using the shapes your hand wants to go in can lead to gorgeous compositions and forms. Using line and shape, you can convey how you feel very well, as discussed in greater depth in this article. You can really let loose if you look into colour theory or simply go with your gut. If it looks terrible, that’s OK – after all, everyone has to start somewhere.
Final thoughts
When it comes to beginning abstract painting, you need to make sure you are true to yourself. You need to make sure that you convey your emotions in the best possible way, and you really paint what you feel. If a piece doesn’t turn out right, you need to learn to accept it. All of the art is a learning experience, and you can really let loose and experiment and find your niche.