What Makes a Good Abstract Painting?

253,823

8,920 0

Published 2020-01-16

I often meet artists who are frustrated with their attempts to make abstract paintings. They feel a pull towards abstraction, but they don't like the results. I believe there are two reasons why this happens... a) lack of clear intention and b) lack of knowledge in a few key areas. The good news is that both can easily be fixed. The issue is NOT a lack of talent ... you just need a little bit more information.

I am on a mission to help artists find their own unique voice and make exciting, original artwork that is truly unique. If this sounds exciting, join my weekly artist's newsletter at www.louisefletcherart.com/contact

Each week, I share tips, tricks, advice, and inspiration to help you take your art to the next level.

You can also find me:
My artist community: www.louisefletcherart.com/art-tribe
On Facebook at www.facebook.com/louisefletcherart
On Instagram at instagram.com/louisefletcher_art
And on my podcast at: www.louisefletcherart.com/for-artists/podcast/

All Comments (21)

@northwesterncorgi 3 years ago

I cannot remember when I last learned so much in eight minutes - a deeply rewarding experience - very many thanks.
@yeshuaiscomingbackrepent2357 5 months ago

😁🖌️I painted two abstracts in my journal and was listening to a wonderful CD of orchestra and a very upbeat violinist my mother sent me they were colorful and very gestural. When my friend saw them ...she said , "I see music." I turned the pages and showed her they were named Music #1 and Music #2. It was really amazing to me that she saw it!
@barbiebeckford2988 8 days ago

You just narrated what I’ve been feeling since starting serious abstract about a month ago. This is great. Thank you.
@jacobdrollinger4802 3 years ago

The most important thing that makes a good abstract painting is that it induces emotion!
@leetravathan 3 years ago

This past weekend, I did an abstract landscape that is, to me, the best I have ever done. Only my husband "got it"... and I did not care. I GOT IT!!! And I loved the play in it, as well as the outcome.
@cartoonheart1111 3 years ago

Oh my goodness I needed to hear this. I have been practicing for years and have never liked any of my paintings. I've almost given up many times, but I always come back to it. Thank you so much!
@alexandrahanson-harding4666 3 years ago

Thank you so much for what you said. You said it with great heart and clarity, and you made excellent points. It's generous of you to share these deep, important thoughts with your fellow artists.
@carolharveyartitude6762 3 years ago

This is so helpful, Louise! Thank you! You are like a mind reader! Exactly what I needed right now. As well as your compare and despair message. My week will be better because of your help. You rock! 👍🎨💜
@geraldskogen7811 2 years ago

I absolutely love your perspective. Whenever I get stuck, I watch some of your videos and they really help me get back on track.
@kerryurech 4 years ago

Louise, thank you so much for this extremely informative video. Thanks also for your open and honest attitude about art. Love your work!
@pattremaine9376 3 years ago

Your comments totally resonate! Emotional history to a landscape. Thanks
@sallyalogan7479 3 years ago

This is so interesting, I took Nicholas’s free course, but at the time I was still doing representational paintings and didn’t really understand his teachings. I saved all the sessions and will now go back and rewatch them with a much more open mind! Thank you Louise.
@suesutcliffe335 4 years ago

This was such an amazing eye opener for me in so many ways! especially in regards to digging deeper into the "why" of what inspires me. i have taken many photography of nature over the years and looking at them i know exactly why I took the photo. I so enjoy the process of painting the challenge now seems to be something about putting that together with the why. thanks !!
@suzieloveday6451 4 years ago

It IS difficult...and I thought I was doing it wrong because it is hard...this has liberated me!
@francoislauzon7716 3 years ago

Thank you so much. I do agree that there are lots of "easy abstract" videos on Youtube and those are misleading and give poor results. I was happy to learn from this video, that i am not the only one being frustrated after hours spent on a canva and ending up with a "muddy mess".
@dcfan333 3 years ago

Brilliant. So glad I found you today... I left my art room disappointed.. and bam, here you are. Thank you.
@believejesusislord578 2 years ago

‘It’s the emotional resonance that sells the work” - 👍 that hit me in the ❤️ thank you and God bless.
@yeshuaiscomingbackrepent2357 2 years ago

Thank you! I love painting abstract! Practicing in my journals is great. I often paint representational abstract, and sometimes just color, textures and shapes and lines. Pastes and gels are my favorite!
@gerdaleroux1594 1 year ago

Thank you Louise for your simple explanation of abstract art. I always thought I'm weird and a little mad because the "traditional" art did not really attract me however I admire their work and as an newby I copy many photos/artworks but it's not feeling true to myself, I feel lonely. My only painting I really love is the one I did when I was emotionally angry. And it seems to me I'm the only one who loves it but it's okay.
@Qzzth4 1 year ago

This is incredibly helpful! I've been really struggling this past month trying to figure out why I feel so stuck with my work. You hit the nail on the head!