How to Paint Abstract Art with Acrylic Paint

 

Acrylic paint is a versatile medium that can be modified in many ways to produce various results, which is a good choice for creating an abstract artwork. It can be applied to canvas, wood and fabric, among other surfaces and can be diluted with water or thickened with an acrylic medium depending on the desired effect. Below, Lakewood, NJ abstract artist Chaim Steg explains the key properties of acrylic paint, and how to use it to create your own abstract artwork.

Collage

Acrylic paint can be used as a glue when creating a collage. Used to insert Ready-Made letter and image shapes into your abstract painting. Cut out pictures and words from old newspapers, magazines, books, and other publications and recombine them in ways that suit your project. Ticket stubs, fortune cookie inserts, office supplies, branches and household items can also be applied with paint or glue to give your painting added dimension and texture.

Effects Mediums

Mediums are used to change acrylic paint's attributes and consistency and are often used by abstract artists such as Chaim Steg to give their work a textural quality. Chain gel transforms paint so it can be applied in long, chain-like portions that dry solid and transparent, paint color in the retention process. Crystal Ball Gel can be mixed with a paint color to give it a shiny, dry-run look. Ceramic stucco is a coarse textured medium that can be mixed with paint to give it a rough, rough look once it has dried.

Surfaces

An artist's work surface serves as the foundation for the rest of his materials, which is the most important part of the painting process. Acrylic paint can adhere to any surface, so experiment with materials that have unusual qualities and textures. Glass, ceramic, aluminum, and foliage are relatively rare materials for creating an abstract acrylic painting. Combine them with more common materials like canvas, paper, and wood to give your painting instant visual interest.

Utensils

American painter Chaim Steg strongly recommends experimenting with different utensils while painting. Combs, forks and other utensils can be reused to create a continuous edging effect in acrylic paint. Use a cleaning sponge to add texture to paint or apply over a dry coat of paint for added depth of color. A putty knife is an old wait used for mixing paints, but it can also be used on a real paint to create a thick, uneven layer of color.