An Intro to Abstract Painting

Exercise 1:Balance and Equilibrium

Objective:

To play with line, colour and composition (horizontal and vertical lines form the basis of the composition so that it is a matter of balance).

You will need:

a pencilpaperpaint - 2 contrasting colours plus black and white

Step 1: Draw some vertical and horizontal lines on your paper in pencil. Make a few curved if you wish.

Avoid a simple grid.

Step 2: Select one of your colours and paint in some of your fields.

Step 3: Select the other colour and paint in some of your empty fields. Leave some areas empty.

Step 4: Using black paint, paint over some of your pencil lines.

Step 5: Fill in your remaining areas. Mix your colours on your palette and on your work.

Feel free to add white or solid black to a few areas.

Step 5: Add any final details.

Do you feel there is balance in your composition? Why or why not?

Variation: You can also do this activity in reverse. Apply the strong contours (black lines) first and then paint the

colour fields.

This idea was taken from the book, “Painting Abstracts: Ideas, Projects and Techniques”

by Rolina Van Vliet

http://www.amazon.com/Painting-Abstracts-Ideas-Projects-Techniques/dp/1844483363