Abstract Painting for Beginners
This abstract painting for beginners tutorial is for those who are taking baby steps in painting like myself. I’m no pro, so this is probably the easiest step by step acrylic painting DIY tutorial out there. Enjoy!
Acrylic Abstract Painting for Beginners
At the beginning of 2019, I decided to learn one new art and craft skill each month and this month it’s ‘painting’! I wanted to share my first abstract painting, hence this post! I won’t be giving any tips or suggestions in this post, but surely in the next posts as I’ll learn and practice more. Surely, this abstract painting for beginners is pretty easy, and if you’re inspired enough, you can do it too!
Looks magical, doesn’t it! In this tutorial I’ll show you how I did (and learned) my first ever acrylic abstract painting. Follow my tutorial and try recreating one yourself and keep in touch for more fun and crafty ideas!
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for some beginner-friendly tips, make sure to check out this article on How To Get Started With Acrylic Abstract Painting by Wandering Aimfully.
How to Paint an Abstract Acrylic Painting
List of Supplies
- Acrylic paint
- Canvas (any size you want)
- Paintbrush (flat brushes)
- Pencil
- Art paper
- X-acto knife
- Craft glue
Step by Step Acrylic Painting instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Colors and Applying the First Layer
Grab your canvas and paintbrushes, prepare the paints on the tray, and get started. Prepare 4 or more different shades of blue acrylic paint on the tray. Each shade should be deeper than the other. Starting your paint from the top side of the canvas; use the darkest shade for the first layer.
Step 2: Continue Painting to Create Blue Ombre
Continue the painting towards the bottom side of the canvas. Once you’re done with the first dark blue layer, wash your brush by simply dipping it into the water cup and then go for the next deeper shade of blue. Overlap both coats by a cm or so.
Step 3: Complete the Base Ombre
Keep adding different deeper shades of blue while painting towards the bottom end of the canvas. If you’re a beginner (I am as well!), don’t worry if the blue ombre doesn’t turn out as good; you’ll get better eventually, this only the first time! This blue ombre is the base of our abstract painting.
Step 4: Paint Scattered Clouds
Grab the white acrylic paint (Size 3) and use a flat brush to paint a scattered cloud pattern along the top side of the blue canvas. Paint the cloud from and moving downwards diagonally.
Step 5: Add Shades to the Clouds
Prepare a really deep mint acrylic shade (mix white: blue: green – 50:30:20) and once again use the flat brush to paint a scattered cloud pattern below the white cloud pattern. Overlap with the previous cloud pattern.
Step 6: Add 3rd Shade to the Clouds
I’ve prepared a really deep peachy-pink paint to add another layer of scattered clouds. Paint these clouds randomly, overlapping with and beside the previous clouds.
Step 7: Add More Shades to the Clouds
Continue to add different deep shades of peach, pink, and mint acrylic paints to the clouds. Don’t worry about it at all and get creative!
Step 8: Add Orange-Peachy Shades to the Cloud
Now that we’re done applying all the light shades, now let’s apply a darker shade. I prepared an orange-peachy shade using (orange: pink: white – 40:30:30).
Step 9: Smudge the Overlapped Parts
Use a sponge to smudge the overlapped parts of the painting to give them a smooth look. Just tap gently on the overlapped painting and keep smudging them until you’re happy with the shades.
Step 10: Allow the Paint to Dry
Happy with the abstract painting? Allow the paint to dry completely. As we have applied quite some numbers of layers, it might take a few hours for the paint to dry completely.
Step 11: Splatter Golden Paint
Pour a small amount of golden paint on a toothbrush and then splatter the golden paint from the toothbrush on the painted canvas. Try keeping the golden splattered pattern mild, don’t add too much golden paint.
And we’re done! Allow the paint to dry completely before framing it.
If you liked our step by step abstract acrylic painting tutorial then please do share this with the people who may like it too. And as it is my first try, I would really appreciate your feedback in the comments below. Share pictures of your version of the painting with us if you do give them a try. You can share your picture with hashtag #craftaholicwitch on Instagram or Facebook or just DM your picture to us on Instagram or Facebook page.
Thank you!
