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Use a concept sketch for your next abstract painting.
I personally do believe that a painting can and will evolve by its own volition. An artist through practice, will develop a sensitivity to the development of the painting. Through this sensitivity various forms, impressions and color combinations will become apparent. Responding to these and allowing them to manifest is a very big part of the magic of abstract painting.
You will find it is sometimes necessary to develop a concept sketch for a painting. An idea might come to you at a time when you are away from the studio. Write down something briefly so it is not lost. It can be frustrating to experience an image or feeling come – something that seems important – and then it vanishes. This initial quick sketch can be enhanced later on paper and then when you have time, this sketch can be transferred to the canvas with pencil. I use colored pencil for this. A conte crayon also works well.
If the abstract piece is geometric in nature your sketch will be more considered and more thoughtfully rendered. If the abstract in mind is more freeform, then your sketch on the canvas will of course be very brief.
Take some time to now study the drawing on the canvas. Ask yourself what it is your are trying to say or express. Is there a feeling you are after? What colors will work best? Are the edges going to be soft and blended or hard-edged? Try to develop the painting in your mind, at least initially.
Now begin…perhaps you will want to paint the most dominant form first. Perhaps you are attracted to a certain color. Keep in mind the colors that will be placed next to each other and how they will be blended to each other. The important thing is that you have begun. You are painting because after all, if we are artists we must paint. Even when we are not sure of what we are after, we must begin to paint. The concept sketch has helped me numerous times to overcome inertia and to get started. Often the sketch is so simple but the painting will often miraculously take on a life of its own…it begins to express itself. One form seems to lead to another form and one placed color then opens up an opportunity for the next. Balance can be achieved through color and through form and these two elements you will find, also become manifest.