Abstract Thumbnail Painting Sketches | Practice Exercise #abstractpainting #paintingsketch

In this video demonstration, we will explore the technique of using thumbnail painting sketches as a warm-up exercise to prepare for creating an abstract painting. This technique involves creating small, quick sketches of different abstract shapes and forms to help generate ideas, test colors, and develop a composition.

–Painting Prompts–

Before starting a painting project, it is important to engage in a practice exercise to help loosen up the mind and the body. The use of thumbnail sketches is an excellent way to get the creative juices flowing and allow for experimentation without the pressure of creating a final piece.

Throughout the video, I’ll demonstrate how to create thumbnail sketches using a variety of mediums and techniques, such as charcoal and paint. We will also explore different compositions and test a color palette of Prussian blue, green gold, light blue permanent, and titanium white and look for inspiration and ideas for an upcoming abstract painting.

By the end of this video, you will have learned the importance of using thumbnail painting sketches as a warm-up practice exercise and how to use this technique to create an abstract painting that is uniquely yours. So join me on this journey of exploration and creativity, and let's get started!

#practicepainting #thumbnailtutorial #paintingtutorial

Acrylic paint colors used in this video:
Titanium white

Other materials used:
Charcoal

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[dorothytomaszewski]

I found this video very helpful. I get stuck because I think I “think” too much and forget to play more. I love colour and am working with oils. Your approach helps me work with acrylics.
Thumbnail sketches - sometimes and they do give me some direction

[puresunrays]

I really love the top right (spiral at bottom) love the colours.

I make grid journals as pieces in their own right, just a different piece of art. But I'm not precious about them. I enjoy the way it takes a different sort of approach than working on my large A2 (UK) pages.

I often add other things such as collage and stamping to my grids. I love to play and experiment.

[angelinamichelle]

I am taking your advice re collage thumbnail abstracts and thoroughly enjoy it but straight painting is not my forte. After seeing this, I will start using thumbnails to explore using paints only also. I know my art will benefit from it. Thanks from Down Under!

[veronicastewart]

These are beautiful. I struggle with doing tiny. It feels too confined. But these inspired me 😊

[azaz]

Thank you for sharing these fun and easy ways to unlock creativity. I tried one of your videos and just created a piece without any pressure and had fun and it came out good looking. Maybe this can help me find my artstyle 🙏

[dw]

I haven't tried GAC 100 over charcoal, great idea. I've been needing this. Thank you!

[naturezone]

I do thumbnails to plan out very large abstracts I would someday like to paint.

[danielalondongirl]

Did you make the template you drew around or can you buy? Also the viewfinder is it just an empty card frame?

[nildacruz]

Love the way you use few colors and they come out great. I have done two challenges since I started following you. I usually use more than twenty on an intuitive abstract painting.

[annrubino]

Just had a thought (shocking) - I will first try this w/black & white only. Had completely forgotten the value of thumbs. One big one up, for you.

[jayneburbidge]

This is a great way of getting to know how colours will work together, and how they blend etc. I'm completely new to painting and sometimes feel a bit scared of putting paint on the paper, this will really help me get over that and I will definitely be trying tomorrow. Thanks for sharing.

[emmanuelpower]

Like the idea of low stake colour combination testing along with some quick warm up ideas... like you, i feel i do too many "big" projects and don't enjoy the small scale enough. 😂

[LukenUSee]

Love the colors and your process. Haven't done thumbnails for quite some time, need to again. So many benefits and worthwhile as an exercise, for me, mainly in composition and color selection. I find your videos inspiring. Thanks!

[cookiewl]

I like to do these for all those reasons, it’s fun, it’s discovery, it amazes me how I like some but not others. 😊

[emmanuelpower]

Personally quite like top right in final stages

[peggylee]

These are great - love the colors. Since I'm a novice, I have several hundred thumbnail paintings. I love painting them and it helps me explore color combos and mark making.

[nildacruz]

I have never done painting on a sketch book.

[laurie]

I've been doing these for a while and also adding collage in to satisfy my daily urge to paint. I love how each day shows me something new. This color combo is really striking 😊

[susanasilva]

I didn't but will start to do. Thanks

[dovelynn]

Just started watching your videos yesterday and I really like your technique.. I just started doing abstract about 2 weeks ago so your videos are a huge help I will try this thank you ❤😊