What Makes a Good Abstract Painting?

I often meet artists who are frustrated with their attempts to make abstract paintings. They feel a pull towards abstraction, but they don't like the results. I believe there are two reasons why this happens... a) lack of clear intention and b) lack of knowledge in a few key areas. The good news is that both can easily be fixed. The issue is NOT a lack of talent ... you just need a little bit more information.

Each week, I share tips, tricks, advice, and inspiration to help you take your art to the next level.

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[northwesterncorgi]

I cannot remember when I last learned so much in eight minutes - a deeply rewarding experience - very many thanks.

[yeshuaiscomingbackrepent]

😁🖌️I painted two abstracts in my journal and was listening to a wonderful CD of orchestra and a very upbeat violinist my mother sent me they were colorful and very gestural. When my friend saw them ...she said, "I see music." I turned the pages and showed her they were named Music #1 and Music #2. It was really amazing to me that she saw it!

[barbiebeckford]

You just narrated what I’ve been feeling since starting serious abstract about a month ago. This is great. Thank you.

[leetravathan]

This past weekend, I did an abstract landscape that is, to me, the best I have ever done. Only my husband "got it"... and I did not care. I GOT IT!!! And I loved the play in it, as well as the outcome.

[cartoonheart]

Oh my goodness I needed to hear this. I have been practicing for years and have never liked any of my paintings. I've almost given up many times, but I always come back to it. Thank you so much!

[jacobdrollinger]

The most important thing that makes a good abstract painting is that it induces emotion!

[dcfan]

Brilliant. So glad I found you today... I left my art room disappointed.. and bam, here you are. Thank you.

[francoislauzon]

Thank you so much. I do agree that there are lots of "easy abstract" videos on Youtube and those are misleading and give poor results. I was happy to learn from this video, that i am not the only one being frustrated after hours spent on a canva and ending up with a "muddy mess".

[patriciapeters]

I have realized that I am not painting any particular landscape, but my response to it. It is the response that is the purpose, the language and the passion. Thank you Louise for articulating the artists paint of view. That added a fuller understanding and confirmation

[Qzzth]

This is incredibly helpful! I've been really struggling this past month trying to figure out why I feel so stuck with my work. You hit the nail on the head!

[alexandrahanson-harding]

Thank you so much for what you said. You said it with great heart and clarity, and you made excellent points. It's generous of you to share these deep, important thoughts with your fellow artists.

[kerryurech]

Louise, thank you so much for this extremely informative video. Thanks also for your open and honest attitude about art. Love your work!

[carolharveyartitude]

This is so helpful, Louise! Thank you! You are like a mind reader! Exactly what I needed right now. As well as your compare and despair message. My week will be better because of your help. You rock! 👍🎨💜

[gerdaleroux]

Thank you Louise for your simple explanation of abstract art. I always thought I'm weird and a little mad because the "traditional" art did not really attract me however I admire their work and as an newby I copy many photos/artworks but it's not feeling true to myself, I feel lonely. My only painting I really love is the one I did when I was emotionally angry. And it seems to me I'm the only one who loves it but it's okay.

[suzieloveday]

It IS difficult...and I thought I was doing it wrong because it is hard...this has liberated me!

[believejesusislord]

‘It’s the emotional resonance that sells the work” - 👍 that hit me in the ❤️ thank you and God bless.

[sallyalogan]

This is so interesting, I took Nicholas’s free course, but at the time I was still doing representational paintings and didn’t really understand his teachings. I saved all the sessions and will now go back and rewatch them with a much more open mind! Thank you Louise.

[pattremaine]

Your comments totally resonate! Emotional history to a landscape. Thanks

[yeshuaiscomingbackrepent]

Thank you! I love painting abstract! Practicing in my journals is great. I often paint representational abstract, and sometimes just color, textures and shapes and lines. Pastes and gels are my favorite!

[davecameron]

What a clear explanation. Much food for thought for a novice like myself. So pleased that I came across your video. Thank you so much