Incorporating abstract art into your home décor can add a unique, conceptual touch. No matter your overall interior aesthetic, there are abstract pieces to fit every theme. Whether your home is rustic, contemporary, or something in between, these abstract wall art ideas can have a dynamic effect on your space. Abstract art is not only trendy, but it’s also timeless. It’s a technique that has been used throughout art history, and it radiates an incomparable sense of creativity. Navigate to a specific section based on your interests: Abstract Art Ideas: Top Artists What is Abstract Art Use a Colorful Focal Point Top Trending Abstract Wall Décor Styles Unexpected Abstract Wall Art Sizes, Shapes, & More Bring on the Black and White Picture-Perfect Pairs Complementary Colors Gallery Goals Combine Trends with Tradition Relaxed and Refined Casually Chic Abstract Wall Art Ideas: A Summary
How to create better art with less effort
Is it even possible to create great art with little effort? Yes, and no. The most important part is probably wasting less time and materials. We need a plan to achieve that. A good plan for creation of a painting means a sketching, drawing or a value sketch. In my personal experience, it is pencil, pen and watercolor sketch which is the best preparation stage for a painting.
Not only result matters
When somebody wants to apply for classes I am usually told this: “I’d really like to paint”. Something like that. Points to some landscape or floral, or still life. Basically, everybody is interested in the result and not that much in the path which led me to it. I spend a lot of time practicing and exploring the subject from different perspectives.
Exploring art supplies
If you are one of those artists-to-be who jumped straight to brushes and did not take your time to explore the elements of an artwork, I can understand you. People usually think watercolor and sketching is for watercolor artists, who mask out white spots or those who get ideal washes just by swinging around the brush with some paint on it. However, there is a missing link between the idea of our art and it’s draft.
Seeing subject artistically
The real life shows that any potential artist and anybody, who does art as hobby, would have gotten much better paintings sooner if they considered sketching as an important step. That refers to painting with any medium: watercolor, pastel, acrylic or oil. The truth is, they all originate in one place: in our brain, through our eyes and senses. Therefore, we should exercise our visual abilities and our visual perception. I’m talking more about importance to learn seeing in my previous posts:
Lack of values, proportions and contrast
The problem with not well developing painting is not only the technique of applying paint. That usually works fairly well after a few attempts. The problem most often is in our eyes: we do not perceive values, shapes, proportions and potential composition; therefore, we cannot come up with a neat plan to make painting elements work.
Advantage of sketching
Sketch is done much faster than a painting. Sketching out objects or just values, putting them in a draft composition allows making a decision momentarily if that will or won’t work. Sketch isn’t the entire painting, but by doing it one learns much more about their subject. We find out that we need to look at it more carefully, more intensely, more accurately.
Skills are based on knowledge
I can compare creating art with writing. When people say “I don’t want to sketch and I don’t want to know anything about drawing”, it is like somebody who intends to write a novel would say “I don’t want to know anything about spelling and grammar. I just want to write a novel, so give me the idea and off we go”. The entertaining painting events also do a bad service: not only the entire idea does not allow anybody to really learn anything about creation of art, but the approach is just so wrong and materials are so bad that many people get a wrong idea.
Art is more than moving paint around canvas
When somebody is just moving paint around the canvas in hopes that it miraculously will take the right shape and become the right color, I must say, it won’t. Painting is a summary of things we put in it. It is also the energy we put in it. Therefore, the sooner one learns about values, relationship between light and dark areas, values, softness or roughness of edges, proportion and compositional layout, the faster their paintings take shape and have volume. The missing link between our idea and its incorporation into artwork is the value sketch. Creating value sketch and color sketch is not a waste of time and paint.
Abstract Art Ideas: Top Artists
Looking for an ultra-vibrant abstract print that will never go out of style? Explore timeless paintings by our top trending artist, Leonid Afremov. This Israeli artist has been capturing the hearts of contemporary art lovers for decades. Although he is no longer with us, he lives on through his recognizable work. Known for his use of stunning, saturated colors and light-soaked city scenes, his paintings are truly ethereal. Abstract art comes in a wide range of styles, but Leonid Afremov has coined his very own aesthetic. If you’re searching for abstract painting ideas for living rooms, hang a large, multi-panel print of your couch. An abstract Afremov will act as a conversation starter and stunning centerpiece for your main living space. View more modern abstract painting ideas >>
Also referred to as non-objective or non-representational art, abstract art does not attempt to show images in their recognizable form. The intentionally inaccurate depiction of reality can be done using color, texture, lines, and overall style. Prior to the 20 th century, abstract art was used to reflect human nature. The style originated in the 19 th century, and it differed from previous styles in its intention to capture emotion rather than the physical form.
Use a Colorful Focal Point
We’ve made it super easy to find your perfect abstract statement piece by sorting abstract art by color. Fill any large, empty space with the art of your choice. Don’t worry about the piece overpowering your room. In spite of the vibrant composition, abstract art has a subtle quality that works to create depth rather than overwhelm. Colorful abstract art pops against light walls, but they also work well on a dark backdrop. The best quality of abstract art is its ability to complement almost any existing décor. Don’t shy away from bright colors! Shop our abstract collection >>
If you’re looking for one of the top wall art trends of 2023 – we’ve got you covered. Our art director, Tirzah Goodman, has curated the ultimate collection of eye-catching abstract art. The “dreamy” artwork collection is full of ethereal prints. This selection of wall art is inspired by surrealism. A surrealist take on abstract art will make your space look contemporary and eye-catching. Even if you have a predominantly minimalist space, one of our otherworldly prints will make your interior come alive. It’s the perfect way to give your room a dreamy touch without overwhelming your home. Explore our whimsical wall art collection and add a glowing air of mystery to your space. Find your favorite abstract painting ideas >>
Unexpected Abstract Wall Art Sizes, Shapes, & More
Consider the size and shape of your abstract artwork to make the maximum impact in your space. For an ultra-contemporary look, we would suggest an unframed canvas. If you want to contrast the modern abstract artwork, go with a more traditional frame. When in doubt, always opt for a size larger than you initially gravitate towards. Not only will a larger size make a bigger visual statement, but it will also give your interior better proportions. A telltale sign of an amateur designer is artwork that is too small for its respective wall. It’s always better to go too big than too small! Pro Tip: While street art may not always fall under the category of abstract art ideas, Banksy’s iconic pieces are certainly conceptual. If you want an ultra-unique piece of abstract art, go with one of our Banksy-inspired prints. Abstract art inspiration you can’t miss >>
Color may be this year’s biggest design movement, but you can never go wrong with black and white. If you want a sleek and simple abstract wall decor idea, monochromatic abstract art will always be in style. From line drawings to splatter art, there are so many black and white painting ideas to add a contemporary touch to your home. Black and white abstract art is further proof that elegance can still be exciting. Discover inspiring abstract wall décor ideas >>
