How to Paint Abstract Art Step-by-Step

Painting an easy modern landscape using acrylics and mediums.

Starting with a prepped canvas:

CREATING A BACKGROUND TEXTURE

I applied two coats of white (Titanium White). The first I smoothed and let dry.

The second coat I applied thickly and used a dry brush. This allowed me to leave brushstrokes in the paint. I let it dry thoroughly.

STRING GEL LANDSCAPE

Once all the white had dried, I applied a string gel medium and moved it around in a “landscape” (horizontal pattern) across the canvas.

I let this dry thoroughly (at least 24 hours).

Application of base color/background and “sky”

I then applied some white and buff and worked this with a damp flat brush.

I mixed some blue, white and grey.

I applied the blue/grey to the lower half of canvas over string gel horizon line, leaving a small patch uncovered.

I then added a little deep grey and worked that through some of the horizon line (very little) using the side of a flat brush.

REMOVING PAINT FOR EFFECT WITH ACRYLICS

Using a paper towel, while paint is still wet, I removed some of the blue/grey from the horizon line.

ADDING PAINT FOR SOFT EFFECT USING ACRYLICS

I then rubbed some of the deep grey through the horizon line using a dry paper towel.

I wanted to pick up just a little smokiness through the center of canvas. Using a small amount of paint and either a paper towel or small, dry flat brush.

I then worked on the top half of the canvas, adding some bright yellow.

I smoothed this and reduced the brightness witha paper towel (tiny bit of water on towel, not soaked).

I continued to work on this with a new piece of paper towel (lightly damp) until I had the color I wanted, a muted light creamy yellow.

I also added a little yellow over the patch of blue I left uncovered and worked this around with the paper towel.

Let dry.

I mixed some glaze medium (Satin) with a drop of white for a very sheer white and then applied it over horizon line to soften it.

While still wet, I applied a deep blue with a palette knife and swept it through the horizon line, moving over the string gel texture.

I also applied a swatch of deep blue over the yellow patch in lower half of canvas.

With a damp paper towel, I worked through the blue to soften it.

ADDING A HIGHLIGHT TO YOUR PAINTING

You can “highlight” a small section of your art using a bit of color (or white).

I then applied a little golden yellow on top of the blue. I used a palette knife (dry) to just deposit a little color.

I worked a little yellow though the lower half of canvas – optional.

Up-close of the center of the dry painting.

I finished the sides in black.

See another modern neutral landscape tutorial

Step-by-step painting with acrylics