Abstract Painting / How to Develop a Center of Interest in an Abstract Painting

Abstract Painting / How to Develop a Center of Interest in an Abstract Painting. Contemporary painter David M. Kessler describes three main ways to develop a center of interest in a painting.
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David is a Nationally Recognized Contemporary Painter, Workshop Instructor, Author of the book "Bigger, Faster, Fresher, Looser Abstract Painting Workbook" and founder of Abstract Painting Academy.
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Website: www.davidmkessler.com
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• Abstract Painting Academy:
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• Abstract Painting Insider:
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Instagram: / davidmkesslerfin. .
• Abstract Painting / Ho...

[@feleciaeverett1799]

Thank you so very much for all of your Insight I waited until I was 60 plus to decide to try my hand at painting and your teachings are invaluable to me I could never afford them but you're so gracious to share your wisdom and knowledge and it just makes the entire thing so enjoyable thank you thank you thank you

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Felecia, thanks so much for the note! I’m so happy you found painting. It makes no difference about your age, only that you enjoy it. I’m happy I can be part of your journey!

[@mspelleri]

Wow! Very informative. I feel like a magician has spilled the secret to his tricks. Thank you!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

maria spelleri you’re welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@charcoal0610]

Thank you so much for these practical lessons. I found them useful guidance, and you've made them so simple. All make good sense.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome.

[@foreveryoung4980]

I find your video instructions are very helpful and inspiring .tnx

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

I appreciate that

[@Uttamfineartsabstractart]

Abstract painting is heart of the art.

[@stoneycase5440]

Kessler is a great painter. He is also a great teacher.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Thanks Steven, I appreciate it!

[@carolandrews8952]

Great teaching, thank you !

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Carol, you’re welcome.

[@amandanallie6726]

Love it, can’t wait to try

[@louskywalker5570]

Gracias por esta lección. Estoy empezando y estaba buscando alguien que me lo explicara. Thank you🙏

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

De nada

[@robertstotesbury8005]

Thanks David!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Robert, you’re welcome

[@lukisanmoses]

Thank you, appreciate this.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome - thanks for watching!

[@christinegalysh7433]

Thank you. this video is very helpful. All the best.

[@agsypants5556]

Wow, great lesson, I had no idea about this.

[@sharonputman3633]

Thanks so much David! As a total beginner (@76) in abstract art I did not know where I was going to start! Now things are getting much clearer! 😊 Sharon

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Sharon, you’re welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@christophery9699]

Thank you random reddit guy. I saw an abstract he posted, was impressed then read the comments and he said this is where he learned so much (paraphrase). Glad I found you and can't wait to watch more.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Thanks Christopher.

[@nadadellore865]

Thank you. Very helpful to me.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome

[@christopheralcantara4378]

This good lesson. Thank you

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching.

[@teedoubleu9602]

VERY helpful video.. thank you so much for sharing your wisdom sir..

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Tee, you’re welcome

[@penco-penco]

Amazing artwork!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Thank you

[@vikaphotography]

I'm only two videos in and your content is already so helpful! I took art years ago and these are great refreshers and examples. Thank you!!!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome - thanks for watching.

[@1gotch]

These video are clear and concise...very useful and appreciated. It is all about contrast...hard and soft edged, light and dark values, intensity - warm and cool or opposite colors, plus an area that is highly detailed contrasting with less cluttered space creates a focal area...it holds the viewer's attention longer.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome - thanks for watching

[@papadani]

Very helpful tips

[@annielittlewolf2017]

I am so grateful for your teachings, your videos, etc. So much to learn and you lay it out and demonstrate it so well. You are a wonderful teacher!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Thank you Anne.

[@thalaagdal2457]

Je viens de découvrir vos vidéos et c'est un trésor que vous m'offrez. Merci pour votre générosité. Je vais tenter de voir toutes vos vidéos à la chaîne. Trop contente ! Merci encore.

[@wendycornah9002]

wow, thank you. That is so helpful

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome!

[@philmcavity4303]

Definitely helpful!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Phil, happy to hear it. Thanks for watching.

[@priyadarshini.m5684]

Found u by chance while browsing through and i must say i am lucky.. loved ur tutorials and love ur art. Never knew abstract art can be so amazing and has so much going on with it.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Priyadarshini M thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.

[@identitycollective3823]

SO helpful, thank you

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Thank you for watching How to Develop a Center of Interest in an Abstract Painting. Leave a comment and be sure to like and share the video - Thanks!

[@mcuna42]

David M. Kessler Fine Art Great video. I think this will be very helpful. Love your channel. Looking forward to an upcoming workshop of yours I will be attending.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

María Camp thank you - I look forward to meeting you at the workshop!

[@sergiov2236]

It is important and it is very helpful. You are telling us things that other youtubers are not mentioning or going into detail. Thank you for that and greetings from Perú!!!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Sergio V Hi! Thanks for the note, I appreciate it. Glad you found it helpful, and thank you for watching!

[@tbluemel]

That explains a lot about why I seem to like your abstracts better than most! Super explanation and applicable to more than abstract art!! Thank you!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Thom, you’re welcome and thanks for your input. You’re right - this is the same way you make a COI in any type of painting. Thanks for watching!

[@tbluemel]

@@davidm.kesslerfineart1717 By the way, PLEASE do more of the watercolor abstracts. I really love those. Grrrreat channel. So happy I found you!!!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Thom Bluemel I’ll try to film a few more watercolor demos. Thanks for your support!

[@rhondalagemann3224]

I very much learn a lot with your teachings. You make sense in the things you say. Your a great teacher

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Rhonda Lagemann thank you so much, I appreciate that,

[@erinakaika2431]

Thank you👍

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Erina, you’re welcome.

[@ptourang2]

Thank you !

[@lynn_thinks]

Thanks, Dave! I’m learning a great deal from your insights and teaching! 🎨🖌👍

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Lynn, you’re welcome!

[@jackdaniel3203]

This makes so much sense. I have ventured into abstract from landscaping but found my abstracts lacking. Thank you

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Jack, you’re welcome.

[@ruthannlitterick2013]

Thanks David! Your videos are teaching me how to APPLY the theory's I've learned . This one really hit the spot for me.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Ruth Ann Litterick that's great to hear - thanks for letting me know!

[@benjydis7459]

You know what you are talking about. Thanks. There was a small pink/green painting i did once and is lost but always remained in my mind. Now I know why from seeing a very similar work you showed in another video. You and I are very similar, I'm more of a figurative /landscape painter but we think about colour in the same way. Thank you very much for sharing your excellent and correct knowledge!!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Thanks for sharing and for watching.

[@joannavandeneijnden5437]

I hope you go on for ever with your generous information, so clear, inspiring, motivating .

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Joanna van den eijnden thank you so much! Thanks for watching!

[@kimsfusionart]

Thank you, been abstracting for awhile now , lovin your vids i'm self taught in New Zealand. Just had my aha moment lol, now i know i'm on the right track

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Kim Johnson, aha moments are great! Thanks for watching!

[@rupachitnavis1298]

Thank you so much Dear David Sir.Namaste from India. I love your art work and your videos are so wonderful. I too paint and there is so much to learn from you

[@jillpratt2447]

Again! I’m loving your videos. Straight forward, honest facts…thanks, David!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Jill, you’re welcome.

[@pattisimmonsart916]

I am grateful I found your channel. I'm learning so much from you. Thank you for your time and knowledge!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Patti E you’re welcome. I’m glad you found me too!

[@Moe-zo4fm]

This is great, I’m an abstract painter and it is so easy to forget composition in the intuitive process. But I want my work to be really goo quality. Thank you this is awseome!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Moe, you’re welcome - thanks for watching.

[@paintwithcasey5644]

All your videos are so helpful and insightful. Thank you for taking the time to make them!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Casey, thank you - and thanks for watching!

[@madhurimaartandcraft9696]

Thanks a lot❤🙏🙏 very helpful video

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome.

[@riteasrain]

Very helpful. I love painting abstracts but sometimes I get lost in all the detail and obscurity, so thank you for teaching this.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

riteasrain you're welcome! Thanks as always, for your comment.

[@leelootz1]

Thanks a lot for this class, David!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Lila, you’re welcome!

[@tendr247]

Abstract I like to follow the shapes and color most of all around the painting. So I guess all my art sucks but it did make me feel a relief of anxiety when I liked it though my brother doesn’t like my art, my sister loves it.

[@rupachitnavis1298]

Welcome Respected Sir

[@brendaoquin]

Thank you so much. This video was very helpful. Your videos are always appreciated.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Brenda O'Quin thanks for watching.

[@fatoomgierdien2181]

I have just watched one of the most interesting and valuable videos. Thank YOU MUCH.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome.

[@svenni59]

Thank you for this excellent video. I always watch your videos to get inspiration.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Sveinn Palsson thanks for watching!

[@shathabatayneh3744]

I totally agree with you on the center interest in the painting whatever genre it is... thank you for your excellent videos 🙏

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Shatha, thanks for sharing, and for watching!

[@brandythompson6544]

Well- that breaks it down fairly simply into terms I can understand really well. One of those AH-HA moments!! Thanks so much- really great- short, simple- right to the point!! Fantastic!! Learned to so much!!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Brandy, happy I can help - thanks for watching!

[@aramburu]

Muy bueno este video. Muchas gracias.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

De nada.

[@derekPhilipMonteiro]

Thanks David! Very helpful tips! Thanks again...

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Derek Philip Monteiro you’re welcome - thanks for watching!

[@robynatsidaftis1488]

Thanks for sharing David... always enjoy your youtubes

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Robyn Atsidaftis you're welcome.

[@thebestisyettocomegodisawe1081]

Yes! We need to make our paintings the ones that attract the ATTENTION in a gallery. The people will see it and it will draw them to it. I paint realism, abstract realism, and abstract. 😁

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

The Best is yet to come God is awesome 😊

[@christeendonnelly9813]

Love the video thanks for teaching us!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Christeen, you’re welcome!

[@user-qu9ri5lu2b]

So helpful

[@vesnaduval2003]

I agree. I love how well you explain it. Thank you. Very helpfull.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Happy to hear it was helpful!

[@finakhan5221]

Thanks for sharing! Great tips...

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Fina Khan you’re welcome! Thank you for watching.

[@Narayani-er4rd]

A born teacher. Thank you

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Thank you!

[@reemalhindi3948]

Amazing tips i have just started learning abstract painting its helped me a lot .. many thanks 🌷

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Reem Alhindi you're welcome. Thanks for watching and best wishes for your art making!

[@TheMineralMomma]

Thank you! I love your video's!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Gentle Boho you're welcome! Thanks so much for watching.

[@Ivorybird09]

What a clear and beautiful explanation. Very inspiring, sir. Love your art style!!!!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Thank you!

[@rupachitnavis1298]

Very well you teach Respected Sir. Thanks a lot

[@shellienoyes100]

Great info!

[@ItsVanicaaa]

6:20 looks like the colors from Lorde's melodrama album omg. I love your paintings!!

[@iceangel1701d]

Thanks for your help! I learned a lot.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Ice Angel you’re welcome. Thank you for watching!

[@fatoomgierdien2181]

Your video is focused and informative!! MUCH appreciated.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Thanks for watching.

[@shreeyankamahakud9766]

Thank you for such an informative lesson.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Shreeyanka Mahakud you’re welcome. Thank you for watching!

[@terryannsweeney4428]

Thank you so much for these great videos \tutorials!! They are helping me tremendously when I am setting up a composition for my abstract painting! I’m a newbie!! A few paintings I have done just do not feel right… So with your help and great tutorials I can see why… Composition and center of interest! I am taking notes!! 😃

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Terry, you’re welcome - happy to hear they’re helpful for you.

[@rgrantconacher5300]

Great video thank you 😃💓🐼⚓🔥

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome.

[@dianakaykenyon7760]

Excellent suggestions and simplified for me!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Diana Kay Kenyon thank you - hope its helpful for you.

[@Pixiesister1]

Thank you for this explanation. Very helpful.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Tannie, you’re welcome - thanks for watching!

[@vlande1336]

so helpful, thanks!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’r welcome -thanks for watching!

[@dianecharest8365]

Im really glad i found you. I like what you teach and i love your style. I havent watched every single video, but i do believe that i would recognize your paintings. You have a very unique signature style.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Thank you Diane, I appreciate you watching.

[@Cheryl64014]

Thank you very much, David. It is so obvious that you really care about your "students" out here, and I appreciate that so much. I'll be 70 this coming January, and this is the first time I am learning in a way that makes me think I can really do this! Thank you, again.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Cheryl64014 you're welcome. Glad to hear you find it helpful. Believe me, you can do it!

[@Cheryl64014]

With what I'm learning from you, David, I do believe you're right! I do believe I _can_ do it! :)

[@patriciaezzell7484]

good info

[@judyhyland9483]

Thank you, indeed helpful

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Judy Hyland you’re welcome’

[@Cre-Art]

I agree that a center of interest (focal point) is important because it is helpful to the viewer. The artist can do whatever he/she wants, but if my eye can't grab onto anything my attention is scattered. Instead of being pulled into the art work, I move on. At this point it's just a matter of taste, but if I were painting, I'd want to grab as much (positive) viewer attention as possible. I've always been fascinated by abstract art because the viewer can put in his own thoughts and interpretation. To me, it never gets boring. But just because someone puts paint on a canvas in a seemingly random and freestyle manner, does not make it good art. Again, everyone has their own opinion. This is just what works for me. :)

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Yep, I agree.

[@lindathompson6129]

Your video helped me out a lot. Thank you.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Linda, you’re welcome, thank you for watching!

[@ImpulsiveArtistrybyCharlesWolf]

Great info, thank you!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Impulsive Artistry you’re welcome - thanks for watching!

[@abbyzain3232]

Informative and useful .,.thank you

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome!

[@abbyzain3232]

@@davidm.kesslerfineart1717 you are Inspiring 🤗

[@Gigiridgway]

Thank you 😊

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome!

[@awildacruzcruz2859]

Makes sense 😂 . Thanks again! Like the painting behind you too!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Awilda Cruz Cruz you’re welcome and thanks for watching!

[@gypsysnickerdoodle4354]

I wish you could relate these with what you are doing, as you do it, in an overdub

[@mawellleno7414]

❤❤

[@hodadessouki7890]

Thank you very much for sharing. When are we going to see you painting a new abstract?

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Hoda Dessouki you're welcome. I won't have any time to film new videos until September, so I'll try to squeeze a painting video in.

[@janeskidmorebennett8411]

Enjoyed ths video... and love your painting behind u... the vibrancy of the piece makes it desirable, just as u said.. because of the center of interest...

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

jane skidmore bennett thanks for watching!

[@janeskidmorebennett8411]

im staying with u..... i love your pieces of color... and your videos that help me in so many ways... my latest struggle is trying to free my hand.. :)

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

jane skidmore bennett happy to hear the videos are helpful for you!

[@Justjoszie]

Finally!! Thank you I'm an extreme hyper realist this is the first explanation of abstract that makes sense. My issue is when to stop???...lol I have Pareidolia where i always see some figure or form with in... but I've been wanting to explore my voice in abstracts.. so thank you this is a good place to start.. :D

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

JustJoszie thanks for watching and thanks for the comment. The reason you see “things” is because you always paint realistic “things”. That is the way you currently relate to abstract paintings. Making the switch for you will require thinking and seeing differently.

[@Justjoszie]

okay, I was hoping it was about NOT thinking (over-thinker) lol but I see its about freedom... beyond reality. I'm self taught professional for 7 years. I always looked at abstracts and "say" " I don't get it" I still don't they just look fun... but truth be told this video makes me Get it.. ty gona give it a go

[@renojackson495]

great videos!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Reno Jackson thank you!

[@Newriverartist]

Great video! Also, great name!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Kendall Kessler thanks - I see we do have something in common!

[@maryannewatson2393]

okay I think I got it... let's see if I do it. LOL Love this painting I'm moved.

[@kozavr]

thank you

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

You’re welcome!

[@adi9606]

Thanks a lot sir..would love to meet u someday :)

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Aditi Morayya you're welcome. Maybe our paths will cross.

[@HeatherQuaine]

If cool color recede and warm colors come forward, would you make hard edge with predomitatly warmer colors?

[@bruno_bantuga]

This is fantastic! But, would it be ok for you to record a video applying the 3 principles? That would be ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

Bruno, Thank you! I have more detailed application principles in my live workshops and paid online courses - I can't give away everything for free! Thanks for watching.