How to start painting abstracts

Are you struggling to paint abstracts? If so, this “Ask an Artist” video is for you. I often meet artists who want to paint abstractly but their first few attempts don’t work out. This then discourages them from trying again. But the truth is that no-one gets this right from the get-go. In this video, I explain why there’s nothing wrong with you and why there is no reason you can’t make fabulous abstract art ....
In one month’s time, I will be teaching a free 7-day online workshop designed to transform your approach to your art. This life-changing course has brought freedom and joy to thousands of artists and it can do the same for you. Join us here and free your inner artist! www.louisefletcherart.com/fre...
I am on a mission to help artists find their own unique voice and make exciting, original artwork that is truly unique. If this sounds exciting, join my weekly artist's newsletter at www.louisefletcherart.com/new....
Each week, I share tips, tricks, advice, and inspiration to help you take your art to the next level.
You can also find me:
On Facebook at www.facebook.com
On Instagram at / louisefletcher_art
And on my podcast at: www.louisefletcherart.com/for...

[@63artemisia63]

You’re the bomb, Louise Fletcher! 👏🏼👏🏽👏 At 72 I’ve devoted at least 30 years to learning how I came to be me and what makes me tick. I’m not sure you can understand anything really important if you don’t understand yourself. I spent too long trying to conform. Glad I didn’t really fit into the acceptable molds. That set me free 🎈🤸‍♂️🎈

[@ThisPaintingLife]

fabulous!

[@journeyingdi]

REALLY GETTING EXCITED - where are my plants and brushes?

[@heatherstubbs6646]

Louise, I SO appreciate your wisdom and encouragement! I’m one of those people who painted realism for 25 years, and now I want to try abstract. I studied music for decades before I was ready to embark on a professional career, so I do appreciate the absurdity of thinking I should be able to paint good abstract the first time. I’m taking to heart your instruction that every brushstroke needs to be authentic to my inner self, not to what I think it should look like. That resonates hugely with me! I’m registered for the June 3 course, and I can hardly wait! Thanks so much! ❤️

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Yes it's so much like music x

[@katleenemmens4451]

'To make a good abstract you need to know yourself'....mindblowing!🤯That's why it's so hard for me...because i am still searching who i am after 48 years...Better late then never so now i JUMP into abstract painting!❤

[@ThisPaintingLife]

It's true Katleen and you are so right about better late than never! You can never be too old to learn something about yourself. ♥♥

[@avirtualcanvas7584]

The videos you have been posting lately are so brilliantly useful. This one really struck a chord with me. I have paited abstract work for most of my life now and it's always felt totally natural to paint in this way. But it wasn't an easy start, I stared working figuratively, portraits and interiors and combining both and nude and figure paintings too on a large scale, but I was always drawn to abstract painters, like Gillian Ayres,John Hoyland etc and wished I could paint in the same way. I found looking at abstract art realy touhced something mentally and emotionally in me, I began to add more abstract elements to the backgrounds of my portraits and figure paintings and then the portraits and figures became more abstract and the backgrounds and figures then began to merge together more and more, at te same time I would play with paints and drawings etc in sketchbook totally abstract, over time my work became totally abstractand the progression felt really natural.I also have the condition 'Synesthesia' and I think this also played a role in my move into abstraction.I realised when I looked at the work of abstract paintersI loved it really engaged me on all levels and really intensely so,and I find this happens when I'm painting abstractly myself, it really engages all of my senses at once and I feel really alive when I'm painting be it a painting on canvas or working in my sketchbook I would say painting abstracts is very much part of my own well being and certainly of my own creative well being.I feel the wonderful thing about working in an abstract way is that it allows for you finding your own visual language that works for you.My first abstract works were not great, but I learned from them as I did more of them and over time my way of painting emerged of it's own natural accord. I love that painting in this way allows me to try so many thnigs and explore different directions. It;s about finding your own creative voice and visual language,it comes from deep down inside,from memory,from experience. I did find studying the art of other abstract painters really inspiring and liberating and in a way looking at their work kind of confrimed it was the right way for me to go.The other wondeful thing about abstract painting is there is no right or wrong way to create it,but there is your way, the one that feels right and works for you and this will evolve in time,fully engage with the journey and see where it takes you and be receptive to all the discoveries and surprises you'll enconter along the way. Louise I love the relatable down to earth way you talk about these things in your videos,they are really inspring and insightful and can be stepping stones for others just starting on their artistic journeys (Matt)

[@viviannedelavega605]

I find I must not think . I begin with colors chosen and remind myself that I can change at any point. It truly unfolds organically !

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Yes thinking does me in too x

[@fatimagrocki386]

It’s so good to hear you talking! I’m looking forward to attend your course!

[@dianapower7921]

Thank you Louise, I can’t wait for the course to begin!! A new adventure

[@bettystallingshuber3779]

Thank you , Louise. You have helped me understand this process so much more than I thought possible. Just do it, I keep hearing, until it feels right and then don’t stop doing it.

[@mahassab1398]

YOU ARE A GEM!

[@hal14112]

Fantastic video. I've always looked at abstract art with such facination, wonder and joy. I've drawn realism and cartoons for a while and I'm so excited to jump into the journey of abstract art. Thank you for lovely words of wisdom :)

[@RondaNelson-ff2il]

I adore your outlook. And… 100 percent exactly the truth ✨❤️🦋

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Aww thank you Ronda

[@denisewrightson]

Thanks so much for your videos. This one is particularly great form me as I continue my ever unfolding journey with my painting which is becoming more and more abstract. I'll just see where my authentic self takes me. I'm so looking forward to the course. I can't get enough of truly inspiring teachers like yourself. I am currently doing an online course with the brilliant Sally Hirst that is also on abstraction, it's really in depth and informative, she is such a knowledgeable tutor. It's so helpful to have the support of good teachers.

[@yokemelissant9098]

Thank you so much Louise. I am looking forward to the free artwork, now even more than ever.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You and me both!

[@patfros5902]

Thankful, always for your inspiring talks! 🙏🏽🌻

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome

[@sharonstratis2846]

To dig under the layers of years of structured life to who I really am without effecting other people. Great way to think of this. So looking forward to the course, Louise.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Me too!

[@patnewhauser7814]

Thank you Louise!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You're so welcome!

[@dianagilbert8690]

Gosh, your words are both exciting me and calming me at the same time. I am looking forward to this journey with You!!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I'm so glad!

[@AquaLumenStudio]

Thanks for your ever inspiring thoughts and words... I so appreciate it! 🌿💜🎉

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome

[@regan3112]

Louise, you have a way with words. I can't wait to continue learning from you in your course in June.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you!

[@AmysCreativeArt]

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!💙💜

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@elpisl.trnovec2824]

Thank you, Louise, very much! Eva

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You're so welcome!

[@carlyamandaart]

I can’t wait for this course to start Louise ❤️

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you! Me too!

[@LMAbstractArt]

Thank you for this video, you are an inspiration.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@lynnwise2752]

So inspiring, thank you!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@cynthiathomas262]

thank you, thank you! this was so very helpful to hear!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@heatherm2125]

Great perspective, thanks!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

My pleasure!

[@svanzundert5639]

Louise, thank you very much!! I am 64 and from the Nethlands and I am following you for almost a year. Excuses if my English is bad sometimes.. I always loved making abstract art but the courses/teachers in my environment where mostly based on making realistic paintings. Therefore I did not known so well painting in an abstract way. I learn so much more from your videos. Especially how to listen to my feelings and follow that instead of my head. I have subscribed for the course 3 june! Greetings, Sophie

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Wonderful!

[@cyndybowen9646]

Your message is wonderful on many different levels, it could reach anybody no matter what their art is, thankyou for it

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks so much!

[@karenkemphall925]

Hi Louise, I only discovered 'you' a few months ago and have to say I am loving your videos and podcast; they're informative and inspirational. I have drawn and crafted for many years and, over the past year or so, have had a deep desire to create abstract/mixed media work. But o you are so right, there are a lot of layers to peel back yet! Everyone talks about the freedom a child has when they paint, and I think that is true. From a very early age I was taken to art galleries and often sat and painted with my Dad who was a very talented amateur artist. My Mum has several paintings from when I was around 5 or 6 years old, one is a wonderful kind of organised chaos in shades of green. When asked what it was by the teacher I apparently said it was 'an abstract'. The teacher told my parents a six year old shouldn't know what an abstract is....OK, that sounds like I must have been a precocious 6 year old, but wow do I wish I could recreate that painting now (56 years later)!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You can make better paintings now! I will show you how if you take the free course

[@LiquidxAngel]

Abstract art is difficult but once you've dedicated your time and skill to it, it's so incredibly satisfying and fulfilling. The awesome thing about abstraction is that it never get old. There's always something to learn and something to explore. Best artistic decision I ever made was shifting more towards abstract creation. It's 100% authentic because it relies on feeling equally as much as foundation. Great video!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

It really is so fulfilling!

[@sophiedesjardins7412]

Thank you 😊

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You're welcome 😊

[@shannasisak]

Such a great video! I agree 1,000,000%! I only started painting two years ago but I am starting to find my style. It is SO exciting!!!! I know what brushstrokes and marks are ME, or at least I am starting to..... I have a whole journey ahead of me which is so exciting. I hope to someday help others unleash their creativity, like you do here in such a graceful way! Thanks for sharing all of your wisdom!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

You are so welcome!

[@cecileegeorgeson_artist]

Yay this is so exciting..I have my spade and peeler ready to go to work🤣🤣🤣

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Love it!

[@sibylleelfers6472]

Your very calm and relaxed, yet also excited and enthusiastic way of talking about (your) art is very special, Louise! And it really touches a string ... thank you for the "music"!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thank you so much!

[@prairiecherie5743]

Your advice is so valuable. I recently started dabbling in abstract after watching your videos. And you were right when you said the first ones will suck. But I noticed some elements I liked so I’m still slapping on paint. 😂

[@Sunflower-rx8rf]

Ha ha! I’m in the same boat! My first attempt had a lot of fun texture, got so involved with brushing out the paint, I completely ignored contrast. It turned out to be, quite literally, a large gray, streaky, textured, ________! 🤣 Congratulations on starting your journey....🧑🏻‍🎨🌺

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Notice what you like and do more of it - that's the whole ball game!

[@donnaschafer2565]

I’m in!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Great!

[@Fidelabstractfineart]

Signed up a couple of months ago for your June class but have not yet heard from you with schedule, etc. Eagerly waiting to hear from you!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Bela emails went out - if you can't find yours, maybe sign up again

[@Fidelabstractfineart]

@@ThisPaintingLife Just signed up again. Looking forward to your confirmation. Thanks so much!

[@settl100]

Hi Louise, I am wondering when you will be announcing your 10 week course? I am currently enrolled in Your Tribe and I like the way you teach. Hugs, Susan

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Hi Susan, it will follow on from the free course and begin on June 21st x

[@cristobalalicea8457]

I am Cristobal from Puerto Rico and would like to take your course but don't know what to do in order to take it. I am a retired old man and discovered abstract expresionist painting about a year ago . I began to experiment it as a hobbie during the pandemy. Since that, I' ve been following several painters like you at You Tube . It have been very dificult to me to learn how to create a good composition.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Here is the link to sign up: www.louisefletchercourses.com/wait-list-FYJ-2021

[@mariaantonietamachado4199]

Thankyou for the encouragment !!! This free course is online? When? I would like to assist.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Hi, yes the free course is online. It starts June 3rd. You can sign up here: www.louisefletcherart.com/free-course

[@PatriseHenkel]

lol, this is that"my kid could do better than that" attitude! In my first CVP, Im just beginning to glimpse something I might want to paint about.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

That's great!

[@mikenuttall]

Darn, would love to do the course but I'm away in June till the 28th

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Oh such a shame!

[@micheleflander8839]

Hi Louise! Thank you for your inspiring videos. I'm trying to sign up for your newsletters but the link/ form is not allowing input of my contact info. Just an fyi. -Much Love

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Hi Michele, it should be working now. Give it another go. If you're still having trouble, email me at [e-mail] and I'll get you signed up

[@cynthiathomas262]

I want to sign up for your free course in june but i can't find it on your website.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Hi Cynthia, I would love to have you! www.louisefletcherart.com/free-course

[@daledanby6831]

Hi Louise should we have our paint brushes and paper or canvass ready for our lesson Dale from Kingston Ontario Canada

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Hi Dale, check your email. I just sent out a materials list to everyone who's signed up.

[@daledanby6831]

@@ThisPaintingLife I do not seem to have it. My email is [e-mail]

[@helenhewitt9750]

Hi Louise. I’d love to do your course, but I’m away for the first time since lockdown! Would it be available for me to watch on my return or is it “live”?

[@ThisPaintingLife]

It's available until 16th June x

[@helenhewitt9750]

@@ThisPaintingLife ooh, thank you, I’m back on 14th! I’ll sign up and see how much I can catch up on the 15th 😬

[@cindyvandine7637]

Hello Louise and thank you for the wonderful videos and teaching. I love doing abstracts, and when you find the colors that are “yours” and appeal to your senses, I’m finding a lot of the ones I love are transparent and don’t have the opacity I’m looking for. Do you have any suggestions how to solve this? I’ve tried adding a touch of titanium white, which makes the color pastel, adding black, etc, and so far, have come up with mixing my opaque colors trying to achieve something close to those transparents I love. I’ve even tried different brands of paint which helps a bit, but I’m still not getting the coverage needed. Can’t wait to take your course!!!!

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Really there's no way to get past the transparency - you really just need to work with it and then also find some opaque colours that you like x

[@veredbrett2178]

Can’t see the free course… link doesn’t work :(

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Hi Vered, I'm sorry the course has ended now. Keep in touch by subscribing on KZbin or to my newsletters to hear when I offer it again.

[@viciblackburn4874]

Hi where do I sign up for the course?

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Hi Vici, sign up here: www.louisefletcherart.com/free-course

[@karlabritfeld7104]

I really don't know what to answer when someone asks me what my abstract art means. To me it's like music without words. And that never seems to be an adequate answer. Perhaps I'm just not in touch with my feelings. But I paint great abstracts.

[@ThisPaintingLife]

I think that sounds like a great description - just be honest x

[@valeriecranwell3738]

I canr see how to join the course

[@lou9007]

It's under Louise's name, all the description Louise has written you just need to click show more, it's a little more awkward if you're on a phone so here's the link :) ..... www.louisefletchercourses.com/wait-list-FYJ-2021

[@ThisPaintingLife]

Thanks Lou!

[@judilynn9569]

I’m an abstract artist and the hardest thing is naming them. How do you come up with titles?