HOW TO ABSTRACT FLOWERS OR ANY REALISTIC SUBJECT

Here are some of my suggestions if you would like to develop your own abstract florals or any other subject.

Experiment with underpainting. Try creating a very expressive underpainting in one or two colors with large brushes. Allow paint to drip and don’t try to over think it. An expressive underpainting is the foundation on which the subject will rest. This will allow you to abstract the subject further.

Don’t think realistic colors. Flowers, figures, faces and landscapes can be any color you want them to be. Don’t get stuck on the actual color of the subject. Choose the opposite color or something totally out of the ordinary.

Draw the subject first. I like working from my drawings and rarely use photos. The drawing loosens up the subject and eliminates detail. I love a “blind contour” approach to drawing. This is the type of drawing where you hardly look at your paper and use one continuous line. I love this because it like meditating. I focus and do not concern myself with accuracy only with looking. You can also draw the gesture of a subject. Draw the mass of the subject. Anyway, create a drawing and use the drawing as your guide instead of a photo. It will result in a much more unique work.

Simplify. Simplify your color choices. Simplify the shapes. Keep it loose and don’t focus on details.

Think of any subject as shapes, line and

value. Don’t think “I have to make this look like a flower.” If you do happen to be using a photo turn it upside down. For me, creating a non-objective painting and an abstract flower are much the same. I may create a blue abstract pastel garden that has references to flowers.

I ask myself what color of painting do I want to create? I get my drawings out and use several for one painting. I take bits and pieces from various drawings and move them around. I never think of creating a realistic depiction of a garden or flower. Only a reflection.

Draw and paint from memory. Look at a flower or garden and then look away. Try to draw or paint what you remember seeing.