If you've ever felt that twinge of fear when staring at a blank canvas, you're not alone. Especially for beginner watercolor artists, there’s nothing more intimidating than just getting started (I remember the feeling well!). But here's the good news: abstract art is about to be your new best friend! I love teaching abstract art to beginner watercolor painters because it’s all about freedom, creativity, and having fun. Today, I’m going to share a little bit about why abstract art is perfect for beginners and give you some tips on how to get started now!

What is Abstract Art?

Abstract art is an expressive form of art that goes beyond the traditional depiction of visual reality. That might be fancy artist talk but basically, abstract art uses shapes, colors, and forms to create compositions that may not represent the outward appearance of objects and scenes but instead convey emotions, ideas, and the artist's inner vision. When you look at abstract art, it doesn’t “look like” anything you see in real life.

Why Abstract Art?

One of the best things about abstract art is that it liberates you from the constraints of perfection. There are no rules, no right or wrong. It's your chance to let your imagination run wild and create something truly unique without pressure. Whether it's bold splashes of color or gentle washes, abstract art allows you to express yourself freely without worrying about making mistakes.

Another reason I love it is that as you experiment with abstract art, you'll naturally begin to pick up and practice important watercolor techniques. From controlling water flow to mastering different brush strokes, each piece you create helps you build your skillset without the pressure of creating something perfect.

Abstract Art Is A Great Confidence Booster and Helps You Improve Your Art Skills Too

Abstract art is a wonderful confidence booster and an excellent way to enhance your art skills. I recommend starting with simple geometric shapes and basic brush strokes so that you can quickly build a solid foundation in watercolor techniques. As you practice, you'll gradually notice a significant improvement in your control over the medium and your overall creativity. 

Want to improve your art skills? This is the BEST watercolor practice if you want to improve quickly.

Tips for Beginners Getting Started

Invest in High-Quality Watercolor Supplies

Don’t confuse high-quality with “most expensive” either. I’ve tried what feels like almost every brush and paper on the planet to find supplies that I find relatively affordable, and high-quality. You can find a complete list of what I recommend here, but trust me, the right materials can make a big difference. It’s worth investing in paints, papers, and brushes to get you started so that you have an easier time getting good.

Play with Color (+ Learn the Basics of Color Theory)

As you’re getting started, don’t be afraid to experiment with color combinations. As you are learning though, it’s a good idea to take some time and learn the basics of color theory. After all, you’ll want to learn how different colors interact and complement each other as you create abstract watercolor art. Experiment with primary, secondary, and tertiary colors to see how they blend and affect the painting’s mood.

Use Layers and Textures

Building up layers and textures can add depth and interest to your abstract paintings. To make it a bit easier, allow each layer to dry before adding the next. You can also experiment with varying opacity and thickness of paint to create contrast. If you want to add some texture, you can also incorporate different materials like sand, fabric, or paper to introduce tactile elements. There are no rules when it comes to abstract art!

 Practice Regularly

Like any skill, abstract painting improves with practice. Set aside time regularly to paint and experiment. If you can, I recommend starting with even a few minutes every day. Don’t be discouraged by initial “failures”, because to be honest, there’s no such thing. Just keep going and have fun having this as a regular part of your routine. For more daily habits that boost creativity, head here! 

Study Other Artists

If you’re interested, take time to check out the works of other abstract artists. Look at how they use color, form, and technique to convey their vision. This can provide inspiration and new ideas for your own work. Remember, studying others doesn't mean copying them—it’s about finding what resonates with you and incorporating those elements into your unique style. If you’re worried about copying, I break down more of my thoughts on how to be inspired by an artist without copying here.

Stay Loose and Have Fun

Lastly, and you’ll notice this is a theme around here, let go of any pressure to create a ‘perfect' piece. The beauty of abstract art is in its spontaneity. Enjoy the process and see where your creativity takes you. HAVE FUN!

Want Help Getting Started? Try These 2 Modern Art Paintings!

Like I mentioned at the very beginning, I know that it can feel overwhelming to stare at a blank canvas. For a little extra inspiration, and to help you go from stuck to started, check out this modern art painting tutorial here. I’ve designed these two paintings to be a great starting point to spark your imagination. If you’re looking for an easy place to get started, I’ve got you.

Ready to Explore More Watercolor Paintings for Beginners?

If you're excited to dive deeper into the world of watercolor, I’d love to invite you to check out my Everyday Watercolor Companion Course. Based on my best-selling book, this course has 8 different video training lessons where I cover the various techniques and how to troubleshoot common mistakes for artists of all skill levels. If you want to improve your art skills in a non-intimidating way (with a ton of guidance within bite-sized lessons), sign up here for instant access!