What Makes a Good Abstract Painting
What makes a good abstract painting is one of those questions that I hear and read a lot about. It is probably one of the most talked about subjects in the world of abstract painting. Writing this article hasn’t been an easy task as I have been thinking about it for a while.
I know exactly what makes a good abstract painting, after all, I’m an abstract artist. But how can I explain it in simple terms to others? Sometimes words alone are not enough, which reminds me of a special quote by Georgia O’Keeffe: “I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.”
Typical art is undoubtedly mesmerising and the talent that comes with it is awe-inspiring. However, nothing beats the vividness and realness of non-representational art, which is seemingly a crude twinning of paints and lines for most people. There’s usually more beyond the vague colours you may mistake for a 5-year kid’s paintwork.
An excellent abstract painting isn’t entirely about patching the elements together, but it draws inspiration from profoundly subtle emotions. But as much as you want to create an eye-catching one yourself, you must understand what makes a good abstract painting.
A Good vs Not So Good Abstract Painting
I don’t, particularly, use terms such as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ when it comes to artwork. I mainly look at the potential of evoked emotions and the emotional response a painting could create.
Several studies prove that most people can tell a good abstract painting done by a professional artist from one created by a novice.
The studies talk about things such as consistency in the painting, colours, shapes, lines, texture, compositions, etc. and several other characteristics that are mainly discussed by professionals in the art world.
These are rules – I don’t like rules.
Whilst such information could be valuable and informative, however, the information could become too technical and may make no sense to many people who simply want to enjoy viewing an abstract painting.
The simple answer is for the viewers to think whether the painting they are looking at evokes any emotions? Do they feel anything when viewing the artwork? Is there any emotional response?
What Makes Abstract Art So Special
Abstract art runs the extraordinary and is subtle, and fuses in emotion for the most part. Leonardo Da Vinci quoted “simplicity as the ultimate sophistication”, and that’s what abstract art is about.
You as the artist, create your artwork using your emotions as inspiration, and the ultimate goal is to invoke feelings rather than entertain with your incredible prowess. It’s fair to say you need a knack for it because it’s miles apart from standard art, contrary to popular belief.
And there’s usually more in abstract art. That includes combining the diverse elements to create a pattern and a uniformity that connects lines and spots and sparks various sensations.
Non-representational art doesn’t attempt to depict anything from the real world. Instead, you create a subtle combo of lines, dots, patterns, colours, shapes and forms to achieve a much higher level of art.
But, you as the viewer, should not be compelled to dig deeper into the artist’s emotions and feelings (unless you want to) to enjoy the artwork.
To enjoy its colours, lines, forms and composition. To enjoy the feelings it creates. It is more about the viewer much more than the artist.
What makes abstract art so special is its simple power to evoke emotion. If it doesn’t, then move on to the next one. As simple as that. But allow yourself a little time and an open mind to let the artwork work its magic. Give it a chance to connect.
Not everyone understands abstract artistry if they aren’t well-rounded unless they know the painters’ emotions and feelings behind the entire creation. And that makes it an incredibly exceptional niche.
Here’s more to what makes abstract art good.
The Intention and Vision of the Artist
We all have seen hundreds and thousands of mass-produced beautiful abstract paintings for sale on many websites. Yes, some of them fit in nicely as wall decorations. And that’s what they are – wall decoration.
I always say that Abstract Art is More Than Decoration.
Creating an expressive, impressive, persuasive, influential and compelling abstract painting that makes its own statement is entirely a different challenge.
A true abstract painting is created with emotions and feelings that channel your thoughts, intention and vision.
Creating patterns to assume uniformity and communicate to people without using words requires exceptional vision and intent. The intention is usually the purpose and inspiration you derive from your more profound thoughts and emanate from within.
The Art Consistency
Anyone well-versed in abstract art will quickly tell apart a mediocre and a top-end one. That comes from a consistency that connects the message the artist wants to communicate and the feelings they want to evoke.
Consistency of all the elements that make the painting is what makes a good abstract painting. Consistency of colours, shapes, lines, texture and composition is vital throughout the entire creative process.
Consistency creates and communicates energy, which helps shout the feelings out loud.
The Texture and Colour
Expressing and communicating emotions and feelings through art doesn’t come easy. It involves a deep understanding of the meaning and representation of each element of the artwork, such as the meaning and psychological effects of colours, lines, shapes, etc.
Standard art is entirely about “boasting” the prowess of depicting objects in close range as they appear. However, abstract art is the complete opposite.
You’ll use many layers and colours to create various textures and communicate a message. The colours also need to play together nicely and you need to study them carefully to make a perfect match.
The Meaning
A true abstract painting holds its own personality that conveys particular meanings interpreted by the viewers in the way they wish, the way they feel.
Remember, the communication here isn’t generic but takes a varied dimension. That comes from your choices of patterns and colours, knowing how much each represents and how they convey meaning.
Bright red colours communicate ecstasy, while grey describes a concept of doom. The same goes for the textures, patterns and forms you use.
How to Tell and Appreciate an Excellent Abstract Art
Most people won’t quickly get the meaning an abstract art piece conveys and would toss it to the side. However, if you understand abstract expressionism, appreciating this art form would come easily.
Besides, it’s way too easy to tell a good piece from a low-level one if you learn how to appreciate this fantastic art.
Here’s how to tell good abstract art and appreciate it.
Appreciate the Artist
Telling a good abstract art piece from a not so good one starts with visualising the artist and reimaging their emotions and feelings.
If it’s your first time coming across this art, you’d think it’s a random patch of paints, but there’s usually more to it.
An excellent abstract art infuses emotion and feelings, while a not so good one is bland and expresses a void.
Artists prefer to use colours and shapes to express themselves more than using words, as sometimes, words are not enough.
Abstract art whether creating or viewing is a fantastic vehicle for self-expression, self-discovery and storytelling.
Interact with the Painting Objectively
Always look into the insight and root out the more profound meaning instead of scrapping the surface.
Give yourself some time and have an open mind to help you grasp the artist’s intention. A true abstract artist can create powerful and meaningful artwork that sparks an emotion instantaneously.
It attracts more than your attention and interest, it pulls you towards it and touches you deep down. But if the artist isn’t well-versed with abstract art, you’d strain your nerves trying to get the entire picture.
Don’t Get Too Serious
Most people appreciate art not because they’re mesmerised at a glance but because they let it easy and don’t get too serious.
Art is an indulgence and getting the chance to appreciate someone else’s work – or your own – doesn’t need to be too detailed-driven.
Also, stay away from distractions and take your time enjoying the creation and you’ll indeed find it fun.
Conclusion
Abstract art isn’t entirely about depicting talent and prowess but a subtler way of expressing emotion and feelings.
And it takes a deeper mind to understand the meaning and get a clue of what the artist is trying to portray. It’s a form of art that most people wouldn’t appreciate, but it’s a whole exhilarating world of mystery and fun for the few who do.
You decide if the abstract painting means anything to you irrespective of who and why the painting was created.
Take your time and let the painting connects with you. If there is no connection or emotion, just move on.
Every abstract painting I create means something special to me. It tells a story about my journey. It comes deep from within. By creating abstract paintings I’m hoping that you will find your own story, not mine.
I would be very interested to hear your thoughts about what makes a good abstract painting.
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11 July 2022 @ 4:07 am
You made a good point that it’s also important to consider how a painting interacts with the viewer when trying to assess its value. I will keep that in mind when browsing for abstract paintings for sale because I want to buy some for my home soon. I think that will be a good way to be able to make my home more colorful and filled with though thought-provoking works.
11 July 2022 @ 10:44 am
Alice, thank you so much. Art has a profound ability to reflect our lives’ experiences in a variety of ways. It communicates through emotions and feelings. It may take some time for emotions and feelings to emerge. And I believe it is the ‘key’ when looking at artwork, particularly, non-representational abstract. The ‘Slow Art Movement’ emphasises the importance of taking your time when looking at a piece of artwork.
Another issue that some people face when choosing artwork for their living room, for example, is whether it will blend in with the rest of the décor. This is the difference between art décor and true abstract art. You choose abstract art because it makes its own statement regardless of the room’s décor. A statement that makes you feel happy.
You could also try another little trick. Take a picture of the piece of artwork you like but still unsure about. Take another photo of your wall space and superimpose the painting image on top of it. It could give a closer idea of how it would feel on your wall space.
Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog post and leaving a comment. Good luck with your painting selections and keep us updated on your progress.
6 April 2026 @ 3:41 am
creo que cuando dices que el arte abstracto surge de lo profundo del ser, es una característica que se puede evidenciar. A pesar de que no veamos formas objetivas o concretas, estamos sintiendo un propósito, un por qué de la obra, en características que has nombrado como el color, la textura, la ubicación de las formas o manchas la sencillez, el abigarramiento o la dispersión de formas, texturas , grafismos, colores. El arte abstracto si hace que afloren sensaciones y produce otras. El arte abstracto incluso hace recordar algunas lecturas, conocimientos vagos que subyacen en el pensamiento, que flotan ahí y solo están esperando el estímulo para ser recordados. Si es un arte intimo del autor y se convierte en intimo del espectador. El arte abstracto es extraño y extraordinario, es múltiple y
6 April 2026 @ 8:32 am
Muchas gracias por este comentario tan bonito y tan reflexivo. Me gusta mucho cómo lo has expresado, especialmente la idea de que el arte abstracto puede sentirse incluso cuando no muestra formas concretas u objetos. Creo que tienes razón al decir que el color, la textura, las manchas y la disposición de las formas pueden transmitir algo muy importante.
También me ha gustado mucho lo que dices sobre cómo el arte abstracto puede despertar sensaciones e incluso recuerdos o ideas que teníamos medio olvidadas. Esa es una de las cosas que más me interesan de este tipo de arte: puede sentirse muy personal, tanto para quien lo crea como para quien lo contempla. Sin duda, es un arte extraño, extraordinario y lleno de posibilidades.
6 April 2026 @ 3:42 am
esta muy interesante este artículo. gracias por ofrecer luces a cerca de esta particular expresión del arte.
6 April 2026 @ 8:33 am
Muchas gracias! Me alegra mucho que hayas encontrado interesante el artículo. El arte abstracto puede ser un poco difícil de definir, así que me alegra saber que ayudó a aclarar un poco las cosas. Te agradezco de verdad que te hayas tomado el tiempo de compartir tus pensamientos.