Modern contemporary paintings by Mississippi artist Daniel MacGregor

Methodology

How to create modern contemporary paintings (Colorful Abstract Art):

To paint colorful abstract art, here are some ideas I use:

Begin by copying an object from nature and then gradually move into abstraction. Think of it as drawing an object accurately with all the detail, then repeat what you just did, but this time instead of all the details, pick one detail or the entire piece as if you were looking through a fog, or if like me, without wearing your glasses or contacts to ensure things are exceptionally blurry.

I used to draw and paint people, still lifes, flowers and landscapes with a lot of detail. I would get frustrated because it wasn't perfect or exactly as I felt it should be. Sometimes I would use a photograph I had taken and recreate it within a painting or drawing. The goal was to represent what I saw as closely as possible. It wasn't until I looked inside myself that I began to understand that it did not have to be perfect, I needed to relax and let go. I understood that it only had to be mine (unique) and heavy detail was not as important as the color or form, thus I gradually moved toward an "abstract" subject matter...in other words I moved away from reality, not trying to accuratly depict it. It isn't about how accurately detailed something is; Art is more of capturing the emotion though lines, color or form.

Today I do not begin with a "subject," but rather let my emotion and heart guide my brush. I do not feel bound to representing a certain subject to start...it evolves with the artistic process. It is still good to start with a subject matter, but don't feel that you are bound to it...use it only as a beginning. I tend to flip my canvas over and over, just to unfocus my eye. Don't be forced to depict detail, unless you crave it. Some painters can make gorgeous landscapes with all the detail that it's hard to know a photograph from the real thing from the painting (at a distance). Dont feel that with Abstract Art that you have to show that kind of detail, though some detail can be a good to draw interest.

Many of us "Abstract Expressionists," tend to paint a subject, but that subject does not represent or embody what anyone would see as a traditional "subject" as we tend to use shapes and size of the shapes differently. Others like myself tend to use color. If you want to paint abstract art, but have trouble understanding how to approach the "abstraction," then try taking something you have painted before and alter it by line, by shape and by color only to resemble your object and more so envoke a feeling or force your viewer's eyes to wander (giving more interest), rather than a realistic depiction of the traditional subject matter..

If you are painting from life; squint until all you see are blurry outlines. Forget the details. Take your brush and sketch in broad strokes the shapes and contours (see Action Painting) or take a very small section of your subject and make it HUGE (cover the whole canvas). Now we're talking abstract!

Stand back and see how the canvas comes to life; how the shapes take over; beyond the original subject and become interesting in and of themselves. Keep altering your craft by adding and removing shapes, modifying color or hue, strengthening lines, etc. Feel your strokes and let your emotions flow freely. Work fast, then stop and anaylize. Use acrylics as they dry fast and force you to not think. In time your art will evolve into something beautiful.

Another method is to use raw emotion. Try listening to music. Sometimes I choose music to reflect moods: jazz for peaceful moods, rock for strong emotions, etc. Sometimes a particular mood develops as I listen to music. Music's rhythm can also have an influence on how I apply paint to the canvas. Be sure to use a drop cloth or paint somewhere where you can let the paint fly off the handle. Art can be a lot of fun! Enjoy it.

Non-representational art is my favorite way to express emotional art (see Abstract Expressionism) because it isn't constrained by attempting to be "true" to that "subject." If you wake up angry, paint it! Color, line, form are your arsenal. Let that anger fuel your art. Use your mood to say exactly how you are feeling. If it is done in music, it can be in Painting! But remember that whatever method you use to begin, pay close attention to composition, interest, energy, and focus in order to complete it successfully.

Other painters like to use only shapes and create art with shapes as their only subject. This type of art (Geometric Abstraction) can be used along with Landscapes and objects to alter reality and make some very odd, yet cool paintings. For more information on this type, research surrealism.

Be creative, try new things. If all you do is the same thing because you can sell it, then you will never grow and may never be recognized for anything more. Never close yourself off to new experiences in life and especially in art.

Express yourself!