The Emotional Impact of Abstract Art

We all want to fill our homes with beautiful artwork – but do we really understand its emotional impact on us? We dive into the depths of abstract art to explain how it affects and influences us.

1. The nature of abstract art

Abstract art is a genre in which the artist seeks to express a feeling, idea, or concept rather than to represent reality. In this genre, the artist uses colour, line, and shape to create an image that may or may not resemble anything in the natural world. The term “abstract art” can be applied to art based on an object, figure, or landscape that has been simplified or altered so much that it no longer resembles its original subject. It can also be applied to art that uses geometric forms and colours instead of representational images. Abstract art is often seen as being more about the process of creating the work and less about the final product. This is because artists usually start with no specific plan or goal, allowing their imagination and intuition to guide them as they create their work. Some people see abstract art as “difficult” or “inaccessible”, but this is not necessarily true. While it may take time to determine what the artist is trying to communicate, spending time with abstract art can be an enriching experience.

2. How abstract art can touch us emotionally

Abstract art has often been met with scepticism and even ridicule. But something about it can connect us emotionally in a way that other art forms cannot. It may be because abstract art allows us to interpret it our way. We can look at an abstract painting and see whatever we want. It can reflect our own emotions or a window into another world. Whatever the reason, there is no denying that abstract art can have a profound effect on our feelings. So, the next time you are feeling down or need some inspiration, look at some abstract art and see how it makes you think.

3. The role of the artist in creating emotional abstract art

Abstract art has been around for decades, but its primary purpose remains: to evoke emotion in the viewer. The artist plays a crucial role in creating visually appealing and emotionally evocative art. This means carefully considering the tonality of their work, as it can profoundly affect how viewers respond to it. ‘Tonality’ refers to the arrangement of tones within an artwork. It is a potent tool for influencing emotions, as different styles can create moods and feelings. For example, muted tones are calming and relaxing, while brighter colours are often associated with happiness and joy. By considering the tonality of their artwork, artists can ensure that the emotional response they wish to evoke is achieved. In abstract art, tonality is essential as viewers must rely solely on visual cues to interpret the artwork’s meaning. Conceptual art often allows viewers to project their interpretations onto it, making it particularly effective at eliciting emotional responses. Therefore, by carefully manipulating tonality, the artist can influence how viewers perceive and interact with their work. Understanding how tonality affects emotion is essential for any artist who wants to create meaningful abstract artwork. By considering the tone of their pieces, artists can ensure that viewers have an emotional connection with their creations – something that traditional forms of art may not have been able to achieve.

4. The viewer’s role in feeling emotion from abstract art

As an art form, abstract art is often about provoking emotion in the viewer. This is done through colour, shape, and structure to create a certain feeling or mood. While some abstract art can be interpreted quite literally, much of it is left up to the viewer to determine what it means to them. Tonality is one of the most critical aspects of creating an emotional response in abstract art. The use of light and dark, warm and cool colours, can all influence how the viewer feels. For example, a painting with mostly warm colours may evoke happiness or excitement, while an image with primarily cool colours may evoke sadness or calmness. Shape and form are also crucial in creating an emotional response. Abstract art often uses geometric shapes to make a certain sense. For example, sharp angles may develop a feeling of tension or aggression, while soft curves may create a feeling of relaxation or serenity. Ultimately, it is up to the viewer to decide how they feel about abstract art. By engaging with the piece and allowing themselves to be open to interpretation, they can better understand the artist’s intent and how it relates to their own life experiences.

5. Why do some people not respond emotionally to abstract art

Some people don’t get abstract art. They see many colours and shapes on a canvas and need help understanding what the artist is trying to express. But much emotion can be conveyed through abstract art – you must be open to interpreting it. Some people say they don’t respond emotionally to abstract art because they can’t see anything concrete. But that’s the point – the beauty of abstract art is that it allows you to interpret. Everyone will see something different in an abstract painting, making it unique. So next time you look at an abstract painting, think about what emotions stir up. You might be surprised at what you find.

6. Tips for feeling more emotion from abstract art

Abstract art can be highly emotional, but sometimes it can be difficult to access those emotions. Here are a few tips to help you feel more emotion from abstract art: 1. Let go of your preconceptions about what art should look like. Abstract art is about breaking the rules, so don’t be afraid to let yourself go and experiment. 2. Allow yourself to see the colours and shapes in the painting. Don’t just glance at it; study it and try to see all the elements that make up the whole. 3. Imagine what the artist felt when they created the piece. What were they trying to communicate? What did they want you to feel? 4. Use your own emotions as a guide. How does the painting make you feel? What memories does it bring up for you? 5. Don’t be afraid to let yourself feel deep emotions. Abstract art can be compelling, so allow yourself to experience those feelings fully.


Abstract Art for Begginers

Acrylic Abstract Painting: The Bridge. Artist – H. S. Campoy

Abstract painting is a form of visual art that uses colour, shapes, and lines to create an art piece that does not represent any particular physical object. Abstract art has existed since the beginning of the 20th century and is an ever-changing and innovative medium. The possibilities for creating beautiful, unique, and thought-provoking artwork are endless, from contemporary to modern abstract.

This beginner’s guide to abstract painting will take you through the basics, from the materials you’ll need to the techniques you can use and the meaning behind abstract art. Whether you’re a total newbie or a veteran artist looking for a refresher, this guide will help you create stunning abstract art pieces.

What Materials Do You Need for Abstract Painting?

The first step to creating beautiful abstract art is gathering the necessary materials. You’ll need some painting surface, such as canvas or paper. You may also consider buying a pre-primed canvas or having your own primed with a gesso primer.

You will also need some painting implement, such as a brush, a palette knife, or a sponge. Brushes come in many different shapes, sizes, and textures, so consider which type of brush is best for your project. Palette knives also come in various shapes and sizes and are great for creating texture and patterns in your art. Lastly, sponges can add a unique and exciting texture to your painting. 

Regarding paint, acrylic paint is an excellent choice for abstract art. Acrylics are fast-drying and easy to blend so that you can create a variety of different effects. They come in a wide range of colours and are relatively inexpensive.

Finally, you will need a few other supplies, such as containers for your paint, a water cup for rinsing your brush, and a rag for wiping your brush. 

How to Create an Abstract Painting

Now that you have your materials, it’s time to create your abstract painting. First, start with a blank canvas or paper and think about the composition you want to make. Consider the colours, shapes, lines you want to use, and the overall mood or feeling you want the painting to evoke. 

Then, begin to paint your composition. You can start by sketching out the shapes and lines you imagine and then filling in the details with colour. Alternatively, you can jump right in and begin painting without any prior sketching. Experiment with different techniques and tools (such as brush strokes, palette knives, and sponges) to create a unique and eye-catching piece.

As you paint, remember the design principles, such as balance, contrast, rhythm, and unity. These principles will help you create a visually appealing and harmonious composition. Additionally, you can use warm and cool colours to create different visual effects. Warm colours (like red and yellow) can create energy and excitement, while cool colours (like blue and green) can create a sense of calm and serenity. 

Finally, you can use different painting techniques to create different textures in your painting. You can use brush strokes to create lines or patterns or a palette knife to create a textured look. You can also use a sponge to create a unique, soft texture. 

Meaning Behind Abstract Art

There is no one correct answer to what abstract art means. People interpret abstract art differently, and the meaning can be deeply personal and profound. The beauty of abstract art is that it speaks to us emotionally, and it can evoke joy, sorrow, or even confusion, making us feel inspired, curious, or angry.

Generally speaking, abstract art is meant to express ideas, feelings, or concepts that are difficult to put into words. Through abstract art, we can explore our inner world and express our deepest emotions without the confines of traditional, representational art.

Summer. The joy of colours embracing you. Flowers in the fields, blue skies, green leaves. The beaches are greener or bluer in summer, and people are happy. The amalgam of colours and forms represents the emotions summer brings to our lives

Abstract painting is a wonderful and exciting medium that can help you create beautiful, unique, and thought-provoking artwork. With suitable materials, knowledge of design principles, and some experimentation, you can create stunning abstract paintings that speak to you and your viewers profoundly and emotionally. 

So, go ahead and experiment with your abstract painting. Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and tools, and don’t be scared to make mistakes. Remember, the beauty of abstract art lies in the freedom to explore your imagination without boundaries.


Is abstract art, art?


Born in the beginning of the 20th century, abstract art was a movement made up of fauvism, cubic and figurative expressionism. It was a type of art that gave freedom to colour, shapes and it’s subject. Time passed and the pictorial was abandoned and purity of form reigned.

Composition VIII, 1923

The first abstract watercoliur come to life around this time. The Russian painter, Vassily Kandinsky was the first painter who used no formal composition. It was the absence of composition, or the freedom it has, that gave to abstract art its definition. Abstract Art is the art which does not represents reality.

I wonder if the absence of a clear form associated to our reality, made abstract art something confuse for people who was trained to see in the canvas the representation of the world around them.

I was 10 years old when I came to see one of the most intriguing painting from Mondrian. I was captivated and soon begun my first attempts to translate what I was seeing. It was a time I began to write poetry.

We always should remember Art is not static. First, Abstract Art split in two ideas:the quest for rationality and an independent order from external reality; the other was the development of the symbolic function of colour as we can see on the Composition C.

As most of the rich movements in art, Abstract art soon divided in subcategories. Kandinsky was the repentant of Lyrical Abstraction. Malevitch represented Suprematism, or pure pictorial sensibility where colours and forms were left to speak for themselves. Mondrian was the representative of Geometric Abstract Art,

Those were tendency that last until 1930. Then came Jackson Pollock and Willer Kooning and the abstract impressionism. The forms, colour now were follow by movement. The canvas and the brush were used to create something unique, special.

Composition C by Mondrian

I wonder the model contemporaneous art, in particular the abstract art as we see today. Transposed the rules of its creators and most important represent ants. Abstract art become a way to show new tectonics to obtain the maximum of the colour, light, and tools. The brushes could be paired with other materials as spatulas, pieces of plastic and wood to create a new level of texture.

Do you like abstract art? Who is your favourite painter? Let your ideas in the comment.