Abstract Painting

Drawing out Creativity by Way of Abstract Painting - Sans Brushes 

Here is a session I did with Robron Centre’s e-Blend group (K-Gr. 9 Home Learning Program) in Campbell River.   The challenge for me was coming up with an art activity that was not only fun and interesting but could also stretch across the entire school age spectrum. 

I decided to go with abstract painting because the emphasis is on play and experimentation.  Because there is no magical formula when it comes to abstract painting, encouraging exploration was my basic strategy.  Students learned about colour contrasts, mark making, and being expressive.  

What really helped with creative thinking was taking away all the brushes and asking students to use alternative tools such as palette knives, popsicle sticks, bamboo skewers, wooden dowels, feathers, wood bits, paper tubes etc. to apply paint and make marks. 

We started by applying a base coat of acrylic colour on water colour paper and letting it dry completely.  This drying step is important because otherwise the colours too often end up all blended together and looking like mud.  

For the next layer we applied contrasting colours and made marks in various ways using random tools.  They didn't really question this method and only one person asked me for a paint brush.  Which I did not bring of course.

Letting go is important for abstract art - letting go of a right and wrong way and making your own way is my philosophy for abstract painting. There has to be a certain absence of expectation in regards to the outcome and a willingness to move forward in the moment as your painting develops.

The ideas started to flow and students were feeding off all the creative energy in the room.  It was fantastic to watch! 

It was certainly a busy day with every age and possible skill level.  The teenage group was apprehensive at first but once they got start they fed off each other and the outcome was something kind of magical and unexpected.

Now go and get your tools out and play around with some paint!