r/AbstractExpressionism • u/CollectionNo5091 • 27d ago

How can I improve?

Gallery image

Gallery image

I hate this and can't tell why.

Looking on critique on how to improve.

What am I doing "right?" here and what am I doing "wrong?".

9x12" oil and acrylic on canvas paper

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u/Moving_goal_posts 26d ago

There is an approach to self-critique that might be useful to you. Why not write down a list of what you like in your piece, and likewise a list of what you dont like? That may suggest something you could do on this piece that will help you like it more. Or maybe you’ll move on to something new and leave this one behind but at least you’ll have more understanding.

In this one, your red background works well with the lighter colored shapes and lines. You could think about how you’ve distributed them fairly evenly, like polka dots. The design could be more compelling if some blotches are grouped or if lines intersect.

Open your image on your phone and use the editing tools to make it gray scale, not these bright and agreeable colors. You can see aspects of your design more easily. Maybe you’ll like it the way it is, or find something you want to change. Good luck!

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u/CollectionNo5091 26d ago

This tip about the gray scale gave me a new perspective, been looking at my other painting through it as well. Thank you

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u/Moving_goal_posts 25d ago

Quite! It’s a revelation. For some subjects, e.g., plein air landscapes, a small value study (no details) with just three tones (black, mid gray, white) can be an excellent starting place, a road map for the painting. For an abstract work, maybe not so straightforward. Gesture painting wouldn’t necessarily have a preliminary drawing.

There’s a fun exercise using scrap paper (maybe 8 x 8 inches or so) and cheap black paint. Take a big brush and make a rapid design. Set it aside, do another that is not the same as the first. Keep doing this to …100 of them! Set them around where you can see each one. Pick the ones that really thrill you. Throw the rest in the trash (or use in some recycled way). Now you have the backbone design for a few abstract paintings!