We would all agree that much of abstract painting looks generic and boring. We somehow would like to engage with it, but it has no sticking power. Sadly, we want it to add up to more. We want to be inspired. We want it to suggest things that we have no words for, powerful things. If you want to make that kind of art, there are some tips you might try. First, give up on controlling everything. It’s actually better to give in to the subconscious here than try to depict everything. The power of the medium itself can lead. What really interests you? you’re going to have to answer that question. Try cropping bigger pieces to find interesting parts. Cut those down or try to repeat them on another paper or canvas. Sometimes too little is not good, just as too much isn’t helpful either. To succeed at editing, there has to be something THERE FIRST. Put it all in and then crop it down. Be careful of repeating elements too often; add contrast. If you’ve too much order, disrupt it. Lack of order? Add a continuous line, big shape or grid. It still has to come from something. Try abstracting from reality, simplify. Do collage, it will school you on decision-making.
