Why Abstract art is important and not as easy as you think

There are many times that I have heard or read  that anyone can do abstract art and that abstract art is not as important as traditional more realistic art. Of course I totally disagree. When I was a younger artist and still in school I focused on the rules of art and my goal was to make my drawings or paintings as realistic as possible. When I imagined myself as an artist I just assumed that I would be creating realistic creations. It's funny because during the same time in school I also took an art history class and noticed that I was very attracted to artworks by Matisse, Paul Gauguin, and Helen Frankenthaler and the list goes on. Some of the artworks that I saw in art history I don't even recall the name of the art or the artist but there was always color, ,expressiveness and a certain flatness to the art that I particularly enjoyed. As time went on I realized that I really liked abstract or semi abstract paintings/drawings and so I chose to focus on this style and is currently my choice of artistic expression.

Abstract art is hard to create. It really can be but it is also very fun. When I first attempted to start painting/drawing in this style I often hit a wall. I just really had a hard time creating compelling work. The layers were not developed, my color choices were not great and the balance and overall movement was not there. It honestly took me quite a while and lots of online classes from artists to really start being comfortable with my work.

I think abstraction can be difficult because it is often difficult to stare at a blank page or canvas and start creating something that is coming from your intuition. Where realistic art is more focused on technical skill, abstract art is focused on emotions and conceptions that are beyond the recognizable. And although abstract art also requires skill it also requires creative abandon. It requires that you are familiar with the principles of design and color theory but although you understand it you can easily decide to ignore it.

For me abstract art is very intuitive. I rarely plan my paintings or drawings. Even my flower paintings/drawings have an element of abstraction. I love the expressiveness that comes with abstract art. I love experimenting with the use of different mediums, lines, organic shapes mixed with geometric shapes, funky color combinations and so much more. My abstracts are usually really busy but that is what comes from me. I am continually growing and changing as an artist. I, myself, love the busyness and all the mark makings in my work. I love that I can look at the art and feel certain emotions, and I love getting lost with all the cool details.

So yes abstract art is awesome and important. Some may still feel like their kid can do it but I say why not try to create an abstract piece and see how difficult it actually can be. Regardless everyone will have their own opinion and that's perfectly ok.