People often wonder about abstract art and how to make sense of it. It can seem confusing at first because it doesn’t depict recognizable objects, but that is one of the things that make it so fascinating!
Abstract art comes in many forms and conveys emotions, concepts, and ideas in ways that realistic art can’t. Here we explore the basics of abstract art, breaking it down into simple ideas, to help you understand and appreciate it better.
Table of Contents
What is Abstract Art?
Abstract art, in essence, does not represent objects from the natural world. Instead, it uses color, shape, texture, line, and other elements to convey emotions, ideas, and concepts. It can be non-objective, meaning it has no recognizable subject, or it can be abstracted from reality, meaning it is based on something in the world but subject has been simplified or distorted in some way to create a different kind of perspective.
Key Components of Abstract Art
There are some key aspects of abstract art that you will need to understand in order to get the most out of it. Different artists will use these in different ways, but a basic understanding will help you see the art in a different way.

Color:
Color is one of the most important elements in abstract art. It can evoke emotions and moods, and can be used to create contrast and harmony within a piece. Whether the colors are warm or cool, bright or muted, they can be used to create different effects.
For example, warm colors such as red, orange, and yellow can create a sense of energy and excitement, while cool colors such as blue, green, and purple can create a sense of calm and tranquillity. Colors can also be used to create contrast and harmony within a piece and learning about color theory will help you begin to understand the effect.
Contrasting colors such as red and green or orange and blue can create a sense of tension, while harmonious colors such as blue and green or red and orange can create a sense of balance and unity.
Shape:
Shapes can be used to create a sense of movement or stillness in your paintings and drawings. Geometric shapes such as squares, circles, and triangles can create a sense of order and structure, while organic shapes such as curves, blobs, and squiggles can create a sense of movement and fluidity. Shapes can also be used to create a focal point or a sense of depth within any piece of art.
Texture:
Texture here refers to the surface of the work of art. Textures can be rough or smooth, matte or glossy, and they can be used to create depth and dimension within a painting or drawing
Texture can also be used to create a sense of mood or atmosphere. For example, a rough texture can create a sense of ruggedness or rawness, while a smooth surface can create a sense of refinement or elegance.
Line:
Lines can be used to create movement, direction, and rhythm within artwork. Thick, bold lines can create a sense of strength and power, while thin, delicate lines can create a sense of fragility and vulnerability. Lines can also be used to create a sense of energy or calmness, depending on their direction and thickness and the way they are used.
Composition:
Composition is the way the different elements of a piece are arranged. In abstract art, composition can be used in many ways. Learning how to layout a painting the right way is vital for any abstract artist.
Composition can be used to create a focal point, but if you are creating abstract art you need to guide the viewer’s eye around the artwork and take them on the journey that you have created.
The composition itself can portray a sense of movement or stillness. For example, symmetry within a composition can evoke a sense of balance and stability, while a piece that uses asymmetry within the artwork can create a sense of change and fluidity.

Appreciating Abstract Art
Abstract art can be a challenging genre for many people to appreciate and understand. Following the suggestions below should help you. You will find ways that improve your understanding of this eclectic and exciting art, You won’t like everything, but ignoring such a huge part of the art world is short-sighted and exploring such a diverse world can be an exciting experience if you approach it with an open mind:
Don’t Try To Figure It Out
One of the most important things to understand about abstract art is that it is not about trying to “figure out” what the artist is trying to convey. Unlike representational art, which aims to portray a recognizable image from the world around us, abstract art is more concerned with the feelings that the artwork provokes.
Approaching abstract art with an open mind will help you appreciate the work on its own terms. Preconceptions and interpretations miss the point in many ways. You need to engage with the artwork in a more primal, intuitive and experiential way. This will allow you to feel the emotion that the interplay of color, form, and texture arouse in you as a person. This effect may well be different from person to person.
Give Yourself Time
When you look at abstract art, it’s crucial to give yourself ample time to engage with the artwork properly. Abstract art should be immersive and allowing yourself to focus totally on the artwork will often take time.
Allow your eyes to roam around the piece, taking in all the details. Unlike representational art, which can be more straightforward to understand, appreciating abstract art may require a bit more time and patience.
Look at the various colors and shapes in the artwork. Try to feel how they interact with each other. You may notice how certain colors seem to clash against each other, and how certain shapes create a sense of motion or stillness. The overall composition of the artwork is also important to think about. How has the artist arranged the various elements in the piece? Has the artist created a sense of depth in the painting or deliberately made the artwork 2 dimensional? Is there a sense of balance and harmony, or is there a deliberate sense of chaos or disarray?
As you spend more time looking at the artwork, you may start to notice subtle details that you hadn’t seen initially. Perhaps there are specific textures or patterns that you hadn’t noticed before, or particular color combinations that create particular moods and emotions.
Ultimately, the key to appreciating abstract art is to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to engage with the artwork. Taking your time and allowing yourself to explore the different elements of the artwork fully, may help you come away with a deeper appreciation and understanding of the work.
Feel The Emotions
When you look at an abstract artwork, it can evoke a range of emotions within you. Unlike representational art, abstract art leaves interpretation and emotional response in the mind of the viewer. It is essential to pay attention to how the artwork makes you feel. Do you feel calm and serene, or excited and energized? Perhaps you feel a sense of confusion, frustration or even dread.
Try to identify any specific emotions that arise while looking at the artwork, and reflect on why they may have been triggered in you. For example, if a particular color or shape in the artwork makes you feel anxious or uneasy, consider why that might be. Is there something about the composition or color palette that is evoking this response in you? Is it deliberately provocative in some way?
Similarly, if you find yourself feeling calm or relaxed while looking at the artwork, consider why that might be. Perhaps there is a sense of balance and harmony in the composition that is soothing to your mind.
By reflecting on your emotional response to the artwork, you may be able to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the piece. This kind of emotional response can also serve as a starting point for exploring your own personal relationship with abstract art. It can affect us all on a deeper level at some point.
Understand The Artists Intent
When you’re looking at abstract art, it’s important to take into account the artist’s intent. The artwork may not have a clear or direct message, but it may have underlying symbology important to the artist. Abstract artists will use color, shape, and composition to convey their message or concept, and awareness of the artist’s background can help you appreciate and comprehend their intent. This in turn may help you understand their artwork better.
If there is one, the title can give you clues to what the artist was trying to communicate. For instance, a simple title like “Chaos” may indicate that the artist aimed to create a sense of disorder or confusion through their use of color and form. Some artists prefer to leave paintings untitled while others will use complicated or contradictory statements. Remember, language can be used in many ways. The real interpretation may not be the obvious one.
It’s important to look at the artwork in the context of the artist’s historical body of work too. Are there specific themes or motifs that the artist frequently explores in their art? How does this particular artwork fit into that broader context?
Lastly, pay attention to the artistic choices that the artist has made in creating the artwork. How have they used color, shape, and composition to create a specific effect? For example, a bold use of color might suggest a sense of energy or excitement. On the contrary a dark palette may evoke feelings of foreboding, while a more muted palette might create a sense of calmness or serenity.
By considering the artist’s intent, you can develop a deeper understanding of the artwork and how it fits into the broader context of the artist’s work. This can help you appreciate the artwork on a more intellectual level, but remember it is the primal feelings the piece evokes that are the most important.

Understand The Artists Background
Researching the life experiences of an artist and their other works is a great way to get a better understanding and appreciation for their abstract pieces. You can start by looking at their biography, exhibition history, and any interviews with the artist, which can help provide context for the artist’s work. I tend to look less at critical analysis, but it can give you an idea of how the broader art world views the artist.
It can be helpful to look for patterns in the artists style or subject matter. Do they tend to work in a certain color palette or with specific forms or shapes? Are there recurring themes or motifs in their work? These things can all help you understand the artist’s creative process and the ideas they are exploring through their art.
You should also look at how the artist’s work has evolved over time. By tracing an artist’s career and the development of their style, you can gain a deeper insight into their creative journey. This can help you understand their creative vision and the context of their work within the broader world of abstract art.
Conclusion
Abstract art is a fascinating world that requires a shift in perspective when compared to traditional representational art. At first glance, abstract art can appear chaotic or meaningless, but with a better understanding of the underlying principles and techniques, viewers can appreciate the emotional and aesthetic power of the artwork more easily.
One of the unique aspects of abstract art, is its ability to evoke raw emotions and personal interpretations from viewers. Without a specific subject or narrative to guide the viewer, the artwork invites the audience to create their own meaning and emotional response. This interactive element makes abstract art an engaging and immersive experience.
Understanding the various techniques used by artists to create their work will help you appreciate it more. Elements such as color, shape, form, and texture are all used to convey different moods and emotions. Allowing yourself to experience those emotions is all part of abstract art.
It is important to recognize that abstract art is subjective, what appeals to one person may not resonate with another. It is crucial to keep an open mind and explore different styles and artists to discover what resonates with you personally.
Abstract art can be a rewarding and enriching experience for those willing to approach it with an open mind and willingness to explore. By understanding the basic principles and techniques used by artists, you can appreciate the emotional and aesthetic power of the artwork, but it will also help you create your own.