If you want to start painting without the pressure of rules, abstract acrylic painting by numbers may just be the thing for you. Abstract painting is meant to defy the norm, excite us, and create a whole new wonderland. If that is something you're interested in, you’ve come to the right place.
We will be going over some abstract paint by numbers as well as a wide range of easy tutorials for acrylic paintings to make sure there's something for everyone's taste. So, get ready to bring your canvas to life with a bright, unimaginable world where the rules no longer apply.
Abstract Animal Art on Canvas
If you’ve never touched the abstract world before, starting by painting animals might be a good choice, as it's usually more structured.
Additionally, adding bright colors to the already incredible and majestic creatures creates a whole new acrylic adventure.
For the animal lovers, these projects are definitely something you should be trying.
Let's now dive into these awesome tutorials and abstract paintings, and let's get your artistic juices flowing!
Abstract cat paintings
Modern Colorful Cat Paint by Numbers
This beautiful cat with its bright acrylic colors is a perfect place to begin your painting journey. If you want something that will bring a room to life, this project is exactly what you’re looking for. This cat’s big, beautiful eyes are just dying to be painted.
Vintage Cat Painting
While the other cat is definitely beautiful, this one has a more 70s vibe to it. If you want more of a funky vibe with bright acrylics and crazy shapes, try this one out for size. Her bright, piercing eyes look straight into your soul. Enjoy breaking the rules with this fantastic painting from the vintage paint by numbers collection.
Wall Cat Acrylic Painting
If you’re a cat lover and want to try painting your own project, here’s a cat that might just be the perfect inspiration. Remember, though, abstract art is about bending the rules; perfection is not acceptable. Be sure to have fun with this!
Dog Paintings Inspiration
Paint a Pug!
Is there anything more adorable than a pug? I’m here to tell you there is! A colorful pug! Here’s a tutorial for an awesome abstract pug acrylic painting! Perfect for beginners!
If you're looking for something more personal, you can even make a pet paint-by-numbers by sending a picture of your best friend.
Ideas for Elephant on canvas
While searching the internet for elephant painting by numbers, I found a nice bohemian elephant that seemed to really want to be painted.
So, if you want to dive into some freestyle painting (and who wouldn’t; these painting kits always send us more paints than we need), here’s a nice tutorial on how to paint a bohemian elephant.
And if you want more Elephant inspiration, here are a few awesome projects you can try no matter your level, including this fabulous abstract painting found among the collection.
Abstract Lion Paintings
This painting is definitely one of my favorite animal paint by numbers: the Lion.
The majesty of the King of the Jungle is brought to life with bright acrylic paints that create a masterpiece.
Another colorful project that brings a little bit of the exotic into your household. And to think! You painted this masterpiece yourself! That definitely deserves some brownie points.
Abstract flower paintings
Tulip bouquet
This tulip bouquet is truly the definition of abstract. Unlike our beloved animals, this painting has more subtle colors. Don’t let that fool you into thinking they are boring; these tulips have an excitement and passion that bring a person to life.
More Abstract Flowers with Acrylics
The essence of abstract art is that you can do whatever you want with the paint. This tutorial gives you a few techniques to help you get right on your way to painting your own abstract flowers! Plus, since they show you so many different flowers, you can make your very own beautiful bouquet.
Abstract Woman Painting
The Beauty of Dance
This painting is my all-time favorite abstract painting (besides, of course, Van Gogh). The elegance and grace of the dancer leap off the canvas with a beauty that is breathtaking.
And would you look at those colors? If you want to try something that is a beautiful work of art, look no further than this dancer.
African Woman
If you want something a little more stationary, you can try this beautiful African woman. Imagine what she could be thinking. This tutorial will take you through how to create this work of art.
More Abstract ideas
The trick with abstracts, however, is to know a couple of techniques and then create whatever you want! With that in mind, here is a tutorial on adding texture to your abstract painting.
Here are a few other basic techniques that you can add to your toolkit to create your very own masterpiece.
Source
Here is another tutorial on a pouring technique that creates incredible and unexpected products. This one is super easy to do with your extra paints and is one of a kind. Not even you can know what will come of it!
Here is a series of awesome abstract painting tips that can fix any artistic block. If you’re looking for inspiration, here is a list of tips that can get those artistic juices flowing again!
Finally, if you want something very basic but very beautiful, try out this tutorial that adds some copper tape to the canvas.
Inspiration from famous acrylic abstract expressionists
The best inspiration comes from the experts. Here are a few iconic abstract expressionist painters. This artistic movement began in New York in the 1940s, after World War II. I hope you like the selection!
Jackson Pollock
This artist’s most famous paintings were from his drip period. This is one of those paintings titled “No. 5,” painted in 1948.
This next painting is from a darker period of his painting. After reaching his peak in drip art, he abruptly switched to a darker black-and-white abstract where he introduced figures. This type of painting was not as popular. This particular one is titled “The Deep” and was painted in Paris in 1953.
Barnett Newman
Barnett Newman is considered another iconic painter of the Abstract Expressionist period. He worked more with colors, creating some truly beautiful works of art.
This first painting is titled “Onement 1” and was painted in 1948. It is currently on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
This next painting was painted in 1950 and is titled “The Voice”.
Finally, this last painting is titled “Untitled 2” and was painted in 1948.
Richard Pousette-Dart
Our next painter is Richard Pousette-Dart. This painter is known for incorporating Gothic or Byzantine elements into his paintings. This first one is called “Symphony No. 1, The Transcendental,” painted in 1941-42. It is currently hanging in the Metropolitan Museum.
This next one is titled “Savage Rose” and was painted in 1951.
Arshile Gorky
Arshile Gorky is an Armenian American painter and is considered one of the most influential painters of abstract expressionism. It is believed that his art was inspired partially by the loss he experienced in the Armenian Genocide. This first painting is titled “The Artist and His Mother” and was painted between 1926 and 1936.
This next one is titled “Portrait of Master Bill” and was painted between 1929 and 1936.
Mark Rothko
Our last painter is Mark Rothko. What’s interesting about him is that he refused to adhere to any artistic movement, but he is considered to be quite influential in Abstract Expressionism. This first painting is titled “No. 3/No. 13 (Magenta, Black, Green on Orange),” Painted in 1949. It is currently in the Museum of Modern Art.
This next one was painted during the Second World War and is titled “Archaic Idol”. He, like his contemporaries, translated the horrors he saw in World War II into his art. Specifically, in this one, Mark Rothko looks towards other cultures to find the meaning lost in the war.
Conclusion
Whether you are painting an easy paint by numbers or trying something on your own, remember to add a bit of yourself to it. Abstract is about expressing oneself, and that is exactly what these expressionist painters did.
Some expressed feelings of loss, others a search for something new, and still others chose to explore colors or shapes. Yet each one adds a little part of themselves. I hope this post helps you on your abstract artistic journey.
