How to Paint Abstracts from a Photo

Another Way to Start an Abstract: Look at the Lines

Use the shape of the petals as a starting point.

Image: © 2006 Marion Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com, Inc.

Another way to approach painting abstract art from photo is to look at the dominant or strong lines in the image. In this instance, it's the lines of the flower petals, and the flower stems.

Decide on what colors you're going to use. Select one and paint in the lines. Don't use a small brush, use a wide one and be bold with the brushstrokes. The aim isn't to replicate the flower petals nor to worry about following them exactly. The aim is to create a starting point or map for an abstract.

The next step is to do the same again, with other colors.

• Using a Reference Photo as a Starting Point for Abstracts
• Look at the Negative Space for an Abstract
• Shapes and Patterns from Negative Space
• Filling Negative Space Shapes With Color
• Another Way to Start at an Abstract: Follow the Contours of the Shapes
• Don't Forget Tone (Lights and Darks)
• Another Way to Start an Abstract: Look at the Lines
• Repeat with Other Colors
• Keep Going and Build On What Went Before
• The Final Painting, with the Power of the Dark