HOW TO PAINT AN ABSTRACT: Jillian Helps Me Loosen Up

[jonstewartfanboy]

This isn't abstract painting, it's non-representational painting. An abstraction needs something to work from, like an abstracted tree or face etc. Non-representation is more a collection of marks in (hopefully) some form of organization of shape, color, texture and/or value... or just chaos ;)

[artistchronicle]

@jonstewartfanboy Thanks for the clarification! Your comment prompted me to check wikipedia where I found this: "Abstract art, nonfigurative art, nonobjective art, and nonrepresentational art are loosely related terms. They are similar, although perhaps not of identical meaning." So, hopefully my use of the word,"abstract" isn't too far off. Thanks, again!

[AnitaHaven]

@jonstewartfanboy What if its an abstract emotion? In this case competitive and fun?

[jonstewartfanboy]

@AnitaHaven I'm not sure I understand your statement exactly. I was only trying to illustrate a subtle difference in the labeling of a certain genre of visual art. Often people use one when intending to refer to the other or not appreciating the difference. As this a "how to" vid, the distinction is relevant much as "how to" birth control for men is distinct from "how to" birth control for women. One wouldn't say "human" birth control when labeling a gender specific method.

[artistchronicle]

Thanks, everyone, for your comments!

[spitharoo]

This was interesting to watch. I've been trying to find a style and now think that abstract might just be for me. Thanks for this video.

[larauc]

"There are no mistakes, only decisions to be made." But aren't there right and wrong decisions? Aren't there some combinations of colors or shapes that are particularly beautiful/striking/interesting­/dynamic/ugly/disturbing - whatever the effect is that you want? Otherwise, what's the point? Except of course that it's a fun way to de-stress.

[contrabassoon]

@larauc What's right and wrong will be up to the viewer. There isn't one universal true answer to everything/

[larauc]

@contrabassoon Well sure of course there's no universal taste. I guess my frustration is just that it seems to take the challenge and purpose out of the creative process if I think that whatever I do is fine. Anyway, same old same old debate. It was a fun exercise to watch someone try a style so different to his own! I would love to see more of that.

[kuikai100]

I like

[kuikai100]

a++++++++++

[contrabassoon]

That's really wonderful! Two painters with two clashing styles and purposes, coming together to make one loose and fun painting. I personally really liked the end result!

[55sarajevo]

very very stupid , she dosnt no hold knife , monkey can paint to

[jude3235]

@55sarajevo You are probably the monkey that is so stupid, everyone has their own style, why dont you get up there and show us your style if you think hers is so stupid or visit her website and see how beautiful her work really is, this world is always so full of anger, damn.

[misstwink]

hey, guys.. what's the kitchen knife thing you're using to break up the colors called?

love the painting. i just bought some supplies today. can't wait to get my feet wet!

[JillianWebbArt]

@misstwink I'm using a palette knife in this video which you can find in most arts and crafts stores, in the painting section. Thanks for watching and have fun painting!~ j

[daa123ful]

This was a helpful video. shows that painting can be different & enigmatic. great job with the texture looks beautiful.

[TheMusingpoet]

I am so happy that down to earth real people are showing that abstract painting can be done by anyone. I am 60 years old and am learning to paint. I love to do landscapes but sometimes, abstracts let your feelings and emotions be expressed in colors and design. Thank you for showing that there are no mistakes if you paint from the heart.

[jenni880]

this is amazing! i wanna go paint now!

[artistchronicle]

I think this video has resulted in more comments than any other. Thanks everyone! I love getting the feedback! And, lol, nj76, the whole point of doing this abstract painting was to loosen me up... and in a way that was fun and playful. Jillian's integrity as a serious abstract painter goes without saying and I hope this video reflects it, even amidst all of the fun. :)

[njaouhari76]

lol so this is how you make an abstract painting...this is so funny, so why abstract art is so abused like that, abstraction is based on something representational, and even if it is just a fun play as you say, help you loosen up??? this is such a joke, where is the concept in this painting? where do you place that mark making in the history of painting?

[JillianWebbArt]

@njaouhari76 also, I implore you to look up abstract painting, study it a bit, and maybe you'd find a new appreciation. Then again, people are different with various personal tastes. Cheers, j

[JillianWebbArt]

@njaouhari76 This was an exercise to "loosen up". Don and I have very different painting styles and I appreciate art techniques of many kinds. You may have a better appreciation for some of my other works that are more representational, representational landscapes etc. Some people need to form more concrete interpretations of work while others can enjoy the mood and interaction of color and texture. Thanks, j

[javiocares]

lovet it!!!!!!!!

[samridawaser]

can two drive one car :)

God bless Fine Arts

[ccsitaround]

great artwork, Jillian, hope you do some more paintings for youtube, great lesson in abstract painting, thanks

[JillianWebbArt]

It's all about experimentation! Have fun, get messy, and good luck!

[JillianWebbArt]

TheChad120.. how heavily a canvas is primed, what type of brush you are using and how much water it holds may all be variables that would affect the drip. Don't be scared to use a LOT of water. When I want the paint to run I generally; put the brush on the color first, then totally submerge it in water, and apply pretty heavy pressure when painting. Less primer means paint will bleed out into the canvas while more primer/pre-primed canvas may cause water/paint to bead up more.Good luck!!

[TheChad120]

So... Question for you guys... How did Jillian get the paint to drip so easily and freely? Especially at 3:30? I've tried to get a similar effect with acrylic and water and its not working out. Thanks!

[artistchronicle]

Thanks fairy, onelife, 159 and bernie for your comments! I love Jillian's approach to painting and had a lot of fun painting with her!

[berniepainter]

Very interesting exercise.

[159scott951]

Can't wait to see more

[onelifeUK]

cool, now, where are my acrylics? 

[fairyforever2k10]

I like this ..... messy and lovely