How to Start a Painting (Part I)

To be honest, it’s much less scary to start a digital painting than a traditional one. You can always delete the file and start over without worrying about the cost.

However, it doesn’t mean it’s easier to start a digital painting. You still face the same questions: what to paint, what colors to use, and what the composition looks like.

I have developed a way to make it easier. In the “How to Start a Painting“ series I will share how I start my digital abstract painting.

What to Paint 

Abstract art is hard to understand for many viewers because it lacks recognizable objects. Does that mean we as an artist can scribble anything and call it a piece of artwork? Some people may do that but I would get bored quickly and won’t be able to paint anymore.

Painting to me is a way of releasing emotion and obtaining peace. I need to start from something that moves me: anger, stress, joy, or happiness; the latest technology, the oldest philosophy, the world events, or the local news. Anything that embodies energy could be my inspiration. 

I have a habit of taking pictures wherever I go or taking a screenshot when I see a picture I like. I keep a reference album on my phone and put pictures in it if I think it could be something I would paint later.

When I am ready to paint, I go through my album and pick a picture that speaks to me at that moment. This becomes the starting point of what I paint.

How do you start a painting? Please leave a comment below.