Creating a realistic abstract

Creating a realistic abstract watercolor painting can be an exciting and expressive artistic endeavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a realistic abstract watercolor:

Artwork by Kees van Aalst ©

Text from Kees van Aalst
“…in the scaffolding…”. Twilight, between realism and abstraction. A finger exercise in blues and orange. Pencil, watercolor, gouache and a tiny piece of collage. I placed more focal areas for dynamic movement through the image, thought one focal point would be boring. You noticed that I tore the rules by placing people deliberately outside the main focal point?.

Materials you’ll need:

1. Watercolor paper: Choose a high-quality, heavy-weight watercolor paper that can handle the wet paint without warping.
2. Watercolor paints: Invest in a good set of watercolor paints with a wide range of colors.
3. Brushes: Use a variety of brushes with different shapes and sizes, including round, flat, and fine detail brushes.
4. Water and palette: You’ll need water containers and a palette for mixing your watercolors.
5. Paper towels or sponges: These can be useful for blotting and lifting color.
6. Pencil and eraser: Use these for sketching your initial design.

Steps to create a realistic abstract watercolor painting:

1. Choose a subject: Decide on a subject or theme for your painting. This can be a real-life object, scene, or an abstract concept.
2. Sketch your composition: Use a light pencil to create a rough sketch of your subject on the watercolor paper. Keep the lines simple and don’t press too hard, as you want them to be easily covered by the paint.
3. Plan your color palette: Decide on the colors you want to use and how you’ll apply them. Consider the mood and atmosphere you want to convey. Realistic abstract watercolors often feature a mix of vibrant and muted colors.
4. Wet your paper: Before applying any paint, use a clean brush to wet the paper evenly, making it damp but not overly soaked. This will help the colors flow and blend more easily.
5. Apply the first layer of paint: Start by applying a light, transparent wash of your chosen color in the areas of your composition. Be loose and free with your brushstrokes, allowing the paint to flow and create abstract shapes. Don’t worry about details at this stage.
6. Add layers and build depth: As the first layer dries, gradually build up the intensity of color and add more layers. Focus on the areas that should be darker or have more contrast. You can use a wet-on-wet technique to create beautiful blends and transitions.
7. Create texture and details: Use a variety of brushstrokes, splatters, and lifting techniques to add texture and details to your painting. Experiment with different brush sizes and types to achieve the desired effects.
8. Step back and assess: Periodically step back from your painting to evaluate your progress and make adjustments as needed. This will help you maintain the balance between realism and abstraction.
9. Final touches: Once you’re satisfied with your painting, you can add final details and highlights. This is the time to refine your composition and make any necessary adjustments.
10. Let it dry: Allow your painting to dry completely before removing any pencil marks and adding a signature.

Remember that creating a realistic abstract watercolor is about finding a balance between capturing the essence of your subject and allowing for artistic interpretation and expression. Don’t be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and let the medium guide your creative process. Enjoy the journey and the unique qualities of watercolors.