Making Art for the fun of it...

by Karen Lynn Ingalls

The beginning of an abstract painting with acrylic paints • © Karen Lynn Ingalls

What — you mean it's already 2024??? Just where have the last few years gone? They’ve REALLY flown by….

I hope you’ve had a happy and healthy holiday season (and it’s not over yet!). And I hope that this next year brings you plenty of creative joy, in whatever direction your art is taking you.

And you might think about just doing something for fun… for relaxation… for joy — especially if it’s stormy outside….

Abstract painting in progress (untitled, as of yet) • 24" x 24" • Acrylics on canvas • © Karen Lynn Ingalls

I’ve been creating abstract pieces lately — beginning with some demonstration pieces (that I then turn into demo videos) for my Acrylic Painting 101 class. 

And then I got a commission to create a painting similar to a smaller demo piece that my clients happened to spot in my studio.

Three nice things about abstract painting (of course, there are more too):

• It doesn’t have to look like anything in particular (which can be freeing).
• It gives you an opportunity to break out of the mold of what you usually do, especially if you usually paint something more representational (which can also be freeing).
• It can get you into an attitude of experimentation (which… yep, you guessed it… can also be freeing!).

Abstract painting in progress (untitled, as of yet) • 24" x 24" • Acrylics on canvas • © Karen Lynn Ingalls

The last one shown is its finished stage, incorporating acrylic texture medium (pumice), tissue paper, relief printing, and paper towels with lots of paint on them. 😊

Here’s a little closeup showing the texture medium, and paper towels, and a little hint of several of the spots where paper towels are incorporated, though it may be hard to detect.

Creating texture in an acrylic painting, with acrylic medium and collage elements • © Karen Lynn Ingalls

Notice: those painty paper towels you use to wipe off your brushes make great potential collage elements.... You might want to think twice before throwing them away!

So… do you feel like giving yourself permission to try something different, just for the heck of it (and the fun of it)? It could be a refreshing way to begin the New Year! 

Here's to a truly Happy, Healthy, Peaceful, and Creative New Year!

​#karenlynningalls #abstract #abstractart #abstractpainting #paintinginprogress #paintinginprocess