from Andy Evansen

Abstract and representational paintings may seem very different, but they share a lot in common. Both styles rely on basic artistic ideas like balance, harmony, composition, color, and line. Understanding these concepts can help you improve your work, no matter what type of painting you create.

Both abstract and representational paintings need strong designs to capture the viewer’s attention. In abstract art, the artist doesn’t use recognizable objects but instead focuses on shapes, colors, and movement. This means every part of the painting needs to work together. The artist creates interest by using a mix of busy and quiet areas, combining colors that stand out against each other, and keeping the design simple but not boring.

Representational art—paintings that show real things like people, landscapes, or objects—also needs a strong design. Even though these works look realistic, the best ones include creative choices that simplify or adjust reality to make the painting more interesting. For example, a painting of a moored ship might use flowing lines and colors like golden oranges and cool blues to give it an abstract feel while still being a realistic depiction of the ship.

Looking at abstract and representational paintings side by side shows how similar they can be. Both types of art use color to set a mood, carefully place shapes to guide the viewer’s eye, and include restful areas so the painting doesn’t feel too busy. A representational painting might show a city street with sunlight on one side and shadows on the other, while an abstract painting might use bright colors and sweeping lines to create the same feeling of movement and contrast.

Artists can learn a lot by paying attention to these ideas. For instance, studying abstract art can help representational painters make better designs by focusing on big shapes and simple patterns. Turning a painting sideways or upside down can reveal if the design is working. Zooming in on a single part of a subject, like the petals of a flower, can create a strong and unique composition. Using just a few colors, with small bursts of contrast, can also make a painting stand out.

The most important thing is to plan carefully and pay attention to how all the parts of your painting work together. Whether you’re painting a colorful abstract or a detailed scene from real life, focusing on balance and design will help your work connect with viewers and stand out.

Immerse yourself in the art of watercolor painting with a mentoring course or video series led by renowned professional artist Andy Evansen: