What is the difference between figurative and abstract painting?

4 min read
18 December 2023

Immerse yourself in the world of figurative art – from paintings for sale to the rich history.

What is the difference between figurative and abstract painting?

Explore Figurative Art: Paintings, History, and Artists

Abstract art comes in many forms, but figurative abstract art holds a unique ability to vividly convey the full range of human emotion and experience. As we introduce the international TERAVARNA exhibition of abstract painters, we invite you to connect more deeply with this visionary art form. By understanding the skilled techniques behind these imaginative works, you too can unlock new creative horizons.

The Expressive Power of Figurative Abstract Painting

Unlike purely abstract styles, figurative abstract art incorporates elements of realism within experimental designs and bold aesthetics. Figurative abstract painters leverage realistic colors, textures, shapes, and subjects to evoke stirring narratives. Their works may contain familiar natural forms like landscapes, portraits, or still-lifes, yet rendered through an avant-garde filter of imagination.

Capturing the Spirit of Humanity Through Figurative Abstract Art

This innovative blend of realism and abstraction gives figurative works an exceptionally emotive quality. Viewers can readily relate to identifiable subjects and scenarios, allowing the artist's distinctive style choices and symbolism to fully impact the audience. By contrast, strictly abstract styles speak a more enigmatic visual language through obscure elements arranged to create a feeling without defined figures or scenes.

But with its multi-layered depth, dimension, and meaning, figurative abstract painting has an unparalleled capacity to broadcast the full spectrum of human sentiment. Artists of this genre excel in capturing the poetry and theatricality inherent to the human condition.

Mastering the Fundamentals  

To excel as a figurative abstract painter, one must first command the essential techniques all visual artists share. 

Solid drawing abilities grant you the freedom to deconstruct forms and space for dramatic or conceptual ends. An intuitive handle on balancing, leading, and rhythming the eye through clever compositions proves indispensable. The nuanced application of color to set moods and convey ideas forms the crux of impactful non-objective works.

 With these core competencies ensured you can then leverage them as springboards for potent abstract interpretation and metaphysical narrative. Mastery over realist methods provides the license to remake reality on the canvas. The distinction comes in learning when to harness observation versus imagination in coaxing a painting to life.

Finding Your Voice as an Abstract Artist 

As you gain confidence and skill, continue exploring techniques from acrylic pouring to mixed media collage. This exposure primes you to discover which materials, subjects, and styles best channel your unique interior landscape onto the canvas.

Your artistic voice lives within your hands, waiting to guide them across the waiting surface. Making art of impact requires knowing yourself deeply as an interpreter of the world around you. Creating meaning demands having something meaningful to say.

So turn your eye inward as you gaze outward for inspiration. Catalog your responses to themes of mortality, love, innocence, betrayal, and our immutable bonds of human experience. Detect the threads that appear repeatedly in what moves you and seek forms to give them a voice through your preferred medium.

There is no more intimate or potent form of self-realization than converting your private interior cosmos into a public work of art. And by tapping into universal currents that transcend culture and eras, you craft images that resonate across humanity.

It is your invitation to add your vision to the global artistic heritage at the TERAVARNA distinguished international exhibition. These timeless human themes give a daring contemporary voice through figurative abstract painting. Let the work you discover here nurture the artist within you to emerge. Read More at https://www.teravarna.com/

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