Using the Emotional Impact of Contemporary Abstract Art to Elevate Your Space

Using the Emotional Impact of Contemporary Abstract Art to Elevate Your Space

Understanding Contemporary Abstract Art

Contemporary abstract art represents a significant departure from traditional art forms, focusing on the use of shapes, colors, and forms to express emotions and ideas rather than depicting recognizable subjects. This artistic movement emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, gaining momentum through the work of pioneers such as Vasily Kandinsky and Piet Mondrian, who sought to discover the power of color and form in conveying deeper meanings. In contrast to classical art, which often aimed for realism and detailed representation, contemporary abstract art embraces abstraction, allowing viewers to engage their imaginations and emotions in diverse ways.

Modern artists employ a multitude of styles and techniques within the realm of contemporary abstract art, which in turn elevates its expressive capacity. Techniques such as gestural painting, which emphasizes spontaneous brushwork, or the use of mixed media to incorporate varied materials, contribute to a richer visual experience. Moreover, styles such as minimalism, post-painterly abstraction, and colour field painting establish a framework within which artists can explore themes of perception, perception of space, and emotional resonance. By breaking from traditional constraints, these artists invite audiences to interpret works based on their subjective experiences. 

 One of the most compelling aspects of contemporary abstract art is its ability to elicit complex emotional responses, making it a powerful choice for home decor. Whether through bold color contrasts or intricate layering, these artworks can influence mood and atmosphere within a space, creating an environment that resonates with personal feelings and beliefs. As a result, incorporating contemporary abstract art into home design not only adds visual interest but also fosters an emotional connection to the space, enhancing the overall aesthetic and enjoyment of the surroundings.

 

The Emotional Resonance of Abstract Art

Contemporary abstract art serves as a profound conduit for emotional expression, evoking a spectrum of feelings in viewers that can range from joy to introspection. This art form strips away literal representation, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in shapes, colours, and textures that resonate with their personal experiences. The absence of recognizable figures in abstract works encourages viewers to draw their interpretations, which can lead to deeply personal emotional reactions.

Colour plays a crucial role in altering mood and atmosphere. For instance, vibrant reds and yellows may elicit feelings of energy and excitement, while blues and greens often promote calmness and tranquillity. Each hue comes with its psychological associations; warm colours are typically energizing, while cool colours tend to soothe, making the strategic use of colour in abstract art essential for evoking the desired emotional response. Research supports these ideas, suggesting that specific colours can significantly impact our mood and emotional well-being.

Shapes and forms also contribute to the emotional landscape created by contemporary abstract art. Jagged edges may induce a sense of chaos or tension, while smooth curves often resonate with comfort and ease. The texture of the artwork, whether it is layered, flat, rough, or polished, adds another layer to the viewer’s experience. The interplay of these elements creates a dynamic environment that transforms a mundane room into a sanctuary for reflection or joy.

Personal stories abound regarding the transformative power of abstract art. For instance, a visitor to my market stall spun around and declared “I love your work because it makes me feel free!”. This illustrates how contemporary abstract art can not only enhance the aesthetic of a space, but also significantly influence the emotional well-being of those who engage with it. The unique ability of abstract art to resonate emotionally makes it a powerful tool for transformation within any environment.

 

Love affair trio

Transforming Your Space with My Art

Choosing art to enhance your home can significantly impact the atmosphere and emotional resonance of your living spaces. The first step in this transformative journey is to reflect on your personal style and emotional needs. Consider the moods you wish to evoke in each room. For instance, if you want to create a calm and serene environment in your bedroom, look for pieces that feature cool tones and fluid shapes, which can inspire tranquillity.

To incorporate abstract art effectively, evaluate the space where you plan to display it. A large, vibrant piece can serve as a focal point in a spacious living room, drawing the eye and instilling energy into the room. For smaller areas, such as a cozy reading nook, opt for a series of smaller works that can be arranged in a gallery style on the wall. This approach not only enhances visual interest but also invites curiosity and exploration. 

When selecting artwork, consider my available* pieces to find those that resonate with your aesthetic. For example, “Spring fever” with its vivid yellow greens, slightly jarring colour contrast and scratchy plant drawings, may invigorate a workspace, stimulating creativity and focus. Alternatively “Nearer to humanity” has many similar colours, but evokes a sense of calm with its more flowing forms and soothing colour palette, perfect for a space intended for relaxation.

Incorporating contemporary abstract art is about more than decoration; it is an opportunity to express personal emotions and create a nurturing environment within your home. By thoughtfully choosing pieces that align with your taste, you cultivate an atmosphere that feels distinctly yours, ultimately transforming both your space and experience.

* These original works are available at the time of writing this post. Of course I cannot guarantee their availability when you are reading! 

The Self Taught Artist Myth

The Self Taught Artist Myth

colourful abstract art - reds, pinks, asemic writing - from a self taught artist

Wilder days

I’m trying to update my bio, and I am faced with an expression I don’t like – “self taught artist”. It’s not that I mind people knowing that I don’t have a formal art education, it’s that we all learn from others, and I certainly have. I didn’t teach myself how to extend my paints using mediums, or how to mix colour, or how to apply principles of design to create stronger work. I learned these things from other artists, as we all do.

My tuition is self-directed – that is I’ve chosen to follow certain artists, learn from them, read certain books, listen to certain podcasts, take this course or that (and I’ve taken a lot of courses!), but to date I am not “self-taught”. Mostly.

 

I do love to experiment – and this is where I learn the most valuable things. In my studio, on my own, taking risks. What I like and what I don’t, what works and what doesn’t, what might happen if I take a sander to an area of paint I don’t like or apply one material over another in a new way, or use “new” colours (new for me – it’s all been done before). I say to my self “what if…” and then I do it. I don’t go online to ask anyone’s advice or guidance, I don’t worry about the consequences of “ruining” my art – I just do it. I fail – and I make great discoveries too.

I’ve come to the conclusion that this is the single most valuable part of my art education. It’s not about techniques or results, it’s about being truly authentic and growing as an artist. It’s about being unique because I’ve thought of something without being prompted and done it (even if it’s been done before the way I do it is different because I’m different). Experimentation and exploration is the only way that I can truly be “me” as an artist.

So, I have made a little resolution for 2024 … I’m not taking any art courses. Not a workshop, no online courses, no “guided” sessions (never have been fond of them anyway). I admit I did sign up for a January workshop just before Christmas as a way to kickstart the year, but I’ve decided to ignore it – to ignore the influence of another artist and another online course that I do not need. Don’t get me wrong – I love learning. But this year, I’m going to learn about art from me. That is something I need to do. I’m going to look inside and explore and experiment and just keep going and see where it takes me….

I’m going to make a lot of mistakes, and probably a lot of bad unfinished paintings, but I am going to learn. And at the end of this year, I think “self-taught” will feel more real to me.

How Nick helped me to be more me – Art2Life Workshop Experience

How Nick helped me to be more me – Art2Life Workshop Experience

I want to talk about a time when I was struggling with confidence – in myself and my art. I’ve blogged previously about how difficult it is to call yourself an artist.

Can you relate to this, too?

Being self taught, it can be difficult – almost impossible – to call yourself an “artist”.  Even people with a formal art education struggle with it!  I don’t know why people feel so precious about this word, if you make art, you’re an artist.  That’s it.

I think it comes from a lack of confidence in your art making skills.  Once you know how to do things, and why you do them, the confidence builds.  But getting there… oh it’s hard.

It’s a surprisingly common problem …. So common, in fact, that my friend and colleague Nicholas Wilton has decided to address it in his upcoming free training called, the Art2Life Workshop

It is…

  • Totally free

  • Held online — so you can watch from anywhere in the world

  • Starting on February 14, 2022 (available on-demand to watch for an entire week)

  • Designed to help you make art that is much more like you (and more impactful, too)

I loved last year’s workshop so much that I will be taking it again this year.  

Click here to save your seat in the Free Art2Life Workshop too! 

Learn more

Nick has been making and teaching art for over 25 years, and he is known for helping artists push their art to exciting new places (or simply find the confidence to claim “artist” as their title for the very first time).

In the workshop, he will be talking about how to overcome struggles like confidence in your art and yourself by mastering what he has called the “Art2Life Process”.

Specifically, he will be covering the first 3 (and most important) stages in the Art2Life Process, including:

DESIGN:

  • Why so many people with lots of education, degrees and experience still struggle to make art they love

  • How to master composition in a way that will quickly elevate your art

VALUE:

  • How to strengthen your discernment — that internal compass — that tells you when to go further, pivot, or pull back with your art

  • How to create a beautiful kind of depth and balance in your art

COLOR:

  • How to add a vibrant new level of dimension AND subtleness to your work with a perspective on color you haven’t heard before!

  • How to feel more confident in your creative choices — so you can begin making art MORE like YOU.

These ideas are simply not taught in art school (at least not in the way Nick teaches them) and most artists are left on their own to figure out why things aren’t working.

So how about a shortcut instead?

Once I understood these concepts, making art I loved became so much easier…much more fun… and it began happening way more often! I am painting daily now, and having so much fun doing it – there’s never any stress, because I know I can “fix” whatever is wrong with my painting, as long as I keep working through the principles Nick has taught me.  I also have no trouble saying to people “I’m an artist”, and when they are interested, talking more about my work.  For someone who is more than a little introverted, this is a huge step for me!  

If you want to make 2022 the year that you stepped up bigger and more boldly for your art than ever before…

Then joining Nicholas in the free Art2Life Workshop is the perfect first step.

I hope you’ll join us!

Sara

Come Join us!