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Painting styles - AQAAbstract painting

Painting techniques can create a range of results and can be used to vary the style of a painting. In this guide, learn about the techniques involved in portrait, landscape, still life and abstract paintings.

Part of Art and DesignPainting

Abstract painting

Colourful abstract painting of trees

Abstract artworks concentrate on colour, shape, line, form, pattern and texture, rather than recreating the realistic appearance of a subject. They can link to natural or man-made forms or be based on abstract shapes.

Abstract painting can be a way to explore ideas without focusing on exactly how something looks.

Abstract paintings use bright colours and detailed patterns, or can be monochromatic and simple.

They can give the sense of energy and movement.

When planning and developing abstract concepts, artists consider what they are trying to express - for instance an idea, a particular emotion, relationship or sensation.

Click through the slideshow for examples of abstract paintings:

Image gallerySkip image gallerySlide 1 of 3, Abstract painting of curved shapes overlapping in different shades of green, Superposed Forms by Jessica Dismorr, oil on gesso prepared board

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