Abstract Painting Techniques: Unlocking Creativity with Color and Form

Abstract doesn’t mean pointless. In fact, most artists who feel stuck are skipping exactly this step: learning to think in shapes and values before details. Whether you’re designing characters, environments, or illustrations, strong shape language is what makes your work readable and intentional. This exercise isn’t about making something pretty - it’s about changing how you see.

Take your time, stay loose, and trust the process.

Create:

• Three shapes using a rectangular shape language (stable, solid, grounded)
  
  

• Three shapes using a triangular shape language (sharp, dynamic, aggressive)
  
  

• Three shapes using a round shape language (soft, friendly, organic)
  
  

Think about the personality each shape language suggests. These shapes will become your building blocks.

Using only your three rectangular shapes, create two different value compositions.

You can:

• Change the size of the shapes
  

• Rotate them
  

• Repeat the same shape multiple times
  
  

Focus on how the values interact. Look for balance, contrast, and clarity rather than complexity.

Repeat the same process using only your triangular shapes.

Notice how the feeling changes compared to the rectangular compositions. Triangles often create tension and movement - lean into that and explore different arrangements.

Now use only your round shapes to create two value compositions.

Using all nine shapes, create two new value compositions.

This is where things get interesting! Think about contrast not just in value, but in shape language. Decide which shapes dominate and which ones support. Strong compositions usually have a clear hierarchy.

Choose your strongest composition and add color.

Be careful to maintain your original value structure. Color should support the composition, not replace it. If the image stops working in grayscale, it’s a sign the values need adjustment.

This kind of exercise might feel simple, but it’s exactly how artists build stronger design instincts over time. Shape language and value control are skills that show up everywhere — character design, illustration, concept art, even storyboarding.

If this feels challenging, that’s a good sign. It means you’re working on the right things.

Keep practicing, stay curious, and don’t rush the results. We love seeing artists grow, so if you try this exercise, share your progress with us on Instagram and Discord Community.