Color the Emotion

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Video: How to Move from Figurative to Abstract Art?

A small watercolor abstract and it's details, by Peony and Parakeet. See the video about creating abstract art!

I made a video blog post again. This time I answered to a reader’s question about how to open up to create unique and abstract art. This video is especially for you who wants to move from figurative to abstract art.

In the end of the video, I paint an abstract-themed postcard with watercolors. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy it!

How to Move from Figurative to Abstract Art?

27 thoughts on “Video: How to Move from Figurative to Abstract Art?

  1. Paivi. As always, thought provoking and stimulating. I think all art is a form of abstraction. The pathway to creating a singular expression is complex and challenging. Thank you for the illumination your blog continually provides in this quest.

  2. Paivi…I love watching your videos, listening to your ideas and then watching a demo. This one was not too long as far as I am concerned.

  3. Your words hit so close to what I am having trouble with as the emailer has. You are so helpful to me with these “assignments”; they make me look at the world and paintings in such a new way. Top that with using my own thoughts and feelings to create something in a new way. I have gained more feelings for abstract art and now see it in a whole new, exciting way. Still difficult to give up the “precise” and let the “fluid” take over. But all in all I am so glad I took your class. Hope to take others.

  4. Your blogs remind me of when I first saw and listened to Eckhart Tolle. His ideas intrigued me very much but I didn’t understand them. I continued to follow him and study his ideas until now when I sort of know what he’s talking about and am still fascinated. So keep going Paivi I’m enjoying the ride whether it’s short, long, or written, video. It’s my favourite subject.

  5. Paivi, you are such a sweet soul. I loved the video, watching you sharing your passion with us is such a delight. Any amount of time is fine with me and I always love to watch your demos. Beautiful. Thank you!

  6. Paivi.. your passion and emotion moves me. You always speak from your heart and soul. How blessed we are to have you share and show your creativeness and where it comes from… down deep.

    1. Thanks, Judy! Every time I decide that I won’t get so excited this time, and then, when I start talking, I just forget all that because talking about art with like-minded people is one of the best things in life!

  7. Paivi, your excitement and love for art is very evident in your expression and words. I appreciate you taking the time to share your passion with us, and try to help us delve into the “why” of art as much as the “how”. I look forward to your weekly emails and enjoy listening to you discuss art and watching your video demonstrations. It’s refreshing to see someone who is not afraid to express genuine delight in their “work”. Thank you for being authentic.

    1. Thank you, Jackie! I think that answering to “why” makes the inner critic much more co-operative than just focusing on “how”.

  8. I really enjoyed your long blogpost…I listened to it while sketching. I found the piece where you spoke about how the connection between artists from the past and yourself moves you especially inspiring. It’s really interesting to hear your views!

  9. Thanks for your explanation and the wonderful way you showed how to paint abstract.
    Always I admire the results of your “” easy “” paintings, but when I try to do it in the same way, it becomes an undefined mess. !?!?

    1. Thanks, Nel! The paintings that I do on these public videos are never as explanatory than what I offer in the courses. For example, Planet Color has a 7-step process for creating abstracts but it took so much time to develop and test it that it’s not possible to do that for free.

  10. Paivi, thank you from the bottom of my heart. The way you invite us into your artist’s mind, sharing your process with us is so very helpful. I had felt lost when it came to creating abstract art; like I was just throwing paint around without rhyme or reason. Watching your videos, taking your classes, has given a renewed joy to me. I’m finding my own way to express ideas and feelings in my art, which is a huge breakthrough for me. Your enthusiasm and inquisitiveness are contagious! I can see possibilities that I didn’t even know were there, thanks to your guidance. I really liked the format of this blog post, where you answered a readers question in depth, then a little demo at the end. This is definitely a video I will return to any time I’m feeling stuck or uninspired. Blessings to you.

  11. Hi Paivi, I really liked that project. I guess one of my goals would be to do an abstract piece without thinking about it. Watching the video helped me realize that more than I have in the past. I like your written posts with videos that are shorter and maybe half project work, half talking? I don’t know that I necessarily need you to spell out all the steps but that certainly helps me when you do. Thank you for asking and considering our feedback. If you do videos where you talk longer, I think next time I need to do some doodling or something to help me concentrate better. Longer technique videos are always good for me too. That is your class too. I think some of the feedback I gave you in the Facebook group for Imagine monthly was that I liked the handout and the video. The length of that video for the class has always been just about right for me. Thank you!

  12. I thoroughly enjoyed the distinction between letting go and going in to your feelings while painting and creating abstract art.

    Your crisp logic and passion feels like substanence and nurtures me. I listen and take it in…chewing on the concepts and feeling their truth.

    Thank you!

  13. I personally do not like talking podcasts. I learn so much more watching videos of you creating and see the process you use to make your amazing art. But that is only my personal preference, and probably because I have found I am more of a visual person. Please continue making them if you enjoy doing that and I’m sure others will gain inspiration from them.

  14. Thank you Pavi for your generous spirit and your enthusiasm for your subject.
    You are such an inspiration; I love hearing you talk, reading your blogs and watching you paint!
    I appreciate how much time goes into all of your communication with us, and want to thank you again.
    I always look forward to your emails, and your warm smile brightens my day.
    All best wishes,
    Sue x

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