Backgrounds for Abstracts from Udemy

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

A view of some of the techniques we will cover. Exciting ideas!

Learn how to use paint to create unusual backgrounds

Lots of wet paint here. Make sure that you have a place to leave the painting for several hours so that it can dry.

Simple materials and easy techniques lead to beautiful results.

This is a product you need to buy. It is great fun!

Adding bits of different colour in your painting can add interesting effects.

This simple tool can do a lot of different things. Have a look.

A can or two of spray paint is a fun way to create a background.

Look around you and see details that you can use to create backgrounds.

This is fun! Get a rubber mallet and a big space. Just smash the paint!

A background is easy with just a few tools that you can find around the house.

You will love this large 'palette-like' instrument for moving paint around.

A simple string, two pieces of paper or canvas and paint is all you need.

Your neighbourhood tree can give you the tools for this project.

Soft, subtle backgrounds made with oil pastels create a background no one else will have.

Your basic sponge will help you add even more texture.

Rubbings are a way to have unique textures for your background.

Petroleum jelly is perfect for wood-like textures.

This plastic paper gives you the most unusual look.

You weekly paper will help you create fantastic backgrounds that no one can copy.

Stencils are make quite easily with just a few tools and a bit of patience.

This compound that you use to fill holes in the walls can produce interesting textures depending on how you use it. It is worth a try.

This is a review of some of the techniques used and how I used different techniques within a series.

A review of what we have learned and a few suggestions.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Introduces techniques for creating varied and interesting backgrounds, which is a foundational skill for abstract painting

Emphasizes using readily available materials like string, leaves, and household items, making it accessible for beginners

Explores unconventional materials like petroleum jelly and wall compound to create unique textures, fostering experimentation

Requires access to art supplies and a dedicated workspace for wet paint techniques, which may be a barrier for some learners

Focuses on creating backgrounds, which may require learners to have some prior experience with painting techniques

Teaches techniques such as smashing paint with a rubber mallet, which may not be suitable for all learners or environments

Reviews summary

Creative background techniques for abstract art

According to learners, this course is a fun and experimental introduction to creating unique backgrounds for abstract paintings. Students particularly enjoyed learning unusual techniques using simple, everyday materials. While some found certain methods a bit messy or felt some clarity could be improved, the overall consensus is that the course sparks creativity and provides inspiring new ways to start an abstract piece. It is widely seen as accessible for beginners looking to experiment.

Uses accessible, everyday household items.

"Simple household items really do make amazing textures."

"Simple materials and easy techniques lead to beautiful results."

"A background is easy with just a few tools that you can find around the house."

Inspires new ideas and experimentation.

"Good introduction to different background ideas... overall a great way to spark creativity."

"You will learn new techniques that will take you to a new level."

"Come join me to learn new and interesting ways to start a painting and have fun too."

Learn creative, unusual ways to make backgrounds.

"This course was so much fun! I learned so many unusual ways to create backgrounds."

"Loved trying out these new techniques. Simple household items really do make amazing textures."

"Good introduction to different background ideas. Some techniques were more useful than others, but overall a great way to spark creativity."

"Interesting ideas, especially loved the string pull method."

Some techniques can be quite messy.

"Requires space to get messy!"

"Some techniques are interesting, but others are quite messy..."

"Lots of wet paint here. Make sure that you have a place to leave the painting for several hours..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Backgrounds for Abstracts with these activities:

Practice Basic Color Theory

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Reviewing color theory will help you better understand how colors interact in your backgrounds and achieve desired effects.

Browse courses on Color Theory

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Review the color wheel and primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.
Experiment with mixing different colors to create new hues.
Practice creating color palettes with different moods and effects.

Read 'Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter' by James Gurney

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Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of color and light, enhancing your ability to create compelling backgrounds.

View Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara (Calla Editions) on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Color and Light' by James Gurney.
Read the chapters on color theory and light sources.
Experiment with the techniques described in the book.

Background Exploration Journal

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Starting a journal will allow you to systematically explore different background techniques and document your findings.

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Dedicate a sketchbook or journal to background explorations.
Experiment with different materials and techniques from the course.
Document your process, results, and observations for each experiment.
Reflect on what you learned and how you can apply it to future paintings.

Four other activities

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Texture Creation Exercises

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Performing texture creation exercises will reinforce your understanding of different techniques and improve your ability to create interesting backgrounds.

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Gather a variety of materials, such as sponges, string, and leaves.
Experiment with different ways to apply paint using these materials.
Create a series of small paintings, each focusing on a different texture.

The Art of Painting on Glass

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Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of layering and textures, enhancing your ability to create compelling backgrounds.

View The Art of Painting on Glass, Techniques and... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The Art of Painting on Glass' by Albinas Elskus.
Read the chapters on layering and textures.
Experiment with the techniques described in the book.

Create a Time-Lapse Video of a Background Painting

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Creating a time-lapse video will force you to think critically about your process and share your knowledge with others.

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Set up a camera to record your painting process.
Paint a background using one of the techniques from the course.
Edit the footage into a time-lapse video.
Add music and narration to explain your process.
Share your video online.

Create a Background Texture Swatch Library

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Compiling a swatch library will provide a quick reference for different background textures and techniques.

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Create small samples of different background textures using various techniques.
Label each sample with the materials and techniques used.
Organize the samples in a binder or folder for easy reference.

Career center

Learners who complete Backgrounds for Abstracts will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Hobbyist Painter

Hobbyist painters create art for personal enjoyment and satisfaction. This course helps you expand your artistic skills and explore new techniques for creating interesting and varied backgrounds in your paintings. The course emphasizes the fun and experimental aspects of art-making, and this is perfect for hobbyists who want to relax and enjoy the creative process. Learning how to use simple materials and easy techniques to achieve beautiful results can make painting more accessible and rewarding.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hobbyist Painter

Fine Artist

As a fine artist, you create original works of art, often specializing in painting. This course helps you explore new techniques and ideas for backgrounds, which is a fundamental aspect of painting. The course covers many ways to start a painting, and provides specific instruction in using water, string, leaves, and other unusual materials to create interesting textures. A fine artist who wishes to innovate and expand their artistic repertoire may use this course to develop unique approaches to background creation, potentially leading to a distinctive style.

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Art teacher

Art teachers educate students of all ages in various art forms and techniques. This course helps you expand your repertoire of teaching methods and inspire your students with new ideas for creating interesting and varied backgrounds in their artwork. The emphasis on using simple materials and easy techniques makes the concepts accessible to students of all skill levels. Learning how to use unusual materials and textures can encourage students to experiment and think outside the box. An art teacher that wishes to stay ahead of the curve should consider this course.

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Muralist

Muralists create large-scale artwork directly on walls or other surfaces. As a muralist, backgrounds are a crucial component of your work, setting the tone and providing context for the overall design. This course helps you learn innovative techniques for creating diverse and engaging backgrounds, using materials and methods not traditionally associated with mural art. Learning how to use everyday items, such as leaves, strings, and sponges, to create unique textures and effects can add depth and originality to your murals. The techniques taught in this course offer a muralist new ways to approach their art.

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Game Artist

Game artists create the visual elements for video games, including characters, environments, and user interfaces. In this role, backgrounds are a crucial component of game environments, and the techniques taught here can help you create immersive and visually appealing worlds. This course helps you experiment with different textures, colors, and effects to bring your game environments to life. The emphasis on using simple materials and easy techniques to achieve beautiful results can be particularly valuable for game artists who need to create high-quality visuals within tight deadlines.

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Digital Artist

Digital artists create artwork using computer software and digital tools. This course helps you learn new techniques for creating unique and visually appealing backgrounds in your digital artwork. The emphasis on textures, colors, and unusual effects can be particularly valuable for digital artists who want to create realistic and immersive environments. Learning how to use simple materials and easy techniques to achieve beautiful results can inspire you to experiment with different styles and approaches in your digital art. For a digital artist, the 'Backgrounds for Abstracts' course may enhance their work.

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Graphic Designer

Graphic designers create visual concepts for various media, including websites, logos, and marketing materials. This course may be useful in learning new techniques for creating visually appealing backgrounds for your designs. Backgrounds are crucial for setting the tone and providing context in graphic design, and the techniques taught here can help you experiment with different textures and effects. The course emphasizes the use of simple materials and easy techniques to achieve beautiful results, which is useful for graphic designers who need to create compelling visuals quickly and efficiently.

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Illustrator

An illustrator creates images for various media, including books, magazines, and digital platforms. This course may be useful in helping you learn new methods for creating unique and visually appealing backgrounds for your illustrations. Backgrounds are crucial for setting the scene and mood in illustrations, and the techniques taught here can help you experiment with different textures and effects. The course emphasizes the use of simple materials and easy techniques to achieve beautiful results, and this is useful for illustrators who need to create compelling visuals quickly and efficiently. The focus on textures may be helpful for illustrators.

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Set Designer

Set designers create the visual environment for theater, film, and television productions. In set design, backgrounds play a vital role in establishing the setting and mood of the scene. This course helps you discover new ways to create interesting and varied backgrounds using a wide range of techniques and materials. The emphasis on textures, colors, and unusual effects can be particularly valuable for set designers who need to create realistic and visually appealing environments. This course may be useful for set designers who want to expand their creative toolkit and explore innovative approaches to background design.

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Exhibition Designer

Exhibition designers create engaging and informative displays for museums, galleries, and trade shows. In this role, backgrounds are essential for creating a visually appealing and immersive environment that enhances the visitor experience. This course helps you discover new ways to create interesting and varied backgrounds using a wide range of techniques and materials. The emphasis on textures, colors, and unusual effects can be particularly valuable for exhibition designers who need to create impactful and memorable displays. This course may be useful to Exhibition Designers who are looking to be creative.

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Surface Pattern Designer

Surface pattern designers create designs for various surfaces, such as textiles, wallpaper, and packaging. This course may be useful in helping you learn new techniques for creating interesting and varied backgrounds, which are essential elements in surface pattern design. The emphasis on using unusual materials and textures can inspire you to develop unique and original patterns that stand out. This course explores how to use paint to create backdrops, which is a useful skill for surface pattern designers. The 'Backgrounds for Abstracts' course can help surface pattern designers enhance their creative toolkit and expand their design possibilities.

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Textile Artist

Textile artists create art using natural and synthetic fibers. The 'Backgrounds for Abstracts' course helps textile artists by providing innovative approaches to creating texture and visual depth. The course examines how to use common household items and unconventional painting methods to develop unique backgrounds. For a textile artist, this course may unlock new possibilities for integrating painted or textured backgrounds into their fiber art, allowing them to create richer and more complex pieces. Learning how to use leaves and petroleum jelly might be especially interesting to a Textile Artist.

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Photographer

Photographers capture images for various purposes, including artistic expression, commercial projects, and personal documentation. This course helps you create unique and visually interesting backgrounds for your photographs. The emphasis on textures, colors, and unusual effects can be particularly valuable for photographers who want to create striking and memorable images. The course may be useful in inspiring you to experiment with different styles and approaches to background design, and this can lead to more creative and impactful photographic work.

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Art Therapist

Art therapists use creative methods to help people explore emotions and improve mental well-being. This course may be useful as it teaches you how to facilitate artistic expression, and you can use the techniques learned to guide your clients in creating backgrounds for their art. The simple, accessible methods outlined in the course provide a non-intimidating way for clients to explore their creativity and express themselves, and the emphasis on fun and experimentation can make the therapeutic process more enjoyable.

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Creative Director

A creative director leads creative teams in developing visual concepts and campaigns for various projects. This course may be useful in inspiring you with new ideas and techniques for creating visually appealing backgrounds, which are essential elements in many creative projects. The emphasis on experimental techniques and unusual materials can help you develop unique and innovative visual concepts. Understanding the principles of background design can help you guide your team in creating more effective and engaging visual content, and help your team understand the different ways to use paint.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Backgrounds for Abstracts.

Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara

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Comprehensive guide to understanding color and light in painting. It covers a wide range of topics, including color theory, light sources, and atmospheric effects. It is particularly useful for understanding how light interacts with different textures and materials, which is essential for creating realistic and dynamic backgrounds. This book is commonly used by both students and professional artists.

Dinotopia: Journey To Chandara (Calla Editions)

Hardcover

The Art of Painting on Glass

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Provides a comprehensive guide to the art of painting on glass. While the course focuses on canvas, the techniques for layering and creating textures can be adapted. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference. It is commonly used by both students and professional artists.

The Art of Painting on Glass, Techniques and...

Paperback

$$$

Backgrounds for Abstracts

What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Creative background techniques for abstract art

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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