Introduction to Abstract Painting
A course by Josh Jensen , Artist

Dive into the world of abstract painting with this course. Learn design, composition, and color theory through practice.
You will learn how to create abstract works using various techniques and tools. Abstract painting offers a free and expressive approach, unrestricted by traditional forms. In this course, you will dive into the philosophy of Abstract Expressionism, studying its roots in art history and how it has evolved, allowing you to develop your own visual language. The idea of a conversation between the artwork and the artist will be key to the process. You will work on both experimental small pieces and a large canvas, honing your skills with each exercise.
Josh Jensen, an experienced artist and therapist, will share his personal approach to abstract art, influenced by artists like Mark Rothko and Edward Hopper. His professional and artistic experience will guide you in creating a large-scale piece while exploring the interplay of color, shape, and movement. This course is perfect for those who want to discover their own style and immerse themselves in the practice of abstract art.
What will you learn in this online course?
23 lessons & 20 downloads
- 99% positive reviews (168)
- 9,235 students
- 23 lessons (4h 16m)
- 20 additional resources (5 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish
- English · Spanish · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
You will create a large abstract painting (48”x48”) by applying what you’ve learned from smaller experimental pieces.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
This course is aimed at beginner and advanced artists looking to explore new forms of expression through abstract painting. No prior experience is required, but those with basic art knowledge will be able to take their practice to a new level. It's also ideal for anyone interested in abstraction and creating works with strong emotional components.
Requirements and materials
No prior experience or specific knowledge is required. You’ll need materials such as canvases, acrylics, pastels, charcoal, fixatives, and some unconventional tools like palette knives or credit cards.
Reviews

Josh Jensen
A course by Josh Jensen
Josh Jensen is an abstract artist and therapist with over a decade of experience in both artistic and clinical practice. He began his career in visual arts with training in figurative painting, but gradually shifted toward abstract art, where he found his true passion. He has exhibited his work in galleries across North and South Carolina and has collaborated with interior designers. Currently, he balances his work as a therapist with a growing art career, selling internationally and sharing his process on Instagram.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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About Me
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Influences
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U2
Elements of an Abstract Painting
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A Brief History of Abstract Art
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Painting Tools and Materials
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Composition
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Color Theory: Making Good Choices with Your Colors
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Texture and Sheen
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U3
Practicing on Three Small Surfaces
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The Preparation 1
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The Preparation 2
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The Preparation 3
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The Preparation 4
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One Small Work with More Use of Colors 1
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One Small Work with More Use of Colors 2
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The Third Small Piece but without Limits! 1
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The Third Small Piece but without Limits! 2
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U4
The Abstract Painting
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Setting Out Intentions and Expectations for the Piece
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Using One Thin, Neutral Layer
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Making Large Marks and Shapes with Charcoal
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Adding a Large Shape
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Adding 2 to 3 Large Shapes 1
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Adding 2 to 3 Large Shapes 2
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U5
Revealing the Artwork!
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Finishing the Piece
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Last Tips
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FP
Final project
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Introduction to Abstract Painting
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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FAQs
What are Domestika's online courses?
Domestika courses are online classes that allow you to learn new skills and create incredible projects. All our courses include the opportunity to share your work with other students and/or teachers, creating an active learning community. We offer different formats:
Original Courses: Complete classes that combine videos, texts, and educational materials to complete a specific project from start to finish.
Basics Courses: Specialized training where you master specific software tools step by step.
Specialization Courses: Learning paths with various expert teachers on the same topic, perfect for becoming a specialist by learning from different approaches.
Guided Courses: Practical experiences ideal for directly acquiring specific skills.
Intensive Courses (Deep Dives): New creative processes based on artificial intelligence tools in an accessible format for in-depth and dynamic understanding.
When do the courses start and when do they finish?
All courses are 100% online, so once they're published, courses start and finish whenever you want. You set the pace of the class. You can go back to review what interests you most and skip what you already know, ask questions, answer questions, share your projects, and more.
What do Domestika's courses include?
The courses are divided into different units. Each one includes lessons, informational text, tasks, and practice exercises to help you carry out your project step by step, with additional complementary resources and downloads. You'll also have access to an exclusive forum where you can interact with the teacher and with other students, as well as share your work and your course project, creating a community around the course.
Have you been given a course?
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Bon cours ! On pénètre dans cet art avec explication facile à comprendre ! Bravo !
Excelente curso. Me ha brindado muchas herramientas y habilidades para continuar mi viaje artístico.
Fantastic! Love every second of it - the only one thing - I want more of this!!! A Longer lesson ..really good !
Gostei, bastante do curso ! As aulas foram claras e inspiradoras , consegui aprender bastante. Achei que poderia ter aprofundado um pouco a mais em alguns pontos , como finalização da obra com diferentes tipos de moldura e outro estilo e tecnicas de pintura abstrata.
me encantó el consejo (en mis palabras) llegar a la obra como un niño , dinámico, explorador. Continuar como adolescente ( su vida es un caos aun pero consolidándose ) y finalmente como adulto !!!piensa en las consecuencias¡¡¡ jajaja es un curso muy enriquecedor. me encanta la sencilla claridad de Josh Jensen