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
What's included in this course?
Throughout the course, you will explore various abstract painting techniques, learning to use non-traditional tools to apply colors, create textures, and shapes. You will discover how the relationship between the artist and the artwork can generate unique and spontaneous results, without needing to plan every brushstroke in detail. You will learn how to select colors intuitively, choosing those that evoke emotions and create a harmonious balance in your artwork.
You will also learn to work on different surfaces and scales, starting with small canvases and progressing to a large 48”x48” piece. You will experiment with layers of color, charcoal marks, and the interaction of various materials to create visually intriguing compositions.
- 99% positive reviews (222)
- 12,756 students
- 23 lessons (4h 16m)
- 20 additional resources (5 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English, Spanish, French, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Turkish
- English · Spanish · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Indonesian · Romanian
- 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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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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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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Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for intermediate artists with some experience in painting who want to expand their skills in abstract art, color theory, and advanced techniques.
You’ll need acrylic and oil paints, various brushes, charcoal, paint pens, raw canvas or fabric, mediums, fixative, varnish, and non-traditional painting tools like chip brushes and scrapers.
You’ll learn advanced paint layering, color mixing, composition strategies, mark-making, working with different mediums, selling art on Instagram, exhibiting in galleries, and shipping artwork internationally.
Yes, the course includes strategies for selling artwork on Instagram, working with galleries and art dealers, hosting shows, and expanding your audience internationally.
You’ll explore layering oil and acrylic paints, using transparent washes, creating texture with tools like chip brushes, and enhancing surface effects with varnish and mediums.
Absolutely. The course covers color theory, intuitive palette selection, mixing vibrant and harmonious colors, adjusting saturation, and using the color wheel for impactful compositions.
Yes, the course examines key figures in abstract and modern art, analyzing their techniques and influence on contemporary practice.
Muy interesante
Um curso é muito bom para iniciar na pintura abstrata. O professor de tem muita didática e traz referências importantes para se aprofundar no assunto.
So fare it’s verry interresting for me as a experienced realistic painter .
I found the explanations verry instructive and colourful .
It seems to me that it is a verry good base to start this new creative adventure .
I am verry exited and curious to start to work .
Excellent teacher, clear & concise direction & instruction. Loved the”purest” approach to creating meaningful authentic art. It ultimately helps create a deeper understanding & awareness of yourself, growth, process & connection that evolves with time ,experience, growth, experimentation, expression, technique & life. Also, having patience with yourself & not being too rigid. Having fun, & maintaining, creative wonder & curiosity as a child is something to embrace as part of the process.
:)
Well constructed series of videos, revealing much of the approach and techniques Josh Jensen uses.