Abstract Oil Painting vs. Traditional Art: What's the Differences

The current article helps to understand the difference and explains what techniques make these types. Thus, it also assists in choosing which style to go for: realistic or more colorful and expressive.

What Is Abstract Oil Painting?

An abstract oil painting is not a representation of real life. May use colour, line, shape and texture to represent feelings or ideas, there may be no tree, or no people or even no house. Instead, you catch the vibe of the artist, though.

Oil paint dries slowly and has a thick, buttery consistency. This gives the artist time to blend colors directly on the palette or on the canvas itself. The same thickness allows for impasto, in which paint is built up into bumps and ridges, often with a palette knife, creating a rich, sculptural depth.

Modern abstract oil paintings are relatively bold and fresh. May be large red spirals or fluffy blue clouds, or distinctive lines of gold. This art style was popularized by artists such as Wassily Kandinsky and Jackson Polluck.

ARTLAND's oil painting abstract collection even includes a piece inspired by Kandinsky, Yellow-Red-Blue.

What Is Traditional Art?

Traditional Art is the world that we encounter. Think of landscapes, still life paintings and portraits. The goal is really that of authenticity.Studying light, shadow and form is a long, long time for an artist.

There are also some rules for traditional art which were taught by masters and art schools. There are many pieces which reflect a sense of history, culture or faith. Oil paint is also a traditional instrument used here. It is not surprising that the same paint is used in both the sides. The difference will be the artist's ability to play with it!

Abstract vs. Traditional Art: Key Differences

The two styles differ in four main ways. Let us look at each one.

◆ Artistic Expression and Subject Matter

The traditional art image is based on the theme. The artist selects an individual, a place or an object and paints it carefully. The watcher gets a sense of what or how it depicts as they immediately see an idea because of it.

An abstract painting starts with a concept or an emotion, which the artist then translates into color, shape, and texture. The result might feel joyful or calm, stormy or musical. There is no single correct answer.

Its not a display of what the artist has seen, but the artist's feeling. That's what makes a modern Abstract oil painting so much more effective when it doesn't add faces or location.

◆ Color, Composition, and Form

Traditional painters were taught that color must be true to life. . They can be blue, green and soft toned skin. The design is typically with a specific structure, such as a composition of central focus and depth that is set out beforehand.

Colours in abstract art are used freely. The sky can be orange, or any other colour the artist chooses. A shape may hang upside down without a base underneath. Form can be doled out in flat, bent or broken partitions. The choosing of a color is by how it feels, rather than how it looks in nature. This adds the depth and vibrancy to the modern abstract oil painting.

◆ Painting Techniques and Creative Process

Traditional artists often plan first. They make sketches, study the light and build the painting up step by step. Fine brushes are used to depict fine detail like hair etc.

The abstract artists, on the other hand, are a bit more free spirited. Some set few guidelines, while others just go for it. They use brushes that are generally larger and sometimes even palette knives, sponges and their bare hands. They apply very thick layers of paint and remove some to get a particular effect.

With oil paints there is also the benefit of being able to paint one layer and then another on top of it, this way an abstract oil painting is more complex than it may first appear and takes a lot of effort to complete.

◆ Emotional Impact and Interpretation

A traditional painting often brings one clear feeling. A sunset can feel peaceful. A portrait can feel warm. Most people read it the same way.

An abstract oil painting is open to many views. Two people can look at the same canvas and feel two different things. One may see the sea. Another may feel excitement. This is why many people love abstract art. It lets you bring your own story to the canvas, and it can feel new each day.

Abstract and Traditional Art in Interior Design

Both styles can make a home look great. They just do different jobs.

Traditional art will match the traditional interior. The landscape painting above the sofa and the portrait in the corridor create a calm and comfortable atmosphere. This kind of atmosphere is enhanced with wooden furniture, fluffy carpets, and other traditional details.

ARTLAND offers landscape, portrait and still life oil paintings for sale, ideal for the traditional interior.

Abstract art suits modern rooms. With a plain white wall, a big modern abstract oil painting will become its center piece. It adds color and energy to the room right away. It is an ideal choice for living room, bedroom, office or hotel lobby.

If you are looking for an abstract oil painting for sale that would fit a large wall, take a look at this 100% handmade huge abstract wall art. .

Choosing Between Abstract and Traditional Art

So which one is right for you? Ask yourself a few simple questions.

Do you like clear stories and real scenes? Traditional art may suit you. Do you like color, mood and freedom? Then an abstract oil painting may be a better match.

Think about your room too. Classic rooms like traditional pieces. Clean, modern rooms like abstract ones. Also think about size. A big canvas can fill a bare wall. A small one fits a quiet corner.

It will be okay if you aren't choosing just one. Lots of homes have a combination of both. Traditional portrait pictures in the hall and modern abstract oil paintings in the living room go together perfectly. Listen to your heart and choose the one you want to have at home.

Custom Abstract Oil Paintings by ARTLAND

Looking for an abstract oil painting for sale? Browse the full abstract oil painting collection. You will find textured pieces, colorful framed art and large canvases. Each one adds style to a home or office.

Want something made just for you? ARTLAND also paints custom pieces in the size, color and style you pick. Learn how to order, then contact ARTLAND to share your idea.

Visit ARTLAND today and bring home a painting you love.