Abstract Landscape Painting: From Photo to Artistic Expression

Watch as I take an ordinary landscape photo and transform it into a captivating abstract landscape painting. In this video, I'll use acrylic paints to create a unique composition that showcases the beauty of nature in a more abstract and expressive way.
Before diving into the painting process, I like to warm up by sketching some ideas in my sketchbook. It helps me explore different compositions and experiment with the elements I want to emphasize in my painting.
I've chosen a recent photo for this painting featuring a majestic mountain and neighborhood houses. My goal is to capture the essence of this landscape while incorporating abstract elements that push the boundaries of traditional representation.
Here is the palette of acrylic paints I use:
Cadmium orange
Alizarin crimson
Pyrrole red - amzn.to/3OISGZA
Hooker’s green - amzn.to/43w3f6F
Bright aqua green - amzn.to/3IEX7Rr
Prussian blue
Titanium white
Yellow ochre
Lime green
Burnt sienna
For this painting, I focus on breaking down the composition into shapes and lines. I start by loosely sketching the mountain and houses, keeping in mind the abstract direction I want to take.
Using a 2.5-inch brayer - amzn.to/40Qruuy, flat brush and a filbert brush, I layer the acrylic paints, applying them with varying thickness and blending them to create depth and texture. I let my intuition guide me as I make artistic choices, allowing the colors and forms to interact in unexpected ways.
And by the end, I create an abstract landscape painting inspired by the original photo. By combining elements from the photo with my own artistic interpretation, I've created a visually captivating piece that captures the essence of the scene in a unique and expressive way.
Thank you for joining me on this creative journey. I hope this video has inspired you to explore the world of abstract landscape painting and experiment with acrylic paints. Remember, art is a beautiful expression of our perception, and abstract landscapes offer endless opportunities for personal interpretation. Keep on painting!
*The product links above are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
To see more abstract paintings and art by Chris Loud check out / chrisloudart (@chrisloudart) on Instagram
#abstractlandscape #acrylicpainting #abstractart #abstractpaintingtutorial #painting

[@tonyagoodman9979]

Color shaper is my go to tool 💯

[@chrisloudart]

Aren't they so fun to use? They're quite versatile! 😊

[@annsummer8260]

Thx Chris! I love watching your process- that aqua was a beautiful surprise. I preferred the painting without the white outlines. I did love both orientations of having the orange at the top and/or at the bottom. Both work. Very dynamic.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks so much, Ann! I really love the bright aqua green paint as well. I ended up removing the white lines, well, at least most of them. Thanks for watching!❤️

[@maggiefreeman6513]

Loved watching you paint this 😊 prefer it without the white. Thanks for sharing your process and thoughts.

[@chrisloudart]

Glad you enjoyed it! That's the direction I ended up going in-removing the white.

[@dasblackstarr8288]

This is lovely thanks for sharing ❤

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you! 😊

[@tendr247]

Cool

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Tendr!

[@VP47212]

I like it without the white outlines. Very 👍

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Veronica! You and I are on the same page. I ended up removing the white lines.

[@birgitx2931]

Maybe less white outlines. I actually liked the black ones at the beginning. Could you have done a combination of black and whites? 🤔 Thanks for sharing and thanks for introducing me to silicone 'brushes'. I didn't know they existed and I love them.

[@chrisloudart]

Hey Brigit! Good suggestion on the combination of black and white lines. In the end, I opted to remove the white lines because I felt they pulled away from shapes and made the piece less engaging. Aren't the silicone brushes fun? I'm still finding new ways to use them.😊

[@evangeline6758]

I love it! And it's truly inspiring. In fact, I think I'll watch your video again right away. Thanks, Chris.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks so much, Evangeline!

[@priskateijo]

The result is beautiful! love the colors, the shapes, the composition!! Thumbs up!!!

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you so much!😊

[@FredMellink55]

I would heve used black or dark brown wax pen instead of white and then fade it smooth a bit, like you did with the white.

[@chrisloudart]

Great suggestion, Fred! 👍

[@ilenearena9166]

Would love to see your palette as your mixing & painting .

[@chrisloudart]

Good to know, thanks for your feedback! I'm working on a new recording set up that will allow me to better show my palette.😊

[@lisaess6514]

Very interesting to see how you think about going from photo to abstraction. Thanks for sharing your process.

[@ArtIsNotAlwaysEasy]

My personal preference is with the white boarder upside down, with the “houses” on top of the painting. Very enjoyable.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, James!

[@philipireland7026]

I liked the upside down orientation, buildings against a dark sky.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Philip! It's funny, I hadn't really even noticed that until someone pointed it out. I really like that orientation now.

[@rogergaborski]

I like the white, but I believe I would like it better with less white. The colors are great.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Roger!

[@devonrex4]

Great video! I like with and without the white. I wonder how it would look with just some white highlights on only a few of the corners? Tfs

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Yolande! Great suggestion!

[@christinedozier6071]

Right on with the aqua! Who knew

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Christine! I'm finding out the aqua works with more colors than I would have expected.👍

[@ilenearena9166]

I like the white . Lots of contrast 👌

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Ilene!

[@kei_art_life]

Abstract paintings are like a painter's own symbols, but your abstract paintings are easy to understand because you know the motifs👌.
Or perhaps it is better to feel than to try to understand💫. I enjoyed it.🙏☕☺️ノ✨

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you, Kei! Very well put!😊

[@laurienix4121]

I like it without the white outline best but do like both. My favorite orientation is with the orange sky on the bottom. Always a pleasure to see what you're doing!

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks so much, Laurie! That orientation is growing on me.

[@christiwadsworth846]

I like it without the white

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you, Christi!

[@lindakotilinek9290]

Without white is my pick (first impression). Like it!👍

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Linda! I think I'm going to remove the white. Thanks for the feedback!

[@bdml77]

That's dynamic and exciting

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, bd!

[@cindycreateforlife]

I love your painting, the colours are awesome, great composition in my opinion! I did prefer it without the white outlines, I think because it stole the contrast! I am not actually abstract because I can’t get out of my head but, I love this level of abstraction, very inspiring!💕🇨🇦

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks so much, Cindy! I ended up removing the white lines for just that reason😊

[@martineakbayrak8033]

Bonjour Chris, de retour de vacances je regarde tous vos partages... c'est magnifique ❤❤❤❤merci à vous 🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@chrisloudart]

Merci Martine! J'espère que tu as passé de merveilleuses vacances!😊

[@martineakbayrak8033]

@@chrisloudart oui merci Chris 🫠🫠merci de tout cœur pour tes partages, j'adore ❤️❤️❤️

[@sankaodell1635]

Especially softened

[@chrisloudart]

I think that did help.😊

[@emmanuelpower2439]

Hi Chris. Thank you for this lovely video. I was immediately hooked because the starting point is a landscape. To answer your question: i prefer it without white, but actually, when you toned down the edges, I began having second thoughts. Also loved the final orientation with the dark at the top. Almost like a night scene.

[@chrisloudart]

Hey Emmanuel! Thanks for your feedback, I like it without the white as well. I like that orientation too, it has a bit of a Middle Eastern city feel to it.

[@KathyBrooksArt]

I kinda like it better without the white wax pastel outlines, The shapes appear sharper and more dynamic. Great painting!

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you, Kathy! I ended up removing the white borders. I agree, the shapes stood out more without.

[@dawnarobertson9577]

Love the abstract! I preferred it without the white outline. The blue at the bottom got a bit dull/muddy. The white took away from the luminescent, warm under painting.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Dawna! You and I are on the same page right now. I'm definitely leaning toward removing the white lines.

[@rebeccagirson1087]

I love the process of outlining, but often wish I'd stopped myself beforehand.

[@ChanceYears]

Love it, but like it better without the white pastel

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Christine! I agree. I ended up removing them.

[@k8marlowe]

I like it without the white, or perhaps some white…. I have become rather fond of my 3” silicone “shaper.” This was just what I needed. Thanks so much!
Love your work.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Kate! I agree-I ended up removing the white and it looks much better. Color shapers are such a versatile tool. I use mine all the time.

[@grozdavranic6972]

Chris..Thank you for sharing...You had great vision what to do..Look's great...

[@chrisloudart]

Hey Grozda! Thank you so much!

[@miekequalm4291]

I liked the white better vibes it more power. Love your colour chaise 😊

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Mieke!

[@rosannedistefano6204]

With out the white. I liked you process

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Rosanne! Agreed-I removed the white.😊

[@sfloris9]

Love!

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Pamela!

[@CJoyArt]

I love it! Catalyst wedge, beater and Gelli plate stamped onto the surface. I use collage too.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Carole! Beater?

[@AliceDel]

i'm not an abstract painter, and i paint with watercolor not acrylic, but for what it's worth, i liked your painting much more, and thought it had more strength and clarity, before you added the white lines. really enjoy watching your process. thank you.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Alice! I agree with you. I went back and removed the white lines and it looks much better! Thanks for your feedback 🙂

[@frankdenos]

Definitely prefer without the white wax pastel. Interesting concept though.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Frank! I agree, I ended up removing the white.

[@jenfleming9412]

Love this painting Chris and I love that bright aqua colour you used. It’s only with these videos or taking photos can we learn in hindsight😊 I looked back and I love it about 5.28. I liked the first few white lines you did but not so much all of it.well done 😮

[@chrisloudart]

Hey Jen! Thank you so much! It's funny you mention looking back at these. I've learned so much about how I paint - strengths as well as opportunities - by watching myself paint on video. I ended up removing the white lines because I felt they pulled away from, as opposed to enhancing, the overall look.😊

[@globaldynamicart]

I like this painting. What did you use to film the painting process?

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you! I'm just using my Google Pixel.

[@beckybequette8212]

I like it better without the white and with the orange "sky" down. Used my brayer for the first time and woo-wee that is a lot of fun!

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Becky! I think without the white is the way to go on this one. Isn't the brayer fun to use?😊

[@annrubino6252]

This is a real gem! I preferred it pre-outline although, after you knocked back some of it, it looked great. Maybe an unlined pathway dividing left and right?

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Ann! Interesting idea with the pathway - I like it!

[@MRys-uy1dr]

I preferred without the white lines, more organic

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you! That's how I'm feeling about it now as well.

[@lindadudgeon1564]

I agree-without the white outlines looks better. Thank you for sharing these videos!

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Linda!

[@peggylee5021]

This painting is fantastic and I like it without the white & upside down (with red on the bottom). The colors are gorgeous together. IMO, silicone shaper is a great tool although, I have a strong tendency to use a brush or fingers most of the time.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Peggy! You're the third person to mention liking that orientation and now it's growing on me more. It definitely has quite a different feel to it which I like. I love using the silicone shaper as well. Haha, I couldn't get away from using my fingers if I tried. Nothing like finger painting!😊

[@ruthbarker6723]

Love the composition & colour but did prefer the painting without the white lines. Enjoy your instruction Chris.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks so much, Ruth! I agree, I ended up removing the white lines.❤️

[@sankaodell1635]

I like the white

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Sanka!

[@buckybarnes1544]

Great video! What did you use to create the white outline? I think you said wax pastel, but would that be neocolor I or something else? Thanks!

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Bucky! Yes, that was a white Caran D'Ache Neocolor II wax pastel.

[@howlingwind1937]

Nice! Really though, the white line around it didn't disturb it or enhance it, looked better after you softened the white line around it. Cheers!

[@chrisloudart]

Hey Howling! Thanks for the feedback 😊.

[@howlingwind1937]

@@chrisloudart 😁

[@shellienoyes100]

I’m a little,torn as well. But I think my preference is without…nice warm up!

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Shellie! I ended up going without.

[@StudioGriffel]

Love your style, from realoty to an abstract representation. I feel i like the painting more without het white outlines. Because it is more abstract and leaves room to the viewer about what te see, to interpret. And more kind of rough. With the white lines it becomes more sophisticated te me, i love the rough feeling better. I’m curious how you end up! Tfs

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you so much, Wanda! I'm in agreement with you about the white lines and plan on removing them today. Thank you for your feedback!

[@VivianInTheOC]

Love the colors 👍 What do you do with the finished pieces? Do you sell them?

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Vivian! For the most part they remain in my sketchbooks. With that said, I just matted and framed three of these and will more than likely put them up for sale at some point. How about you? What do you do with yours?

[@VivianInTheOC]

@@chrisloudart I haven’t gotten the nerve to even share mine with anyone! Maybe someday I will. Yours are definitely worthy of offering for sale, Im sure they would sell quickly! Keep up the great artwork and thank you for posting your videos. I enjoy them very much Chris!

[@chrisloudart]

Thank you so much, Vivian! I appreciate your kind words.
I get it, sharing your work with others is not easy. I will say that when you finally do, you'll wish you had earlier.

[@VictoriaAJr]

Great without the white. Good job 🤗🤗

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Victoria!

[@donnapollock8432]

I liked it better without the white x

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Donna! I agree-I removed it in the end 😊

[@DDartlover8888]

Looks good either way. Slight preference for no white lines

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Denise! I think I'm in agreement with you.

[@bdml77]

Reminds me of Klee

[@chrisloudart]

That's very flattering. It definitely has a vibrant color palette like Klee. 😊

[@bdml77]

@chrisloudart I actually really like the white outline. It gives it more definition. Very cool!

[@chrisloudart]

@@bdml77 Thank you! It has a very different look with and without the white lines.

[@lizzieb.4160]

Without the white for sure. Great design, composition, and color palette. Thank you.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Lizzie! That's the direction I ended up going in😊

[@AyeshaAmilon]

I like it better without the white.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Ayesha! That's the direction I ended up going in.😊

[@emilythomas1967]

Without the white

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Emily! That's the direction I went with 😊

[@SandraPype-nb3ns]

I like the white border just on a few of the shapes where you initially put it on. When you started putting it around all the shapes, it lost its uniqueness.

[@chrisloudart]

Hey, Sandra! Thanks so much for the feedback 😊

[@nathalieboisvert6676]

without the white.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Nathalie!

[@debbiesawchuk2751]

Without the white,,,

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Debbie! I agree 👍

[@captainnolan5062]

Without

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Captain Nolan! That's the direction I ended up going in.

[@dianecharest8365]

Im a beginner and im getting discouraged.

[@chrisloudart]

Hey Diane! That is a common feeling we all go through especially when starting out. Here are a few suggestions: DO-keep painting regularly, paint basic items when you're down (pears are my go to subject), and remember that every "bad" painting you do gets you one step closer creating "good" ones. DON'T-forget that learning is a process, so don't be too hard on yourself. Don't compare yourself to others. I know that's easier said than done, but we are all individual artists with unique experiences, likes/dislikes, and journeys. You will improve! You've got this!

[@abstractbybrian]

Purposely make bad paintings: just keep painting.
Get some cheap egg tempera paint and go nuts.
Paint on cheep newsprint then tear that up and collage it into another painting.