A simple abstract art exercise to introduce balance into composition. (This activity was intended for grade 8 students and is for educational purposes only.)

1. An Intro to Abstract
Painting
Exercise 1:
Balance and Equilibrium

2. Objective:
To play with line, colour and
composition (horizontal and
vertical lines form the basis of the
composition so that it is a matter
of balance).

3. You will need:
a pencil
paper
paint - 2 contrasting colours plus
black and white

4. Step 1: Draw some vertical and horizontal lines
on your paper in pencil. Make a few curved if you wish.
Avoid a simple grid.

5. Step 2: Select one of your colours and paint in
some of your fields.

6. Step 3: Select the other colour and paint in
some of your empty fields. Leave some areas empty.

7. Step 4: Using black paint, paint over some of
your pencil lines.

8. Step 5: Fill in your remaining areas. Mix your
colours on your palette and on your work.
Feel free to add white or solid black to a few areas.

9. Step 5: Add any final details.

10. Do you feel there is balance in your composition?
Why or why not?

11. Variation: You can also do this activity in reverse. Apply
the strong contours (black lines) first and then paint the
colour fields.

12. This idea was taken from the book,
“Painting Abstracts: Ideas, Projects and Techniques”
by Rolina Van Vliet
http://www.amazon.com/Painting-Abstracts-Ideas-Projects-Techniques/dp/1844483363