The 7 Best Modern Art Acrylic Paintings

The 7 Best Modern Art Acrylic Painting

flower painting

Modern art acrylic painting is a style of painting that emerged in the 20th century and continues to be popular today. Acrylic paint is a fast-drying medium made from pigment suspended in a synthetic polymer emulsion. It is known for its versatility and ability to mimic the properties of oil paint, making it a popular choice for artists who want to create vibrant, expressive works of art.

This article will go over some of the best modern art acrylic abstract painting ideas, how to make your piece and techniques. These works showcase the diversity and innovation of the medium and serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of contemporary art.

Modern Art Acrylic Painting Demo

Gather Your Materials

First, start by gathering your materials. You will need a canvas, acrylic paints, brushes, and other materials you wish to use, such as palette knives or sponges.

Sketch Out Your Design

Next, sketch out your design on the canvas. This can be done with a pencil or thin marker. Using the pencil, lightly sketch the number onto the artwork. This will help you visualize the composition and make necessary adjustments before painting.

Base Layer

Begin by applying a base layer of color to the canvas. Use a palette knife or large brush to apply the paint in broad strokes. This will create texture and depth to your piece. 

Add Details

Then, As you continue painting, add smaller details and textures using thinner brushes and techniques such as dry brushing or scumbling. You can use a smaller brush or a fine-tipped pen to add elements such as lines, dots, or shading.

Create Depth

Experiment with layering different colors and using brushstrokes of varying width and pressure to create depth and movement in your piece. Use a mixture of opaque and transparent paints to create a sense of depth and luminosity.

Final Touch

Finally, once you are happy with your composition, let the paint dry completely before adding any finishing touches or highlights as desired.
couple acrylic painting

7 Modern Painting Ideas

Abstract Expressionism

This style uses bold brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and gestural marks to create a sense of emotion and energy. Abstract Expressionism in modern painting is its use of new and innovative techniques. These techniques involved pouring paint directly onto the canvas rather than using traditional brushstrokes, were seen as groundbreaking and helped define the Abstract Expressionist movement. 

Op Art

Op Art is characterized by its use of geometric shapes, such as circles, squares, and triangles, and the repetition of these shapes in a pattern to create an optical illusion. The use of color is also an important aspect of Op Art, with artists often using contrasting colors to make sense of movement or depth. 

Minimalism

Minimalism is a movement in modern art that emerged in the 1960s. It is characterized by a focus on simplicity, repetition, and geometric shapes. Minimalist artists sought to eliminate unnecessary elements and distractions from their work, creating a stripped-down and austere aesthetic.

Figurative Expressionism

This style combines elements of realism with expressive brushwork, often depicting figures and subjects in a more expressive and emotive way. Figurative Expressionism is a modern painting style that combines symbolic and graphic art elements. It is characterized by the use of strong, bold lines, vibrant colors, and exaggerated forms to convey emotion and meaning in the artwork. 

Surrealism

Surrealist artists used techniques such as automatism, in which they allowed their unconscious mind to guide their hand in creating art, and collage, in which they combined unrelated objects and images to create a dreamlike effect.
It is considered a modern painting movement because it broke with traditional artistic styles and techniques and instead focused on exploring the inner workings of the mind and the subconscious. 

Digital Art

Digital art is created using digital technology, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. This includes many art forms, including digital painting, illustration, photography, and sculpture. Digital art also allows for greater flexibility and creativity, as artists can easily experiment with different techniques and styles and can even incorporate elements of traditional art into their work. 

Conceptual Art

Conceptual art is a modern painting that focuses on the concept or idea behind the artwork rather than the conventional elements of art, such as form, color, and composition. It often involves using text, photographs, and other non-traditional materials to communicate the artist's ideas.

Is acrylic paint modern?

Acrylic paint is a modern medium that was developed in the 1950s. It is made from acrylic resins and water-soluble pigments and is known for its fast-drying, water-resistant properties. Acrylic paint is widely used in modern art and is popular among artists because it can be thinned with water and mixed with other media, such as oil paints or watercolors. 

Do real artists use acrylic paint?

Yes, real artists do use acrylic paint. Acrylic paint is a popular medium among artists because it is versatile, dries quickly, and can be used on various surfaces. Many artists use acrylic paint in combination with different mediums, such as oil paints, watercolors, or pastels, to create unique effects and textures.

Order Acrylic Paintings from Memorialize Art

If you're looking for a memorable and meaningful way to honor a loved one or capture a special moment, consider checking out Memorialize Art for custom portrait paintings. We specialize in creating stunning, hand-painted portraits perfect for remembering a loved one or celebrating a special occasion. 

father and son acrylic painting