Abstract Painting Technique: Carving Out Shapes with Wax Pastels and Layered Paints

Updated at: 26/01/2025

Abstract painting offers a boundless playground for creativity, allowing artists to express emotion and concept through vibrant colors and dynamic forms. This unique approach transcends traditional representation, focusing instead on the interplay of texture, color, and shape to create visually arresting pieces. One fascinating technique involves the strategic use of wax pastels, their waxy resistance offering a compelling counterpoint to the fluidity of layered paints. This creates a fascinating interplay between the hard, carved lines of the pastel and the soft, blended washes of paint.

This article will delve into a step-by-step guide to mastering this captivating technique, demonstrating how to carve shapes directly into the wax pastel underpainting, creating unique textures before layering acrylics or oils to build depth and complexity. Prepare to unlock a new dimension in your abstract art journey as we explore the exciting possibilities of this multifaceted method.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • 12x16in canvas
  • various blue, green, and yellow paints
  • white water-soluble wax pastel
  • 2-inch paintbrush
  • pallet knife
  • smaller paintbrushes
  • Catalyst wedge
  • filbert brush
  • soft graphite stick
Safety Guidelines
  • Wax pastels can be messy. Protect your work surface with newspaper or a drop cloth and wear clothing you don't mind getting stained.
  • Oil-based paints and solvents should be used in a well-ventilated area. Avoid inhaling fumes and wear a respirator mask if necessary.
  • Always allow layers of paint to dry completely before applying subsequent layers to prevent smudging and blending where you don't intend to.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Canvas

    • Create a colorful background by layering different blues, greens, and yellows on the canvas.
    Create a colorful background by layering different blues, greens, and yellows on the canvas.
    Prepare the Canvas

  2. Sketch the Shapes

    • Sketch out abstract shapes on the wet background using a white water-soluble wax pastel.
    Sketch out abstract shapes on the wet background using a white water-soluble wax pastel.
    Sketch the Shapes

  3. Apply Base Coat

    • Use a large paintbrush to broadly paint over the sketched shapes with a light base color (mix of aqua green, Payne's gray, and white).
    Use a large paintbrush to broadly paint over the sketched shapes with a light base color (mix of aqua green, Payne's gray, and white).
    Apply Base Coat

  4. Texturize with Pallet Knife

    • Use a pallet knife to scratch into the painted surface, revealing the underlying colors and creating texture.
    Use a pallet knife to scratch into the painted surface, revealing the underlying colors and creating texture.
    Texturize with Pallet Knife

  5. Add Color and Contrast

    • Introduce additional colors (bright aqua green, lime green, Brilliant Blue, Windsor blue, cadmium yellow, light olive green, and Vermilion) to further define the shapes and add contrast.
    Introduce additional colors (bright aqua green, lime green, Brilliant Blue, Windsor blue, cadmium yellow, light olive green, and Vermilion) to further define the shapes and add contrast.
    Add Color and Contrast

  6. Blend and Refine Colors

    • Blend and layer colors within the shapes, using a filbert brush for smooth transitions and maintaining some areas of bright, contrasting color.
    Blend and layer colors within the shapes, using a filbert brush for smooth transitions and maintaining some areas of bright, contrasting color.
    Blend and Refine Colors

  7. Define Edges

    • Refine the shapes' edges using a soft graphite stick to create a defined border.
    Refine the shapes' edges using a soft graphite stick to create a defined border.
    Define Edges

Read more: 7 Top Paint Color Trends for 2024: A Complete Guide with Free Downloadable Resource

Tips

  • Use colors that blend well together to create a harmonious effect.
  • Experiment with different brush sizes and tools (pallet knife, Catalyst wedge) to achieve varied textures and effects.
  • Don't be afraid to make mistakes; unexpected results can add interest to the painting.
  • Consider adding contrast by introducing warmer colors (like Vermilion) to complement the cooler tones.
  • Work on several canvases with the same color palette to explore different painting possibilities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Insufficient Wax Pastel Layer

Reason: A thin layer of wax pastel doesn't provide enough resistance for the paint to carve into, resulting in muddy or indistinct shapes.
Solution: Apply thicker layers of wax pastel, ensuring complete coverage of the desired shapes.

2. Using Too Much Paint in One Layer

Reason: Thick layers of paint can overwhelm the underlying wax pastel and obscure the carved shapes, creating a flat, uninteresting effect.
Solution: Apply multiple thin layers of paint, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.

3. Not Allowing Sufficient Drying Time Between Layers

Reason: Applying wet paint over wet paint will cause the layers to mix unpredictably, obscuring the carved design and creating an uneven texture.
Solution: Allow each layer of paint to dry completely before applying the next, ensuring the carved shapes remain clearly defined.

FAQs

What type of paint works best with wax pastels for this technique?
Acrylic paints work exceptionally well because they dry relatively quickly, allowing you to layer without smudging the wax pastel. Oil paints can also be used, but require longer drying times between layers.
How do I prevent the paint from lifting the wax pastel?
Use a light touch when applying the paint, especially the first layer. A thin, even coat will help prevent lifting. You can also try a slightly diluted paint for the initial layers.