Modern art celebrates freedom, experimentation, and self-expression. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be a trained artist to try your hand at it. Whether you’re just starting or looking for fresh beginner painting ideas, with the right tools and a little creativity, anyone can explore modern art styles, especially using high-quality materials like Camel paints and brushes.
Let’s dive into five exciting modern art styles you can explore - no fine art degree required. A quick disclaimer, though: this list is not exhaustive. You can find a plethora of styles across the internet - all you have to do is look for the right one for you!
1. Abstract Art
Abstract art focuses on shapes, colours, and forms rather than realistic depictions. It’s the perfect starting point for beginners who want to break free from structure and paint what they feel.
When you start your abstract art journey, focus more on exploring and experimenting rather than “perfection”. Try a mix of brush techniques - dab, swipe, layer - to create visual texture with acrylic colours or poster colours. Play with colours and don’t worry about making “mistakes”.
Tools you can use:
2. Minimalism
Built on the ideology of “less is more”, minimalist art uses limited elements (often just a few colours or shapes) to create a powerful visual impact. Clean lines, soft gradients, and white space are what define this style.
Pick a pared-down colour palette of water colours or oil pastels. Focus on geometric shapes or a single object, allowing lots of negative space to make your work stand out.
Tools you can use:
3. Pop Art
Inspired by comic books and popular culture, pop art is vibrant, fun, and bold. Think loud colours, repetition, and thick outlines.
To make a pop art piece, use acrylic or poster colours for bright, opaque hues. Sketch cartoonish objects or celebrities and fill them with vibrant colour with black drawing ink for outlining and that “pop” effect.
Tools you can use:
4. Expressionism
Expressionism captures emotion through exaggerated colours and brushwork. This style is deeply personal and emotionally charged, with each piece telling a story.
To start with expressionist art, choose a feeling you want to express. Let the distorted forms and erratic brushstrokes guide you - trust your instincts and just paint.
Tools you can use:
- Camel Oil Colours
- Painting Knives or Camel Flat Brushes
5. Mixed Media
Mixed media art combines different materials - paint, ink, collage and texture paste. A melting pot of different elements, this art style consists of layered, inventive compositions that invite experimentation.
Once you have your surface prepared with your base layer, combine all your mediums like scrap paper, fabric, paint, etc. Use an acrylic gel medium for texture and adhesion. Overlay paint over collage elements to tie the piece together.
Tools you can use:
- Camel Acrylic Paints
- Camel Gel Medium
- Camel Brushes
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to wait for inspiration to strike - sometimes, it shows up the moment you pick up a brush. With Camel paints and brushes, exploring modern art styles becomes accessible and fun, even for total beginners. These five styles are not only rewarding to create but also offer fantastic beginner painting ideas to develop your skills and build your confidence.
So grab your Camel kit, put on some music, and let your creativity flow across the canvas!
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“We don't make mistakes, just happy little accidents.”