C. G. HATCHER
  • Home
  • About
  • Portfolio
    • Representative Paintings
    • Non-Representative Paintings
    • Mixed Media >
      • Mixed Media Paintings
      • Mixed Media Collage
      • Journals & Ephemera
    • Drawings
    • Photography >
      • Nature Photography
      • City/Architecture Photography
      • Abstract Digital Art
  • News
  • Blog
  • Purchase
    • Original Artwork
    • Etsy Shop
    • Redbubble Shop >
      • Bags
      • Bathroom Decor
      • Canvas & Metal Prints
      • Clothing
      • Cups, Mugs & Dishes
      • Fashion Accessories
      • Home Accessories
      • Phone/Laptop Accessories
      • Pillows & Blankets
      • Stationary
      • Wall Art Prints
  • Policies
  • Contact

Me, Myself & Art

If you enjoy my art this is the place to learn about my process and where I find my inspiration.  I look forward to sharing my art journey with you!
Blog Index
Visit My Etsy
Newsletter Sign Up

30 Abstract Art Prompts by Courtney Hatcher

2/11/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Coming up with concepts and themes for art is one of the most satisfying aspects of the art process.  The ideas behind the art are the foundation of the piece.  Without a strong foundation the entire piece might fall apart.

One of the easiest ways to develop a concept for an abstract painting is to begin with a simple word, phrase, or idea.  Keeping a list, journal, or sketchbook full of prompts is a great way to remember themes you are interested in exploring. Having these ideas set aside will not only make the conceptualization process easier, it comes in very handy when you experience artist's block.

(To learn more tricks to banish artist's block check out my post, "A Sketch A Day Keeps Artist's Block Away" , for brainstorming tips check out, "42 Abstract Art Concepts to Paint") 

Below are a list of words that will prompt your creativity!
Picture

Begin With A Definition

Below are 30 words and their definitions to get you started on your next abstract art concept.  To see the art I've created that was inspired by these ideas just click on the word! (The light grey titles indicate a link)  I haven't explored every concept yet, but as I do I will link the final piece to the word in this list.

Challenge yourself and have fun!

(All definitions were found in Webster's Dictionary)

"Solace"  
To cheer in grief or under calamity.  To comfort.  To relieve in affliction.  To console.  An easing of grief, loneliness, discomfort.

"Tender"
To present for acceptance.  To offer in payment or satisfaction of an obligation.  A formal offer, as of marriage, contractual terms, etc.  One who attends or takes care of something.  Easily impressed, broken, bruised, or injured.  Very sensitive.  Weak of constitution or physique.  Requires careful handling.  Weak, immature, young.  That has or expresses affection, love, consideration.  Impressionable.  Sensitive to others feelings, sympathetic, compassionate.  Careful, considerate, gentle, mild.  Of soft or delicate quality.

"Circus"
In ancient Rome, an oval or oblong arena with tiers of seats around it, used for games, chariot races, etc.  A similar arena, usually enclosed in a tent, for a show of acrobats, wild animals, clowns, etc.  Any riotously entertaining person, thing, etc.

"Trust"
Confidence.  A reliance or resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice, friendship, or the sound principle of another person or thing.  Responsibility or obligation resulting from this.  To rely on.  To allow to do something without fear of consequences.  To depend on.

"Polite"
Smooth, lustrous, glossy.  Polished, cultured, elegant, correct, or refined in behavior.  Courteous, having good manners.

"Sleek"
Smooth and shiny.  Glossy, as a highly polished surface.  Well-groomed appearance.  Polished in speech and behavior, especially in a way that does not seem genuine.  Unctuous, oily.  With ease and dexterity.
Picture
"Extension" by Courtney Hatcher. Acrylic on Canvas. 11" x 14".

"Protection"

Defense.  Shelter from evil.  Preservation from loss, injury, or annoyance.

"Prosperity"
Advance or gain in anything good or desirable.  Successful progress in any business or enterprise.

"Mobility"
Movable.  Not firm, stationary, or fixed.  Easily moved, very fluid.  Changeable.  Kinetic rather than static rhythm.

"Journey"
Travel from one place to another.  Passage through life.

"Messenger"
A harbinger, a forerunner.  One who or that which foreshows.  One who delivers communication.

"Development"
A step or stage in growth, advancement, etc.  An event or happening.  The elaboration of a theme.

"Anticipate"
To take or act before another, so as to forestall him.  To take first possession of.  To take up before the proper time.  To foresee.  To consider beforehand.  To prevent by acting beforehand.  To do in advance.

"Suggestion"
The process through which an idea is brought to the mind because of its connection or association with an idea already in the mind.  A faint hint or indication.  A small amount, a trace.  The inducing of an idea, decision, etc., by means of a verbal or other stimulus, in another individual, who accepts it uncritically.

"Extension"
Stretching out in any direction.  To expand or dilate in size.  To stretch or reach forth.  To enlarge or widen.  To continue or prolong.

"Wisdom"
The faculty of making the best use of knowledge, experience, understanding, etc.  Good judgement, sagacity.  Learning, erudition, knowledge.

"Cooperation"
The act of working together or operating together to one end.  Concurrent effort or labor.
"Gradual"
Proceeding by steps or degrees.  Advancing or occurring little by little.  Passing from one step to another.  Regular and slow.

"Insurmountable"
That which cannot be overcome.

"Open"
In a state which permits entrance or exit.  Not closed, covered, clogged or shut.  In a state which permits freedom of passage.  Unsealed.  Having spaces between.  Not settled or decided.  Free from prejudice or bigotry.  Free from restrictions.  Clear.  Ready to do, hear, see, or receive anything.

"Passage"
Movement from one place to another.  Change or progress from one process or condition to another.  Permission.  That which happens or takes place between persons.  A portion of something spoken or written.  To make a voyage or journey.
Picture
"Hypnosis" by Courtney Hatcher. Ink on paper. 9" x 12".

"Blockage"
Any obstruction or cause of obstruction.  Hinderance, obstacle.  A sudden interruption of passage, causing conflict.  To impede the passage or progress of.

"Communication"
The act of imparting, conferring, or delivering, from on to another.  Intercourse by words, letters, or messages.  Interchange of thoughts or opinions, by conference or other means.  Information or intelligence imparted by word or writing.

"Link"
Any of the series of rings or loops making up a chain or chain armor.  A section of something resembling a chain.  A point or stage in a series of circumstances.  Anything serving to connect or tie.  To unite by something intervening.  To be or become connected, to join.

"Precognition"
Previous knowledge.  Antecedent examination.

"Attitude"
The posture or position of a person showing or meant to show a mental state, emotion, or mood.  The manner of acting, feeling, or thinking that shows one's disposition, opinion, etc.  The posture, disposition, or action in which a figure is placed.

Picture
"Restless" by Courtney Hatcher. Colored pencil on paper. 9" x 12".
"External"
Outward, exterior.  Outwardly visible.  Acting or coming from without.  For outward appearance or show.

"Joining"
To connect or bring together.  To make into one, to unite.  To enter into the company of.  To come together.  To participate.

"Hypnosis"
A sleeplike condition psychically induced, usually by another person, in which the subject loses consciousness but responds, with certain limitations, to the suggestions of the hypnotist.

"Restless"
The inability to relax.  Unquiet, uneasy, continually moving.  Without sleep.  Never or almost never quiet or still.  Always active or inclined to action.  Desiring change, discontented.


Now that you have some ideas it's time to start creating!  Have fun with it and remember every art project is a journey.  

To purchase fine art prints and home decor items featuring my original art visit cghatcherart.etsy.com or cghatcherart.redbubble.com


General Disclaimer:  All information provided on this website is intended for informational and entertainment use only.  Information contained in this website is not intended to be advice.  By accessing, viewing or using this website you are agreeing that I am not liable or responsible for your business or personal results, or any other results that you may have as a result of information presented to you through this website.  You accept and agree that you are solely responsible for your results and that I provide no express or implied guarantees or promises to you.  This blog is about the process and inspiration of the artist, Courtney Hatcher.  I reserve the right to change the focus or content of this blog at any time.


​
©Courtney Hatcher All Rights Reserved.  The use of any image from this site is prohibited unless prior written permission from the artist is obtained.
0 Comments

42 Abstract Concepts to Paint

8/21/2019

0 Comments

 

Me, Myself & Art

by Courtney Hatcher
42 Abstract Concepts to Paint a blog by Courtney Hatcher.  Me, Myself & Art Abstract Art Challenge

How to Create a Concept for an
​Abstract Painting


​Inspiration for art is found anywhere and everywhere.

Below is a list of words that represent different actions, emotions and thoughts.  Use these abstract concept prompts to challenge yourself or simply as a starting point for a new piece of art.  (Honestly it doesn't have to be a painting.  You can use these concepts as a starting point no matter what type of art you do.)

A strong concept is essential to the art making process.  No matter what style of art you make and no matter what materials you use.  The why? is always important!
​
Abstract art challenge. 42 Abstract concepts to paint, terms and themes for abstract art. Courtney Hatcher's blog Me, Myself & Art

Brainstorming


Sometimes the flow of a concept is intuitive.  Sometimes, it is based on the kind of art you make.  Other times, conceptualizing takes a lot of time and thought.  No matter what your process is, being able to articulate your choices is an important part of being an artist.

One of the ways I work through my concept is to brainstorm based on a word that represents some kind of emotion, or theme.  I free-write lists, charts, sketches and other thoughts based on the word or theme I have chosen.

Free-Writing

Free-writing, or stream of consciousness, is where you write in an uninterrupted flow for a set period of time.  You don't take too much time to think about what you are writing, you simply write down whatever pops into your head.  Letting one thought lead into another until you have fully explored what your theme means to you.
Some questions I like to keep in mind when I'm brainstorming and free-writing are:

  • What materials will I use to make the artwork?  Why?
  • How will I create the artwork?  What techniques will I use?  How will I incorporate the elements of design into my piece to suggest the message I desire?
  • Will the artwork be large or small?  Why?
  • What are all the variations of the word I've chosen?
  • Synonyms?  Definition?
  • What are the opposite meanings/associations of the word?  Antonyms?
  • What other concepts or ideas are similar to the word?
  • What might the word mean or represent to someone else?
  • What imagery, literal and figurative, do I associate with the word?  Sense memory (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell)
  • What is the first thing that comes to mind when I hear or say the word?
  1.  Is it directly related to the word?​  (example:  Awakening.  Awareness.  Opening your eyes.  Realizing something.  Recognizing the truth of a situation.  Shining a light on something that was hidden.)  In this example I build from the word, focusing on the definition.  It is a direct path from the inspiration word through the whole free-writing session.
  2. Does the word remind you of something else?  (example:  Awakening.  Waking up.  I need to set my alarm for the meeting tomorrow.  I can't be late.  Time.  We live our lives based on time.  We judge every task in relation to time.  What would life be like if we didn't?)  In this example the word is used as a starting point, but by the end the theme has evolved into contemplating the impact of measuring time.
          I usually end up combining the two examples when I free-write!   

If you've never used free-writing to work through an idea give it a try!  It works great for me.  But don't worry, if it's not your thing there are plenty of other ways to brainstorm your abstract theme.

One other way I brainstorm is to put all of my ideas to paper in list form.  I make a checklist of ideas, materials, and techniques.  Or, I'll draw a chart or diagram and work through the problem or theme that way.

I find, with art and life, that trying something new can help you find solutions to your problem while expanding the boundaries of your comfort zone.  It's great to try new techniques and methods. 

Maybe they will be helpful.  Maybe not.  You won't know until you try!

In the end, the act of writing out your ideas is what matters.  

The best thing about analyzing and writing about your theme before you start the piece...

It makes writing artist statements and show proposals SO MUCH EASIER!!!

Take the time to put your thoughts to paper, you won't regret it.

Me, Myself & Art. An art challenge.  Paint 42 abstract concepts in 42 days. Learn how to create a concept for an abstract artwork

To Get You Started:

(Definitions found in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the Cambridge Dictionary and Dictionary.com)

*See the artwork I created based on these themes by clicking on the word! 
​
APEX
"The uppermost point."

AWAKENING
"A coming into awareness."

BECOMING
"To come into existence.  To undergo change or development."
BURST
"To break open, apart, or into pieces usually from impact or from pressure from within.  A sudden outbreak.  A sudden intense effort."

CASCADE
"Something arranged or occurring in a series, or in a succession of stages, so that each stage derives from, or acts upon, the product of the proceeding."

CATHARSIS
"Purification or purgation of the emotions."

CONSCIOUS
"Awake.  Controlled thought or observation."

CONVERSION
"Change or transformation from one state or condition to another."

COSMOS
​"Universe."
"Cosmos" acrylic painting on canvas by Courtney Hatcher. 24" x 44"
DICHOTOMY
"Something with seemingly contradictory qualities."

DISCREET
"Careful not to cause embarrassment or attract too much attention, especially by keeping something secret."

DRIFT
"To move or float smoothly and effortlessly.  To move in a random or casual way."

EMERGE
"To become manifest.  To rise from an obscure or inferior condition."

FALLEN
"To suffer ruin, defeat or failure.  To commit an immoral act.  To pass suddenly into a new state or condition."

FLASH
"To appear suddenly.  A sudden burst of light."

FLUX
"A continued flow.  Constant change."

GROWTH
"Progressive development.  Evolution."

HARVEST
​"The product or reward of exertion."
HUSH
​"To become quiet.  Suppress."

IGNITE
"To set afire.  To begin to glow."

IMPEDIMENT
"Something that makes progress, movement, or achieving something difficult or impossible.

INFLATION
"To expand or increase abnormally or imprudently."

INSTINCT
"A natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity."
"Instinct" an Acrylic Painting on Board by Courtney Hatcher. 24" x 30"
LISTEN
"To hear with thoughtful attention."

LONELY
"Producing a feeling of bleakness or desolation."

PIERCED
"Forcing a way into or through something."

POISON
"A substance that through its chemical action usually kills, injures or impairs an organism."

PRESSURE
"The burden of physical or mental distress."

RADIATE
"To spread abroad or around as if from a center."

RELEASE
"To set free from restraint, confinement, or servitude."

RHYTHM
"Movement or fluctuation marked by the regular recurrence or natural flow of related elements."
​
"Secret" acrylic painting on canvas board by Courtney Hatcher. 8" x 10"
SECRET
​"Kept from knowledge or view.  Working with hidden aims or methods."

SELF-WORTH
"The sense of one's own value or worth as a person."

SHIFT
"To make a change."

SOLITUDE
"The quality or state of being alone or remote from society."

SONAR
"An apparatus that detects the presence and location of a submerged object by means of sonic and supersonic waves reflected back to it from the object."
SPIRAL
"A continuously spreading and accelerating increase or decrease."

SUSPENSION
"The act of hanging.  The temporary prevention of something from continuing or being in force or effect."

SYNTHESIS
"The composition or combination of parts or elements so as to form a whole."

TANGLE
"A complicated or confused state or condition.  To involve so as to hamper, obstruct, or embarrass."

VISION
"The act or power of seeing.  A manifestation to the senses of something immaterial."

VORTEX
"A mass of air or water that spins around very fast and pulls objects into its empty center."
"Spiral" an Acrylic Painting on Canvas by Courtney Hatcher. 11" x 14"

The Challenge...

Now that you have a starting point for some abstract concepts, challenge yourself.

Everyday for the next 42 days explore one of these concepts.  Draw, paint, sculpt, choreograph, make music!  Whatever your artistic calling, use one concept per day and create something new!


Not sure you want to jump right into making a big piece of art take a look at my Importance of Sketching series for some tips on getting started!
​General Disclaimer:  All information provided on this website is intended for informational and entertainment use only.  Information contained in this website is not intended to be advice.  By accessing, viewing or using this website you are agreeing that I am not liable or responsible for your business or personal results, or any other results that you may have as a result of information presented to you through this website.  You accept and agree that you are solely responsible for your results and that I provide no express or implied guarantees or promises to you.  This blog is about the process and inspiration of the artist, Courtney Hatcher.  I reserve the right to change the focus or content of this blog at any time.
0 Comments

    Author

    Courtney Hatcher is an abstract artist from Flint, Michigan.

    Archives

    February 2021
    November 2019
    August 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018

    Categories

    All
    Anatomy Of A Painting
    Art Challenge
    Artists Journey
    Materials
    Sketching
    Tips & Techniques

    RSS Feed

    ©Courtney Hatcher All Rights Reserved. 
    General Disclaimer:  All information provided on this website is intended for informational and entertainment use only.  Information contained in this website is not intended to be advice.  By accessing, viewing or using this website you are agreeing that I am not liable or responsible for your business or personal results, or any other results that you may have as a result of information presented to you through this website.  You accept and agree that you are solely responsible for your results and that I provide no express or implied guarantees or promises to you.  This blog is about the process and inspiration of the artist, Courtney Hatcher.  I reserve the right to change the focus or content of this blog at any time.
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • About
  • Portfolio
    • Representative Paintings
    • Non-Representative Paintings
    • Mixed Media >
      • Mixed Media Paintings
      • Mixed Media Collage
      • Journals & Ephemera
    • Drawings
    • Photography >
      • Nature Photography
      • City/Architecture Photography
      • Abstract Digital Art
  • News
  • Blog
  • Purchase
    • Original Artwork
    • Etsy Shop
    • Redbubble Shop >
      • Bags
      • Bathroom Decor
      • Canvas & Metal Prints
      • Clothing
      • Cups, Mugs & Dishes
      • Fashion Accessories
      • Home Accessories
      • Phone/Laptop Accessories
      • Pillows & Blankets
      • Stationary
      • Wall Art Prints
  • Policies
  • Contact