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!

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.

"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.

"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.

by Courtney Hatcher

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."

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."

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."
​

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."

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!

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