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TRY IT NOW: Let the Line Lead
Exercise
Create a bold abstract painting using line, shape, and color—no drawing experience required.
🖌️ What You’ll Need
- Bristol paper (white or black)
- Gouache paint (2–5 colors)
- Round or flat brush
- Black or white paint/ink for line work
🎯 What You’ll Do
1. Create the Line
Start with a loose, continuous line across your page.
Let it twist, overlap, and divide the space into interesting shapes.
👉 Don’t plan it—just let it happen.
2. Find the Shapes
Look at the spaces your line created.
Each section becomes an opportunity for color.
3. Fill with Color
Use gouache to fill each shape:
- Keep colors bold and simple
- Let edges stay soft or slightly imperfect
- Limit your palette to avoid overworking
4. Build Contrast
Add a few darker or lighter areas to create balance and visual interest.
👉 You don’t need to fill every space.
5. Stop Early
Resist the urge to refine every edge.
The strength of this piece comes from its looseness.
💡 Helpful Tips
- Start with larger shapes before smaller ones
- Use fewer colors for a stronger result
- Let the line guide your decisions
- If you’re unsure, paint the color anyway
✍️ Reflection Prompt
What happens when you stop trying to define the subject and let color carry the composition?
🛍️ Keep Going
Everything used in this exercise—gouache, brushes, and Bristol paper—is available in-store and online.
Promotion: April 6-11, 2026
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- Daniel Smith
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COLOR
- ASSORTED COLORS
- BLACK COLORS
- BLACK-GRAY COLORS
- BRONZE
- BROWN COLORS
- BROWN-EARTH-BUFF COLORS
- BLUE COLORS
- GREEN COLORS
- LAVENDER
- MAGENTA-VIOLET COLORS
- METALLIC COLORS
- NATURAL COLORS
- ORANGE COLORS
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- SILVER
- VIOLET COLORS
- YELLOW COLORS
- WHITE COLORS
