Abstract Art for People Who Don't "Get Art"

Abstract Art for People Who Don't "Get Art"

We’ve all heard it.

“My kid could do that.”
“It’s just random paint splatters.”
“I don’t get it.”

If you've ever said these things—or heard them and silently agreed—you're not alone. Abstract art can feel like a mystery wrapped in confusion, dipped in a puddle of paint. But here's the thing:

You’re not supposed to “get” it the way you get a math equation or a movie plot.

Let’s break that down.

What Is Abstract Art, Really?

At its core, abstract art isn’t about representing real-life things like trees or faces or cats wearing sunglasses. It’s about emotions, movement, energy, chaos, harmony, texture, rhythm, color… the feeling behind it all.

It’s more like music than a photograph. You don’t “get” a jazz solo—you feel it.

Abstract art is the visual version of that.

It’s Not Only About Skill. It’s About Intuition.

One reason abstract art gets misunderstood is because it looks simple. Some pieces are simple: a few brushstrokes, a bold color field, some intentional mess.

But that doesn’t mean they’re meaningless.

In fact, abstract artists often spend years unlearning technique—just to get back to raw expression. They might ask themselves:

  • What does this shape feel like?

  • What color makes this emotion louder?

  • How do I capture motion with still paint?

It’s less about “can I draw a perfect apple” and more about “can I paint what an apple tastes like?”

So… How Do You “Appreciate” Abstract Art?

Here’s a tip: Stop trying to find a hidden message or “figure it out.”

Instead, try this:

  1. Stand back. Let the piece hit you all at once.

  2. Notice your body’s reaction. Do you tense up? Feel calm? Curious? Annoyed?

  3. Look closer. Explore textures, layers, and brush strokes.

  4. Ask: What does this remind me of? A memory? A storm? A sound?

  5. Let go of needing an answer.

Some pieces will click. Some won’t. That’s okay. Not every song is your jam either.

Final Thought: You Don’t Need to “Get It” to Feel Something

Abstract art isn’t about puzzles or secrets. It’s about creating space for emotion, mood, and imagination to take the lead.

So next time you see a canvas that looks like “just a bunch of paint,” give it a second look. Breathe. Pause. Let yourself feel something, even if it’s confusion.

That feeling?
That’s the art.

 

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