Question about abstract paintings?

Question: I'd like to hear from someone who knows art. In my (ignorant, perhaps) opinion, abstract art looks like someone let my baby girl loose with a paintbrush and a pallette. I know it's supposed to be the artist's feelings and moods, but I would also be able to do that. So please explain what makes one abstract painting different than another.

Answer: understanding art is an art form on it's own, i am an art historian and i learned that lesson very well. Abstract art is more than the broad picture. Example, a painting that has shapes and colors randomly placed is more than just that. Abstract art is more about the aesthetics than mood. A lot of the time, the artists use certain colors to create a story within the painting. Placement, shape and color are the main ingredients with abstract art. It's a broad vision, but it is portrayed in aesthetic principles. This is probably confusing, but basically, a Jackson Pollack painting probably looks like a bunch of splashed paint. Jackson Pollack actually had a method to his 'madness', he carefully added specific colors and in a specific pattern. I would get a book about Modernism and Abstract art, Modern art paved the way for abstract art, which came about around the 40s-50s, there is a difference between abstract and contemporary art as well, but that is a totally different question. I hope i helped...please do read up on modern art and post modernism. It really helps to understand the 'method to the madness' when you know the history and aesthetic principles behind it. Take care!

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