How to Create Minimalist Art? Use Simple Elements

Minimalism defines a style which has also emerged as a dominant art movement in the most recent history explaining the feminist notion of reducing shapes and forms to their core lacking female components. Its development, originating in the 1940s-1960s, has also catered people with a liking of more basic and simple artistic reproductions with straight, bare but stylish lines.

While analyzing an artwork, one must also first acknowledge and gladly accept the do it yourself drive that each artist containing a do-it-yourself must possess. This instinct clearly helps in creating a strong intimate bond between the artist and his masterpiece while bringing considerable novelty to reconstruction of minimalist representations. Simply put, the vision of the artist becomes reality and as a result massive expansion of the minimalist art occurs.

Basic Terms to Navigate the Creative Landscape

Before venturing into the practical sides of creating minimalist artwork, some concepts that will guide us through this tutelage should be presented. These terms are very vital as they will assist greatly in communicating with other artist who embraces minimalists art forms.

1. DIY: This express self driven approach to creating art, is coined from ‘Do It Yourself’ which is shortened to the Phrase “DIY”.
2. Illustration: This is the art of comprehending visually through drawings or paintings aiming at expressing or putting across ideas or emotions.
3. Texture: This is the characteristic feel of a surface or the reproduction of such characteristics in art. Texture is important to minimalist designs because it creates illusion of depth and volume.

What is Minimalism in Art?

Minimalist art can be defined as one where its avowed characteristics is the use of the most basic of shapes devoid of any feature of expression, it is very precise and simple. Minimalism started to develop in the US around the late 50s and early 60s. The idea of minimalism in practice was to reduce the art to its primary features, removing all non-defining forms, attributes and or notions. This is a known as the ‘less is more’ approach where the art work in question receives one hundred percent of the focus.

Definition of Minimalist Art

Minimalist art, a form of sculpture, embodies characteristics of objective nature and simplification, and possibly can be referred to as art with form and expression but devoid of personal emotion. This is a perfect opposite of abstract expressionism and any other complex form of artistic tendencies that preceded it. To a minimalist artist, achieving self-expression by creating art devoid of emotion is the aim.

Key Characteristics and Principles

1. First Expressions: It is marked by the use of very clean lines constructs, basic geometric shapes all painted with very few colors. The pages or the canvas are devoid of non-have to be elements just so that the art can communicate effectively.
2. Building Form: Because of the minimalism nature of philosophy instituted, shying away from what the artwork represents instead the worry is about sculpting the unassuming and unnoticed form of art. Therefore due to emphasis on the shift from meaning to the physicality of art such as the material and the shape of the art tend to have far greater significance.
3. Stripped Down: It is also normal that a minimalist artwork will not have emotion or symbolism to it. This is because the intention of the work is not to make the viewer feel the artist’s emotion but rather to construct a feeling devoid of the subjective interpretation of the creator or the viewer.

Scope of Element Reduction and Effective Form Restructuring

Various painting and sculptural pieces, as well as entire exhibition and design philosophies, have been greatly influenced by the so-called “minimalist” attitude. This approach’s main idea  – reduction and essential focus on form – has affected not only painting but also architecture, interiors, and even clothes. Art that consists of such stripped down elements appeals to the masses regardless of their background or nationality. Art that invites contemplation of simplicity is said to be minimalism and its ozone is exhilarating. Minimalism it seems is here to stay.

Influential People In Tracing the Minimalist Art Cycle

The minimal art movement that we see today has had a timeline with practical artists who pioneered the movement. Their artistry has enriched the movement not only through history but exposing what art minimalism should be. A few of them are the forerunners of minimalism and today we intend to expose the world of their art and how each of them shaped minimalism.

Career of Donald Judd

Perspective makers of these artists are very distinct reaching harsh and blunt conclusions, Donald Judd could be one of those artists, to effectively remove so many competing forms he blended industrialism into his art eliminating unnecessary detail that dodged the point.

Contribution: Judd asserts a philosophy that does not concern itself with the representation of anything and art should only be itself. His works, installations and three-dimensional ones, broke the boundaries that have been set in sculpture in space, and as a result, minimalist art went out of its two-dimensional confines.

Agnes Martin

Style and Technique: Subtlety and precision is probably what best describes the work of Agnes Martin. She is mostly remembered for her grid paintings where the range of colors was rather limited, the pencil lines light or even barely there.

Contribution: Martin never completely devoid minimalism of emotional context or personal expression. Her work exhibits stillness and a more or less meditative feeling although the tone and form encapsulates minimalism; this develops further the minimalists’ story.

Sol LeWitt

1. Style and Technique: For several decades now, conceptual art which is related to minimalism has been ‘spearheaded’ by Sol LeWitt. His wall drawings and simple structures which may be categorized as geometric were done by other people following his instruction.
2. Contribution: Minimalism gained a new angle of approach with LeWitt’s view where the emphasis is on the idea or concept related to work rather than on the finished work. The importance added to the process and the idea altered the conventional understanding of authorship and creativity in the art sector.

Frank Stella

1. Style and Technique: The emphasis of Stella’s works is on the flatness of the canvas. He created works covering canvas using geometric structures featuring stripes, concentric circles and other forms in uniform arrangements of colorful contrasts.
2. Contribution: Stella sought to push towards the interpretation of painting not only as the act of applying color and brushes on the canvas but rather as an object in its own right which of course contributes greatly to minimalism. In his works, he tried to eliminate boundaries, including those between painting and sculpture.

Yayoi Kusama

1. Style and Technique: Though not categorically a minimalist artist, her works are on many occasions based upon the principles of minimalism. One of the most popular works of hers that incorporates such elements so strongly are the repetitive polka dots and the infinity rooms.
2. Contribution: Kusama contributed a combination of minimalism and pop art and surrealism that was distinctively different. Her vast monochromatic spaces with breathing room together with her repetitive patterns give an appearance of minimalism yet brings out a deep psychological and personal aspect.

Initial Steps Involved in Attempting DIY Minimalist Art Style

The first step in creating any form of DIY minimalist art is probably the most important: getting started. One of the most important concepts of minimalist art is the ability to be produced even when resources are minimal—no need for a fully furnished workshop. Let’s see what some of the equipment and resources are which allow artwork to be minimalist in its focus.

Required Tools and Equipment

The whole idea of minimalism is self-explanatory – even minimalism in art, so you will find that much tools and materials are straightforward, here are a few starting items, however:

Art paper or canvas sheets

1. Canvas: Stretched canvas makes a great minimalist art painting surface because the texture incorporated is able to add a supportive angle to the piece.
2. Paper: When doing minimalism through drawings or watercolor, art paper of a higher grade is recommended. Depending on the medium you select try different textures and weights.

Different types of Paints

Acrylic Ranges: This is the best for beginners because acrylic paints are not only versatile, but they also dry quickly and can easily be mixed with water to alter the desired effect.

Watercolors: This type of coloring is recommended for a more translucent and gentle finish and can best be used on paper as it is able to create better subtle color washes.

Brushes

It is essential to have a range of different size brushes. Typically, when it comes to minimalist pieces, a few good brushes suffice; a bigger one for sweeping strokes and a smaller for detailed touches.

Drawing Tools

Pencils: In order to make sketches and drawings, it is useful to have a set of graphite pencils that ranges from hard to soft.

Ink Pens: Fine-tipped ink pens are of great help when it comes to drawing bold lines or doing graphic work.

Other Tools

Ruler and Geometric Templates: These can assist in drawing clean lines and shapes, which are fundamental components of minimalist design.

Eraser and Sharpener: Basic items for every pencil user.

Palette: It can be a simple palette or even a throwaway plate when mixing paints.

DIY approach towards Minimalist art

Simplicity is the fundamental element

Keep in mind, minimalism is all about the essence of simplicity. It’s not required to have a wide selection of shades or pieces of equipment. Creating powerful artwork is sometimes possible with just an array of high-end materials.

Experimentation

Do not hesitate to try out different mediums and surfaces for your artwork. Minimalist art is more than just straight lines and forms, it is the pursuit of the idea of simplicity that requires broadening one’s horizons.

Upcycling Materials

For recycled and common-sourced materials, minimal art can be done using reclaimed wood, old pages of a book, or simply cardboard. This would make the artwork stand out and would be in line with the minimalist ideology of doing the most with the least.

Digital Tools

If someone is into digital art more, then a minimalist design can be created using tools like adobe Photoshop, adobe illustrator as well as the applications like procreate. Minimalist designs are best executed on these platforms especially when it comes to geometric shapes and smooth clean lines.

Choosing Your Canvas

Choosing the right canvas is one of the most important steps when it comes to minimalistic art creation. The area you select will form an important aspect when it comes to the end result of your artwork. So in order to achieve the desired effects, let us discuss the different options and why it is important to select the right type of canvas that will be best suited for the artwork.

Canvas Options for Minimalist Art

Traditional Stretched Canvas

1. Description: Commonly used by painters, a stretched canvas has been the most stable surface for crafting minimalism paintings, usually it is made of cotton or linen and is fixed on a wooden plank from all the sides.
2. Advantages: Allows adjustment in size and other parameters while assuring a flat surface for the paint to be applied.
3. Considerations: The profession advises minimalists to only employ oversized paintings in their area. In contrast, smaller canvases can be used in intricate works such as paintings and canvases.

Canvas Panels

1. Description: They are essentially canvas sheets placed on a sturdy surface. They are ideal for painting as they mimic the surface of the stretched canvases and are easy to carry.
2. Advantages: These ones do not add any weight and can easily be moved around which makes them carry easy. They also come in handy for artists who want to draw on a horizontal surface.
3. Considerations: They may be best suited for the smaller pieces or those artists who prefer working on a table instead of a standing canvas.

Watercolor Paper

1. Description: In the past, watercolor papers were only used for painting with water colors but currently there are other forms of use for instance minimalistic art that can be done on the papers.
2. Advantages: It has its own texture which is beneficial as it adds volume to the work. Comes in different thicknesses and assorted textures.
3. Considerations: It is useful for people who like to use water colors or ink. The paintings can be displayed straight from their frame without being stretched.

Wooden Panels

1. Description: Minimalist art requires better and stable surfaces and wooden one can do just that. They come in various sizes and can be used with all mediums after priming.
2. Advantages: They are pretty steady as the chances of curving around are significantly less. They are good to go for both painting and drawings.
3. Considerations: If the intention is to achieve clear cuts and beautifully detailed pieces, go for a finely smooth surface instead.

Significance of Surface Choice

Texture

For Cleaner Lines: Smooth vs. Textured: The aesthetic or message of a work may influence the level of texture in a given piece of artwork. For example, a smooth surface can be used when it is intended that clean lines are to be used in this case, however a textured surface may give a more interesting effect.

Medium Compatibility

Paint with Consistency: Acrylics vs. Oils vs. Watercolors: Different paints are better suited to specific surfaces so make sure when choosing a canvas, it’s suited to the medium you wish to use.

Intended Impact

Shape: The size of a canvas has a significant effect on the outcome of a work, even where a particular style is adopted. Usually, the larger the canvas, the easier it is to make an impression, which is the case for a small canvas that is more effective in portraying detail.

Consistency with Style

Uniformity in Minimalist Style: Since minimalism is all about simplicity, find and use a canvas that fits within the smooth and uncluttered look of such art, which may mean selecting a surface that is less textured rather than heavily textured in the first place.

Making Minimalist Arts

In simple terms or through basic shapes and elements.

As a minimalist artist, one must know how to work with the most basic of shapes and geometric elements; with that being said, more guidance on how to correctly use these elements in your works of art and how they help in achieving the minimalist style will be provided.

Triangles, Circles, and Squares

1. Triangle: Due to their geometric geometry, triangles are seen as symbols of equilibrium and can be used to project strength or an active composition.
2. Circle: The term ‘complete’ or ‘wholeness’ is most amenable to circles since they are united in their self existence and order.
3. Square: Squareness conveys stasis and orderliness, hence it is useful, for the purpose of balance and structuring.

Rectangles and Lines

1. Rectangle: Retangles can be used to provide direction where it needs be since they are adaptable in their shape.
2. Lines: Apart from the order accompanied by straight lines, movement is also introduced by dians during an angled positioning.

Circles within Squares

This is a very fascinating aspect of minimalist design. Try to place circles in squares and see what one creates. This shift usually results in disbalance and is quite characteristic of minimalism.

Explanation of How These Elements Contribute to the Minimalist Style

Simplicity and Clarity

1. Simplicity: Circle, triangle and square are the most elementary styles of art, and their application does not compromise the principle of minimalist art which is simplicity.
2. Symbolism: In aesthetics, every shape has a semantics, thus an artist is able to render his message in a preset imagery with just minimal visual punches as needed.
3. Representation: Many forms of geometric abstractions and minimal forms jealousy seen as performing the role of an object but more in its more abstracted way speaking less for realism but for a key imagery or concept.

Balance and Harmony

1. Balance: The order of shapes within a composition is determined in such a manner as to create measures of balance. This balance has become one of the fundamental qualities within minimalism.
2. Harmony: When geometric elements are used in moderation, they effectively communicate a universal language that is easy to follow visually.

Negative Space

Understanding Negative Space: In minimalist art, basic shapes are frequently found together with lots of empty space. This allows an emphasis of what each shape stands to represent by allowing for balance between intersections and the need for certain areas to be left plain.

Consistency in Style

Building a Style: Basic shapes enable the artists to ensure that their works have a particular uniformity of style. This visual uniformity amplifies the effectiveness of their works of art.

Creating Minimalist Illustrations

In the case of minimalist art, adding texture and dimensionality is a great approach to arresting the audience’s attention while still allowing the artistic work to retain its minimalist features. These attributes are materials that would add movement to your art’ thereby bringing out multiple side of what might basically be viewed as a single plain art work.

Techniques for Texturing

1. Layering- A surface can be textured by applying multiple layers of either medium or paint. This is an essential technique when using acrylics or oils as it allows for thickness control of the paint.
2. Mixed Media- Combine other elements such as fabric, paper or sand into your artwork. This certainly adds a variable that gives room for the spectator to not only look at the piece but also touch it.
3. Dry Brush Technique- Rubbing a canvas or textured paper with a dry brush only painted with a little paint can create pattern variations and textures.
4. Impasto Technique- This includes heavily applying paint with a brush or a palette. An Example is oil painting that uses this method instead of a three-dimensional representation.

Creating Depth

• Shadow and Light: There exist shading methods that create and optimize the illusion of depth. This even can be done easily without embellishing a lot because shadows are enough to provide depth.
• Overlapping Shapes: Shapes can also be placed over each to form a layered structure. This is achievable with not only geometric objects but even abstract forms.
• Perspective- A form of Minimalism also includes playing with perspective characterized by angular lines and shapes portraying space in three dimensions.

In my opinion, it does appear at first that using mute colors is the easiest option, however as I have found out through experience, selecting the right mute colors for the artwork can be demanding in itself. Therefore I think that it is most prudent to first in detail comprehend the properties of all the colors and then intellectually expand that understanding to include insight into the factors that determine the hue in relation to the design. Only then will it be possible to see how minimalism refrains from excessive form and best retains visual unity. In doing so not only will one be able to answer the direct question posed, but one may also be able to establish a far deeper practical set of skills that will aid them in their own existing or future artwork. In short there is a much achieved when one learns how to use mute colors properly.

So now the real question arises, how does one go about selecting their mute color palette. Thus in brief the focus can be placed on the tips that will now be provided to the seekers of minimalism.

For starters, one can simply broaden their understanding by contemplating a set of reasons that will help outline the bounds of their quest. Plants, the sky, rocks, the ocean, or even a color palette that one randomly thinks of can all serve the same purpose. All of these aspects are inherently cohesive as is the theme of minimalism – which can make them significantly easier to work with. For it is only when one is closely in tune with nature that they will be able to achieve fluidity of color, which will thus allow for a richer harmony to emerge.

Another point to focus on within the design process would be the tones that acheive a sense of balance – as those are key to not overwhelming the audience. Though it is better to keep it monotonous in those tones – think of beige, violets, pale greys, baby greens, pale blues – achiving a neutral united look. In order to draw depth, a barely translucent yellow can be added to estimated shades for the intent of depth to be drawn. Overall what one should always strive to do with their artwork is achieve a harmony that is best defined as visually pleasing.

Balance with Bright Colors: If a bright color is to be used, make it an accent feature only. This can create interest in a section of your work without overwhelming the intended minimalistic approach.

Testing Colors: Always try your color options on a different piece of paper or canvas to see how such colors would work with one another before actually applying them on the main piece.

DIY Minimalist Portrait Illustration on Procreate.

Step-By-Step Guide

Making a portrait illustration with such aesthetic on Procreate makes one’s artistic options limitless. The available tools and its ease of use makes one utilize their artistic ideas fully. Let’s get into great details of each step and how to effectively create DIY minimalist portrait on Procreate.

Step 1: Choose Your Canvas

You first will want to open the Procreate application and set up a new canvas. Think of the overall size you would like your portrait illustration to be – common sizes are 8×10 inches and 2000×2500 pixels.

Step 2: Outline the Face Structure

Using the pencil brush, make a gentle outline of the overall structure of the face, including the salient points like the eyes, the nose, and the mouth in all the right places. Use basic shapes to make it easy and get the shape right.

Step 3: Features that are Essential must be Added.

Begin to constitute the Front View of Head as a rough composition with the aid of some specific geometric shapes together with angled or perfect straight lines. The movement of lines and strokes can be comfortably altered and changed with the help of the instruments offered by Procreate.

Step 4: Implement Touch Ups and Add More Detail.

Refining of the previously outlined horizon is once more achieved through implementing additional fine details over the previous outline while maintaining as much simplicity as possible. For fine detail and subtleties of strokes and texture slightly larger brush will be used.

Step 5: Use Negative Space to Your Advantage.

Negative space allows for a wide range of interesting and innovative compositions so do not be afraid to use it. You can also purposely leave blank spaces or use a little amount of shading for the contour of the face.

Step 6: Use Different Brushes There Are Many in The Procreate App.

There are numerous brushes available in the app Procreate. Select a brush and start adding texture or accentuating specific aspects of the portrait composition to your liking.

Step 7: Start With Pure Monochrome Tones.

Begin with an assortment of hues that have a certain feel of neutrality. Try out different monochrome tones to see what best complements your composition. Also, soft and gentle tones work best with neutral designs.

Step 8: Use Lights to Create Shadows.

Don’t be shy to implement the layer tools of Procreate to implement shadows and high lights into your designs. Make sure to try out the features from different places to vary the perception of your design.

Step 9: Finishing Details.

Implement any extra alterations and unify the composition fully. The digital platform not only allows for great alteration but also for very straightforward creation processes.

Benefits of Digital Platforms for DIY Approaches of Projects.

The option of undoing and then repeating up strokes and lines helps removes a compose of fear which looms over many creators when creating, an example being their fear of permanently messing something up.

Layering Options

In Procreate, layering helps to isolate parts of a portrait making the editing of the individual element easier.

Vast Color Palette

The use of the digital platform exposes users to a wide variety of colors. One can try out various colors and shades without fear of using up the paint.

Versatile Brushes

There are various brushes available on Procreate, emulating the feel of physical art. This opened up many possibilities in which different textures and effects can be created.

Incorporating Bright Colors

Although minimalistic artwork tends to have more dull colors, incorporating contrasting bright colors has the power to enhance your art and add a point of interest as well. Here are some tips on how to add bright colors to your minimalistic artworks without disrupting the overall feel of the piece.

Tips on Selectively Incorporating Bright Colors

Use as Accents

Bright colors should only be used when necessary, and even then, they should only be used as secondary elements, so the composition is not overtaken by them. In such cases, you can consider applying them to accessories or background.

Balance with Neutrals

If you’re worried about striking a stark and jarring impression, consider pairing the bright color with a more muted tone as a way to lessen the force of the brighter shade. This visual contrast tends to amplify the brightness without overpowering the minimalistic vibe.

Experiment with Complementary Colors

Additionally, there’s the consideration of the color wheel for brighter colors that could help to create a boost. This approach could broaden the dimensions of the piece while still retaining the overall minimalist feel.

Establishing Focus Areas

In other works of art, bright colors can be used selectively and thoughtfully to create interest in certain parts of the artwork. This helps to emphasize an important element within the composition while simultaneously creating movement.

Preserve The Uniformity

Consider all bright and vivid colors only if they coincide with the theme and style of your minimal art work. Relying on uniformity makes it easy to structure a professionally articulated work.

Doing a Series of Minimalist Artworks

Consistency in style is one of the critical factors in performing a series of minimalist art works. A well-rounded collection, not only