Go Big! Large Tool Abstract Painting Challenge

This week's Go Big art prompt challenge and demo was inspired by a suggestion in the comments to create an abstract painting using a large tool other than a paintbrush. I found it to be just that - challenging! As an acrylic painter, I rely heavily on traditional tools for layering colors and creating details. But challenges force me out of artistic ruts, so I leaned into this limiting prompt with openness.
-LINKS-
➡️4-Inch Soft Rubber Brayer, 4-Inch - amzn.to/3EN32BH
➡️2.5-Inch Rubber Brayer - amzn.to/48wIhrF
➡️Canson Fluid Mixed Media Sketchbook 250 gsm - amzn.to/3EN3jod
*The product links above are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
➡️Find me on Instagram:
/ chrisloudart
➡️Find me Etsy (where I sell my warm-up paintings)
www.etsy.com/shop/ChrisLoudArt
For my large tool, I chose a 4-inch brayer, 1/3 the size of my sketchbook page. With acrylic paints, I used the brayer to roll thick layers of color across the surface. Without my usual small brushes, I embraced working intuitively and gesturally.
As I developed the abstract composition, the prompt's limited options pushed me to find new ways to use the brayer. I rotated and stamped it into the paint to create organic prints. When dragged across wet underlayers, it produced mesmerizing textures. I discovered new techniques through the restriction.
This art prompt challenge taught me that oversized tools lend themselves to bold, expressive mark-making. Working with a larger tool demanded I pare down my approach and paint freely without getting lost in details. The result was an energetic, tactile acrylic painting filled with rich visual interest.
Stepping outside artistic habits often unlocks creativity, even if it seems counterintuitive. Pushing into unknown territory with this acrylic tutorial expanded my voice. I hope demonstrating how limitations breed innovation inspires you in your own practice. Experiment with a large tool on a small canvas and simply paint intuitively. The lessons of this experience will stay with me - sometimes we create our best work when we color outside the lines.
Keep on painting!
#abstractart #acrylicpainting #painting #intuitivepainting #artprompts #paintingchallenge #artchallenge #art

[@pamciquier307]

I love the final result! The touch of orange is fab.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Pam!

[@PainterLady]

So happy i found your videos. Love your paintings and ideas ❤️

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks so much, Miss Polly!

[@martineakbayrak8033]

Bonjour Chris 😊😊😊 très beau ❤❤❤❤

[@chrisloudart]

Bonjour Martine! Merci beaucoup ❤️

[@blessed4149]

I LOVE IT!

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Sheila!

[@tracyloringart]

I like the bug! Reminds me of a child’s sock puppet - the shape you get when you place it over your hand. 🥰 Love this color combo

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Tracy! Haha...it totally looks like a sock puppet.

[@annrubino6252]

Thank you for this, Chris. I usually give a try at all of your experiments but intuitively, don't think I would bring justice to the brayer. I much appreciate that you demonstrate these techniques to us. Saves me the angst of should I (not) invest in brayers.

[@chrisloudart]

Hey Ann! Haha...I don't feel I did justice to the brayer, but I had fun giving it a go. So far this was the most difficult challenge for me.

[@emmanuelpower2439]

Hi Chris... I am stunned at what you came up with. I like it!... those last few dots of yellow and late touches of turquoise really concluded the deal. It's one of the more suspenseful demos where the final result really doesn't take shape til the end. You had me on edge... and Bravo... i will have to try the challenge now... later in the week. You rise to it and i saw how fast you adapted to all aspects of the tool. Not sure what i will use yet! Thank you. 👍👍👍

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks Emmanuel! Not one of my favorite pieces, but I had quite a bit of fun playing with the brayer and trying to create something with it. I have an idea for a larger painting primarily using a brayer that I'm going to try I'll be curious to get your thoughts on the challenge when you do it.

[@birgitx2931]

Hi Chris, very interesting exercise. I liked the outcome.
Have you got any hints on how to clean a brailer? Mine seems to become really sticky after a while.

[@chrisloudart]

Thanks, Brigit! So far I've been able to keep mine pretty clean, but I've seen several people swear by Murphy's oil soap to clean brayers. That's what I'll try when mine finally gets too built up.

[@birgitx2931]

Thank you

[@emmanuelpower2439]

And the joke is truly on me...i had totally forgotten about my own challenge suggestion.😅 thank you Chris. That was an honour for me, especially as it really seemed to be toughie for you😂 Now let's see what happens when I try🙈

[@chrisloudart]

Haha...too funny, I'd actually been thinking about this one for a while but didn't consider how challenging it would be. I now need to try doing a representational landscape this way. That hurts my brain just thinking about that🤯

[@paintingtracey]

I've used a large squeegee.

[@chrisloudart]

I love using squeegees!