How to Read (and Live With) Abstract Art

carolina4156
Sep 24
3 min read

The “Olho” series as a starting point

Abstract art doesn’t explain—it invites. In the Olho series, a central form works as focus and breath—a field of color that holds layers, glazes, and the small accidents of gesture. It’s not about what it is but what moves you: memory, quiet, presence.

What is abstract art, really?

Abstract art doesn’t aim to depict the world literally. It works with color, texture, rhythm, gesture, and negative space to evoke sensory and emotional experiences. Instead of a recognizable object, you encounter layers of time and relationships between elements—and meaning emerges in that encounter.

Inside the “Olho” series

In Olho, there is always a core—a color field that concentrates attention and creates atmospheric depth. Around it, edges and transparencies breathe. From afar the image seems simple; up close it reveals layers, glazes, and textures.

Color as breath: palettes range from aquatic to earthen; color organizes the viewer’s pace.
Texture as memory: subtle overlays suggest passage, erosion, sedimentation—the work of time on matter.
Silence as form: areas of rest (the “empty” space) are as active as color; that’s where balance lives.

Tip: step closer, then farther away. In Olho, each distance reveals a different painting.

How to appreciate an abstract (a mini-guide)

Start by breathing. Give your eyes 10 seconds before “decoding.”
Feel the palette. What does the color combination stir in you—calm, energy, spaciousness?
Read the layers. Look for glazes, edges, brush marks—clues to the process.
Change distance. Up close: texture. From afar: color field and composition.
Ask the body. More than “understanding,” perceive: what stays with you after looking?

Choosing, placing, and harmonizing the work

Size & scale

Above furniture (sofa, console): let the artwork width be roughly ⅔ to ¾ of the furniture width for pleasing proportion.
Large works often sit slightly higher on the wall; small works gain strength when grouped as a composition.

Height

A good rule of thumb: place the center of the artwork at eye level, around 1.50 m (about 59 in) from the floor.
Above furniture, leave 25–40 cm (10–16 in) of breathing room so it doesn’t feel “stuck” to the piece.

Light

Avoid direct sun. Soft lateral light brings out texture; strong frontal light can flatten layers.
If possible, use dimmable lighting to tune the atmosphere.

Framing

A float frame (box frame) honors the painting without crowding the edges.
Natural wood, raw, or discreet gold tones usually pair well with the series.

Why “Olho” works so well at home (and at work)

It soothes without distracting—ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, and focus areas.
The color core creates a quiet presence; the apparent simplicity supports long-term enjoyment (you don’t tire of it).
Because it is non-literal, it speaks to different interior styles and doesn’t compete with personal objects around it.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to “understand” the piece to appreciate it?No. With abstract art, appreciation is sensory. If the work changes your breathing, mood, or focus—it’s already working.

How do I choose the palette?Bring references from your space (photos, fabrics, rugs) and the feeling you want (calm, openness, warmth). From there, I build a custom palette.

What if I want an “Olho” for a specific room?We define palette, dimensions, and atmosphere together. Before the final painting, I share a preliminary sketch for approval.

Commission process (summary)

References & brief: pieces of mine you like + photos of your space.
Proposal: pricing varies by series and format; larger works have a more competitive price per m².
Sketch approval: alignment on composition and palette.
Painting: layered production, 100% handmade.
Delivery: secure packaging, digital Certificate of Authenticity, and Brazilian NFe.

Care

Avoid direct sunlight, excessive humidity, and extreme temperature shifts.
Clean gently with a dry, soft cloth; do not use chemicals.

In closing

Abstract art is a sensitive mirror: it doesn’t tell you what to see; it returns what you feel. In Olho, color and silence work together to create a field of presence—a good pause in the middle of the day. If you’d like, we can start from your space: dimensions, palette, atmosphere. The rest, the painting reveals.