Abstracts That Get Chosen
The eBook
Now Available as a PDF
How to Create Abstract Paintings That Galleries Exhibit — and Collectors Buy
Most abstract art never makes it past a juror’s first glance.
Not because it’s bad.
Because it doesn’t resolve, declare, or hold its ground.
This book is about fixing that.
Abstracts That Get Chosen is a practical, hard-won guide for artists who want their abstract work to stop hovering in the “interesting, but not quite” category—and start getting selected, exhibited, and sold.
This is not a book about finding your style.
It’s about earning confidence in your decisions—and making work that can stand up in a gallery context.
Who This Book Is For
This book is for abstract artists who:
Are technically capable but feel their work isn’t landing consistently
Get rejections without clear feedback
Sense that some paintings almost work—but don’t quite resolve
Want to be taken seriously by galleries, jurors, and collectors
Are tired of guessing what “strong abstract work” actually means
If you want reassurance, this book isn’t for you.
If you want clarity, it is.
What Galleries Actually Respond To (And Why)
Galleries don’t select work because it’s expressive.
They select work because it’s coherent, intentional, and defensible.
This book breaks down:
Why some abstract paintings immediately read as “finished”
What jurors subconsciously look for in the first 5–10 seconds
How galleries evaluate series versus one-off works
Why some paintings feel unresolved—even when they’re visually appealing
The difference between personal exploration and exhibition-ready work
You’ll learn how to see your own work the way decision-makers do.
What You’ll Learn Inside the Book
This book gives you a working framework for building abstract paintings that hold together—visually, conceptually, and professionally.
You’ll learn:
How to create internal structure without killing expression
How limitation strengthens abstract work (and how to choose yours)
When to push, when to stop, and when to discard a painting
How to recognize false complexity vs. real depth
Why series matter—and how to build one that makes sense
How surface, restraint, and repetition signal seriousness
How to title abstract work without weakening it
How to decide what belongs in your public portfolio—and what doesn’t
This is not theory for theory’s sake.
Everything in this book is tied to real selection and sales outcomes.
Why This Book Is Different
Most books on abstract art focus on process.
This one focuses on results.
It bridges the gap between:
What artists want to explore
And what galleries are willing to stand behind
It shows you how to protect your exploratory work and build a body of work that can live in a professional context—without diluting your voice.
You don’t need to paint differently.
You need to decide more clearly.
About the Author
Written by a practicing abstract artist and gallery director who has:
Juried and curated exhibitions
Reviewed hundreds of art submissions
Seen firsthand why certain works are selected—and others quietly set aside
This book comes from the intersection of studio practice, curation, and market reality.
No trends.
No formulas.
No guessing.
What This Book Will Do for You
After reading this book, you will:
See your work with sharper judgment
Make stronger decisions in the studio
Edit your portfolio with confidence
Build series that make sense as a whole
Submit work knowing why it belongs
That confidence shows—on the wall and to the buyer.
Now Available
Abstracts That Get Chosen
Available as a downloadable pdf.
If you want your abstract work to stop hovering—and start landing—this book was written for you.