Abstract Expressionism SREF Codes
Bold, gestural abstract expressionism SREF codes for Midjourney featuring dynamic brushwork, raw emotion, and spontaneous mark-making.
Abstract Expressionism SREF codes capture the raw energy and emotional intensity of post-war American abstract art. These codes understand gestural brushwork, spontaneous composition, and the power of color and form to convey emotion without representation.
Quick Start:
Use --sref 2847561930 --sw 140 for bold gestural strokes, or --sref 3294817560 --sw 130 for atmospheric color field expressionism.
Important:
Expressionist codes work best with emotional, action-oriented prompts. Describe feelings, movements, and energy rather than specific objects.
SREF Code Collection
2847561930 - Bold Gestural Expressionism
Explosive brushwork with powerful gestural marks and dynamic energy reminiscent of Franz Kline and Willem de Kooning.
Characteristics:
- Bold, confident brushstrokes
- High contrast black and white or vibrant colors
- Raw, unrefined energy
- Spontaneous composition
Example:
explosive energy, bold black strokes --sref 2847561930 --sw 160
Settings: SW 130-180 | Best with V7, V6.1
Best For:
Perfect for expressing raw emotion, creating dynamic album covers, editorial illustrations, and powerful abstract compositions.
1928374650 - Action Painting Aesthetic
Drip painting and spontaneous mark-making inspired by Jackson Pollock's revolutionary techniques.
Characteristics:
- Drip and splatter techniques
- All-over composition
- Layered complexity
- Rhythmic energy
Example:
dripping paint, chaotic energy, layers of movement --sref 1928374650 --sw 140
Settings: SW 120-160 | Best with V7 + --sv 4
Prompting Tip:
Use active verbs like "dripping," "flowing," "splattering," "erupting" to enhance the action painting aesthetic.
4183927560 - Dark Power Expressionism
Dramatic black brushwork with powerful contrast and emotional weight.
Characteristics:
- Dominant black strokes
- High contrast drama
- Monumental presence
- Architectural gesture
Example:
powerful black brushstrokes, stark contrast --sref 4183927560 --sw 150
Settings: SW 130-170 | Best with V7, V6.1
Inspired By:
Captures the essence of Franz Kline's monumental black and white compositions.
How to Use Expressionist Codes
Choose Your Energy Level
Select a code based on desired intensity:
- Bold gesture →
--sref 2847561930 - Action painting →
--sref 1928374650 - Atmospheric →
--sref 3294817560 - Monumental →
--sref 3746291850
Use Action Verbs
Focus on movement and energy:
exploding energy, bold strokes --sref 2847561930 --sw 140
Specify Colors
Guide the emotional palette:
turbulent red and black, powerful movement --sref 4183927560 --sw 150
Adjust Style Weight
Control the expressionist intensity:
- Start with
--sw 140 - Increase for more extreme abstraction
- Decrease for subtler expression
Prompting Techniques
Abstract expressionism responds best to emotional and action-oriented language.
Action Verbs
crashing, exploding, flowing, erupting --sref 2847561930 --sw 150
Pro Tip:
Active verbs create more dynamic compositions. The SREF interprets these as gestural movements.
Emotional States
feelings of rage and freedom --sref 2847561930 --sw 140
Color + Emotion
passionate reds exploding across canvas --sref 3294817560 --sw 130
Synergy:
Combining color with emotion or action creates the most powerful expressionist results.
Composition Approaches
All-Over Composition (Pollock Style):
chaotic energy covering entire canvas, no focal point --sref 1928374650 --sw 140
Dominant Gesture (Kline Style):
single powerful black stroke dominating composition --sref 4183927560 --sw 150
Color Field Approach (Rothko Influence):
two large rectangles of color, emotional depth --sref 3294817560 --sw 120
Aspect Ratio Recommendations
| Ratio | Effect | Best For |
|---|---|---|
--ar 1:1 | Contained energy | Balanced compositions |
--ar 2:3 | Vertical power | Monumental works |
--ar 3:2 | Horizontal sweep | Panoramic gestures |
--ar 16:9 | Cinematic | Epic scale feeling |
Note:
Tip: Square formats (--ar 1:1) work beautifully for gestural work, while vertical (--ar 2:3) enhances monumentality.
Style Weight Guide
| Range | Effect | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 100-130 | Subtle expressionism | Semi-abstract work |
| 130-160 | Strong gestural quality | Most abstract work |
| 160-180 | Extreme abstraction | Pure expressionism |
| 180-200 | Maximum intensity | Chaotic, raw energy |
Note:
Starting Point: Use --sw 140 as your baseline and adjust based on desired intensity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Use Emotional Language
explosive energy, rage and passion --sref 2847561930
Specify Colors
bold red and black brushstrokes --sref 4183927560
Action-Oriented Prompts
dripping paint, chaotic movement --sref 1928374650
Note:
Let the emotional language and action verbs drive the composition. The SREF understands abstract concepts.
Combining Codes
Mix expressionist codes for unique hybrid styles:
--sref 2847561930::2 3294817560::1 --sw 130
This combines bold gesture (2 parts) with atmospheric color field (1 part).
Advanced Technique:
Use ::weight syntax to control each code's influence. Higher numbers = stronger influence.
Note:
When combining codes, start with --sw 120-130 to prevent over-stylization.
Related Collections
- Color Field & Hard-Edge - Pure color abstraction
- Fluid & Organic - Flowing abstract forms
- Abstract Overview - All abstract styles
- All SREF Categories - Explore other styles
Related Articles
Plot Generation with ChatGPT
Master the art of generating compelling story plots using ChatGPT prompts.
Technology Objects in Midjourney
Create compelling futuristic technology with Midjourney prompts.
Line Art & Outline Minimalism SREF Codes
Clean line work with minimal detail, precise outlines, and maximum clarity through simple strokes.