Prior to getting an infrared converted camera I was using a filter that I would screw onto the lens of my regular camera. Doing it this way caused exposures to be about 20 to 30 seconds long. Hence the streaking clouds. It worked out well as they became an important part of the image.
This photo isn't technically abstract, but the shape formed by the melted snow certainly is. This was shot near Churchill, Manitoba, on the way to viewing polar bears.
I've been back to the East side of Lake Winnipeg about seven times now trying to get the shot I'm envisioning of a backlit wave. I still don't have the shot I want, but I was happy with this one. I like the gap in the wave on the left which lets us see the sun. I will be going back when the forecast is calling for strong winds.