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Jus', it's not abstract reasoning that's the problem, but rather your avoidance of Art History.
Art History is not about names and dates, but rather with understanding the evolution of humanities use of visual art.
Where for 'abstract art', what needs to be understand, is how this evolved in the Western world, and the critical role that Cezanne played in this. Then with understanding what was important about Picasso's art work and it's derivation from African Art.
Along with the Dadaist Movement, which has really had the most profound ongoing effect on visual arts. With its use of Art to question formal structures and thinking.
So that it's not so much about abstract reasoning, but with understanding Art History, and the reasoning behind abstraction.
Where in fact, 'representational art' is also abstraction.
With Degree level Art, it's the reasoning behind the Artwork that is focus. Where a 'representational' approach can equally be used.
But what one needs to be able to do, is explain the reasoning behind its use. With regard to Art History.