Explore every episode of the podcast Totally Abstracted

In this episode I reflect on the frustrating gap that often exists between the painting we imagine and the one that actually appears on the surface. I talk about how imagination has no physical limitations, while painting is always a negotiation with materials, decisions, drying times, colour, texture and process. I explore how this gap isn’t necessarily evidence of failure, but proof that our eye is developing and reaching toward something more nuanced. The goal isn’t to force a painting to become the exact image or feeling we first imagined. Instead, it’s about staying responsive to what begins emerging through the process itself.

I recently started a couple of paintings with the intention that they might become part of a collection I’d sell, and almost immediately I felt a shift. Nothing about my tools or process had changed, but the way I was painting had. My marks became tighter, I hesitated more, and I started second guessing decisions I would usually make instinctively. It made me realise how subtle the moment is when you stop painting with the work and start painting for an outcome, and how that shift can take the freedom and energy out of a painting.

In this episode I explore the difference between direction and pressure, and how trying to make a painting “work” can lead to control rather than discovery. I talk about noticing when intention becomes restrictive. and finding small ways back to instinct and helping the work feel alive again.

If you’re drawn to expressive, intuitive painting, come join me inside Abstract Horizons, my creative community for artists who want to paint with more freedom and emotion. You can take a look here:👉 https://www.skool.com/beyond-the-horizon-1551

In this episode I talk about what happened when I recently went bigger with my painting, working on a 60 x 90 cm piece in my very small studio (which, at one point, literally fell on my head). But beyond the practical challenges what really struck me was the difference between how the painting felt to make and how it felt afterwards. During the process I felt freer, looser, more instinctive. But when I stepped back, something didn’t quite sit right. The work didn’t fully feel like mine.

That led me to reflect on what’s really happening when we change scale. I started to realise that my style isn’t just about what I paint, it’s tied to how I move, the rhythm I work in, and the pace of decisions I’ve internalised over time. Painting bigger disrupted that rhythm, and suddenly I was working in a language I don’t yet feel fluent in. But instead of seeing this as something going wrong, I’m choosing to see it as a process of learning, understanding how my voice translates at a different scale. In this episode, I explore that shift, and what it might mean if your work ever feels both better and less like you at the same time.

In this episode I talk honestly about something that doesn’t get said enough, painting isn’t always relaxing. While art can be a powerful release and a way to quiet the mind, especially for me when my OCD is busy, there are also days when everything feels stiff, resistant and frustrating. I share a recent studio session where nothing seemed to work, from struggling with oil and cold wax medium on paper, to scraping everything off, to forcing a quick piece just to feel productive. It led me to question why I felt the need to “get something done” at all, and how easily that pressure can creep into creative work.

I reflect on how much of that pressure comes from being used to output-driven environments, and how painting doesn’t always follow that logic. What shifted things for me wasn’t pushing harder, but changing the conditions, simplifying my palette, switching surfaces, and allowing curiosity back into the process. This episode is a reminder that difficult sessions are part of the practice, not a sign that something’s gone wrong. Sometimes the best work comes not from forcing a result, but from loosening your grip and approaching things differently.

In this episode I reflect on what it really means for a painting to be finished. After moving away from the faces I’d been exploring and returning to looser, more expressive abstract landscapes, I’ve been thinking a lot about the rhythm of making. I’ve been sharing some of these pieces online and noticing how easily the act of posting can make a painting feel like it has to be complete. I explore the difference between sharing a moment in a painting’s life and declaring it finished, and how those two things don’t have to be the same. This episode is really about giving paintings the time they need, even when we’re sharing the process publicly.

In this episode I reflect on what happens when your work stops being “beautiful” in the way people expect. After years of creating abstract landscapes that offered calm, atmosphere and refuge, I’ve found myself pulled toward faces that feel closer, more direct and sometimes unsettling. This shift has led me to question the difference between beautiful and true, between work that soothes and work that activates.

I talk about the tension every creative eventually faces: do we continue making what’s liked, or do we follow what feels urgent? This episode isn’t about rejecting beauty, but about expanding what art is allowed to be. If your work is changing and it no longer fits neatly into expectations, this is a reminder that you haven’t lost your way. You may be moving closer to something more alive.

In this episode I talk openly about a phase I’m currently in as an artist where the work is arriving before the explanation. After years of being known for abstract landscapes, I’ve found myself increasingly pulled toward faces and figures, work that feels more direct, more confronting, and harder to immediately explain. Rather than rushing to define or justify this shift, I’m deliberately allowing myself to stay in the not-knowing, trusting the instinct that something important is forming even if I don’t yet have the language for it.

I reflect on the pressure many creatives feel to stay legible, consistent, and publicly articulate at all times, especially once an audience exists. This episode is a defence of private experimentation, creative uncertainty and protecting the phases of work that need time, privacy and patience. If you’re making work that doesn’t fit your usual patterns, isn’t ready to be shared, or doesn’t make sense yet, this is a reminder that you’re not lost. You’re early. And sometimes the bravest thing you can do is trust the work before you trust the explanation.

This episode was prompted by Facebook memories resurfacing artwork I shared three or four years ago, work I once felt proud of, but now look at with a mix of embarrassment and judgement. I talk about how unsettling that feeling can be, not just because it makes you question old work, but because it makes you doubt your ability to judge your current work at all. What shifted things for me was realising that the confidence I had back then mattered as much as the work itself, it was the fuel that kept me making, sharing, and improving. Growth doesn’t come from waiting to feel “good enough,” it comes from staying in the process long enough for your eye to change. I share why I’m choosing to keep putting new, exploratory work into the world now, even knowing it might one day make me cringe, and why that discomfort is often the clearest sign that you’re still moving forward.

In this episode I talk honestly about being blocked, frustrated, and doubting yourself as an artist, that horrible headspace where nothing works and your inner critic starts building a case against you. I share a story about a recent failed painting, how it spiralled into self-doubt, and the simple shift that helped me step out of it by changing direction rather than forcing my way through.

This isn’t about fixing a painting or pushing harder. It’s about recognising frustration as information, not proof that you’re failing. I explore how harsh self-talk, perfectionism and fear tighten everything up, and why changing scale, tools, subject, or energy can give you breathing room again.

If you’re stuck, questioning yourself, or wondering whether you’ve “lost it,” this episode is a reminder that you haven’t. You’re just in the messy middle of the cycle. And learning how to meet yourself there, with curiosity instead of blame, is one of the most important tools an expressive artist can have.

This week I’m talking about something that surprised me in my own practice: how returning to Procreate, a tool I haven’t touched properly in years, helped me break out of my old habits and finally start moving away from the horizon line. I share the unexpected guilt that came with using digital tools again, how the undo button can actually teach us more about our instincts than we think, and why digital play can open doors that feel stuck in traditional media.

I also talk about the two digital pieces I created this week, how different they felt, and what they revealed about freedom, looseness and expression. If you’re feeling stuck or wrestling with a “default move” in your work, this episode is an invitation to revisit the tools you’ve abandoned and allow yourself the permission to explore again, in whatever medium helps you breathe.

And if you’re drawn to expressive, intuitive painting, come join me inside Abstract Horizons, my creative community for artists who want to paint with more freedom and emotion. You can take a look here:👉 https://www.skool.com/beyond-the-horizon-1551

In this episode of Totally Abstracted, I explore colour as instinct, not rules or formulas. It’s a conversation about what happens when your work looks fine on the surface but feels hollow underneath, and how your colour choices often hold the key to reconnecting with yourself.

I share a personal story of losing my rhythm in the studio and rediscovering it through my “emotional home palette” of cool blues and violets, colours linked to memory, early mornings, healing and identity.

You’ll hear about:

• The difference between painting from presence vs. painting from habit

• Why colour theory is a map, not the terrain

• How intuition guides palette choices more accurately than logic

• The emotional “weather patterns” behind your favourite colours

• How to use colour to reconnect with your work when you feel stuck

I also offer a gentle prompt: choose your palette first and let it lead the painting. Listen now and and trust your colours.

And if you’re drawn to expressive, intuitive painting, come join me inside Abstract Horizons - my creative community for artists who want to paint with more freedom and emotion. You can take a look here:👉 https://www.skool.com/beyond-the-horizon-1551

In this episode of Totally Abstracted I’m exploring what I call The Layered Mindset, a way of thinking that’s changed how I approach both painting and life.

Every painting goes through that awkward, uncertain phase, the messy middle where nothing looks quite right and perfection feels miles away. But I’ve learned that this stage isn’t a mistake; it’s where the real art begins. Layers aren’t just physical paint, they’re records of choices, hesitations, and little moments of bravery.

When we let go of the need for perfection, we give ourselves permission to stay curious. We start to enjoy the conversation between what we put down and what the painting offers back. And in that back-and-forth, something deeper happens: the painting begins to reveal itself. And I believe that embracing process over perfection transforms not just your work, but your relationship with creativity itself.

If you’re drawn to expressive, intuitive painting, come join me inside Abstract Horizons. This is my creative community for artists who want to paint with more freedom and emotion. You can take a look here:👉 https://www.skool.com/beyond-the-horizon-1551

In this episode of Totally Abstracted, I’m exploring something that changed everything about how I paint - The Power of the Catalyst.

You know those rare moments when a single tool transforms not only your technique but your whole relationship with your art? That’s what happened when I picked up a catalyst wedge for the first time. I dragged that catalyst wedge through wet paint and something in me shifted. Painting became about movement, energy and discovery.

I share how catalyst moments (and that can be from any new tool, new material or process shift) can mark a turning point in every artist’s story, a new phase of creativity and courage, where we embrace uncertainty, surrender control and allow the real magic to happen. If you’re curious about the catalyst wedge I always mention, or want to explore some of the tools that have shaped my own abstract landscape practice, you’ll find them all listed on my Studio Favourites page on my website. They’re the materials I genuinely use and love.

Listen in, and maybe this week you’ll discover the tool that changes how you paint.

Season 2 of Totally Abstracted begins.

The theme is “What’s in Your Expressive Artist’s Toolkit?” - a fresh chapter exploring the ideas, materials and mindsets that help us paint with greater depth, freedom and feeling.

In this introductory episode I reflect on how my own toolkit has evolved from brushes and paint to include rituals, questions and creative habits that sustain expression. And I share what’s changed since Season 1, how my work and membership have grown, and what to expect in the episodes ahead.

And if you’re drawn to expressive, intuitive painting, come join me inside Abstract Horizons - my creative community for artists who want to paint with more freedom and emotion. You can take a look here:👉 https://www.skool.com/beyond-the-horizon-1551

Ever had a painting that just… flatlined?
It’s not that it’s bad. It’s just lifeless. The spark that was there at the start has vanished, leaving something that feels heavy, overworked, or simply “meh.”

In this episode of Totally Abstracted, I’m talking about what’s really going on when a painting feels dead, and how these moments can actually be turning points in your creative process - if you know how to work with them.

What You’ll Learn:

• Common reasons a painting loses its spark

• How to reintroduce movement, energy and surprise

• Simple, bold actions that can revive your work

• Why sometimes the best move is to let go

  
  

Whether you’re in the middle of a frustrating piece right now or just want to feel less afraid of “ruining” your work, this episode will help you see stalled paintings in a whole new light.

Share your revived work in my Abstract Horizons community - I’d love to see it. You can find the details, and explore more of my resources, over on my website: https://www.michellesleeart.com.

In this episode I’m exploring how to build your own personal symbol language as an abstract landscape artist.

I’m not talking about obvious icons or literal symbols - but the intuitive marks and gestures that show up again and again in your work. Those quiet shapes that seem to belong to you, even if you’ve never named them.

I walk you through how to begin observing your own recurring marks and how to intentionally build on them - not to restrict your freedom, but to deepen your connection with your work.

This Week’s Creative Invitation

• Pull out 6–10 of your recent paintings or sketches and look for repeated gestures, marks, or shapes.
• Start a symbol journal where you record and experiment with the marks that feel like yours.
• Choose one of those marks and bring it into your next painting on purpose. See how it behaves when you let it lead the composition.
• If you’re inside my Abstract Horizons membership, I’d love for you to share an image of one of your pieces and tell us about a symbol or mark that keeps surfacing in your work. What might it represent for you?

In this episode I explore the idea of the Golden Thread - that quiet, consistent element that runs through your body of work, even when your paintings seem wildly different. You’ll discover how to recognise recurring marks, moods or movements in your art, and how uncovering your thread can help you paint with greater clarity, confidence and intention - without losing the intuitive joy of abstract expression.

I share how my own thread emerged through repeated palette knife blending, soft vs. sharp edges, monochrome colour stories, and a rhythm of sweeping gestures and buried scribbles.

You’ll also get a four-step creative invitation to help you reflect on your own work and uncover the golden thread that’s already there - quietly guiding you, even when you don’t see it yet. I explore:

• What the "golden thread" is - and why it matters

• How to spot hidden patterns in your abstract landscapes

• Why your signature style isn’t something you invent, but something you uncover

Today I'm talking about something every artist experiences - but not enough of us talk about: the gift hidden inside a “failed” painting.

We’ve all been there - the piece that goes muddy, the colours that clash, the vision that gets lost somewhere between the first layer and the last. It’s tempting to write it off as a waste. But what if that unresolved, messy painting is actually one of your greatest teachers?

In this episode I explore how failed paintings:

• Offer valuable insights into your instincts and process

• Reveal your creative edges and blind spots

• Act as compost - rich ground for future ideas to grow

• Teach emotional resilience and creative freedom

• Often become surprising turning points later down the line

Whether you’ve got a growing stash of “never again” canvases or just need reassurance that your messy middle has meaning - this one’s for you.

This week's challenge: Honour your failed work.

1. Dig out 2 or 3 unfinished or disliked pieces.

2. Choose one to respond to - not “fix,” just explore. Add a layer, crop it or journal what you notice now.

3. Reflect on what it taught you. What was the experiment? Where did you stop short?

4. If you’re a member of my Abstract Horizons community, share your piece and tell us what hidden gift it held.
   → Not a member yet? Join here:- https://www.skool.com/abstract-horizons

Every piece, even the ones you hide away, contributes to your artistic voice. So next time something falls flat, remember:
You haven’t failed. You’ve just planted something that might bloom later.

Today I'm looking at what happens when your work meets other people’s eyes. It can feel vulnerable when viewers see something completely different in your art - but what if that “misunderstanding” is actually where the real magic happens?

In this episode you’ll learn why abstract work is meant to invite projection, how viewers create new stories from your layers, and why you can trust that letting go of control often leads to the deepest connections.

A challenge for you:

1️⃣ Show & Listen: Pick a piece you’ve made and share it with someone you trust. Don’t explain - just ask them what they see and feel.

2️⃣ Stay Open: Listen with curiosity. What surprises you?

3️⃣ Reflect: Note what you learn about your work - and your feelings about letting go of control.

4️⃣ Invite More: Post the piece online or in my membership. Ask: What does this evoke for you?

5️⃣ Gather Insights: Let their responses remind you that your art is bigger than you - and that’s the magic.

Every painting you create holds your unique perspective - but it also becomes something new each time someone looks at it.

By letting go of the need to control every interpretation, you make space for connection, resonance and meaning you could never have imagined alone.

🎨 Join Abstract Horizons

If you’re ready to move from hesitation to confidence in your abstract landscapes - and you’d love support every step of the way - come and join us inside Abstract Horizons. You’ll find monthly masterclasses, painting demos, Q&As and a supportive community where you can grow your expressive style. I’d love to see you there.

👉 ⁠Join the membership here: https://www.skool.com/abstract-horizons

Today I’m exploring something at the heart of expressive abstract landscapes: the profound connection between the artist and their work - and why trying to separate the two is not only impossible but can actually hold you back.

In this episode I unpack why your inner world - your memories, emotions and intuition - are always present in your art, whether you realise it or not.

I look at how abstract landscapes become powerful vessels for that inner essence, how viewers respond to authentic expression, and why vulnerability might just be the strongest creative decision you ever make.

Key Takeaways

• Every painting is, in a sense, a self-portrait. It carries invisible threads connecting your inner world to what you put on the canvas.

• Abstract landscapes hold space for layered meaning. Their freedom from literal representation allows your emotions and memories to come through in subtle, resonant ways.

• Viewers sense authenticity. Even if they can’t articulate it, people respond to the human essence embedded in your work.

• Sharing your process can deepen connection. Letting people glimpse your intentions, struggles or inspiration doesn’t ruin the mystery - it enriches it.

• Don’t perform authenticity - be authentic. This isn’t about oversharing. It’s about letting your true curiosity, preoccupations, and feelings shape your work honestly.

Abstract Horizons membership

If you’re ready to move from hesitation to confidence in your abstract landscapes - and you’d love support every step of the way - come and join us inside Abstract Horizons. You’ll find monthly masterclasses, painting demos, live Q&As and a supportive community where you can grow your expressive style without fear of overworking or second-guessing. I’d love to see you there.👉 Join the membership here

In this week’s episode I’m opening up about something deeply personal and often overlooked: how art can become a nervous system ritual - not just a creative act, but a way to soothe, ground and reconnect with ourselves when life feels too noisy.

If you’ve ever felt your mind spinning at 2am, caught in anxious loops, or weighed down by the constant pressure for “more” - you are not alone. I live with OCD, anxiety, and the kind of insomnia that loves to wake me up when I need rest the most. Over time I’ve discovered that my painting practice isn’t just about making landscapes - it’s my sanctuary, my rebellion against overwhelm and a way to calm my restless mind. In the episode I share my thoughts on:

• Art as a healing ritual - it’s about more than the finished piece, it’s a way to meet yourself with softness and presence.
• Repetition that can soothe - gentle, rhythmic marks or brushstrokes can help break the cycles of intrusive spiralling thoughts.
• Creating a sanctuary - small things like calming music, candlelight or a cup of tea can help your nervous system feel safe to rest.
• The beauty of imperfection - your art practice can teach you that beauty doesn’t live in rigid control, it lives in trust, flow and surrender.

And if you're not already a member I’d love to welcome you inside my Abstract Horizons membership. Inside you’ll get monthly masterclasses and demos and a wonderful community of like-minded artists - all exploring how to create work that feels personal and expressive.

✨ Come and make your art your sanctuary.
Join Abstract Horizons here

In this episode I’m talking about something that’s been coming up for me recently. If you follow me on Instagram or YouTube, you might’ve seen the expressive portrait I shared this week - completely different from my usual soft, dreamy landscapes. So I wanted to share the story behind it. Why I sometimes feel the need to create raw, abstract portraits… and how, surprisingly, those portraits live alongside my landscapes as part of the same emotional and creative process.

In this episode I’m sharing some of my favourite ways that abstract artists have used mixed media to bring texture, depth and emotional resonance into their landscapes. You'll also hear why mixed media is more than just technique. It’s a way to connect with emotion, with place and with what’s real beneath the surface.

The creative challenge this week is to make a small abstract landscape using at least one material you don’t usually use - collage, sand, pencil, ink, even something from nature. Let your materials guide you.

Want to share your work or get support? Come join us in my artist community on Skool!

👉 Join the Abstract Horizons Membership
It’s perfect if you love expressive, intuitive abstract landscapes. You’ll get access to monthly masterclasses, demos, challenges and a wonderfully warm group of fellow artists.

In this week’s episode I’m exploring something that’s deceptively simple but deeply powerful: stillness.

Not just in life - but in your art practice.

As abstract landscape artists, we often focus on the doing - the brushstrokes, the scraping, the layering. But what if one of the most powerful tools we have… is the pause?

In this episode I explore:

- Why so many of us resist stillness in the creative process (me included!)- How I work fast - often too fast - and why I’m learning to let paintings breathe- The difference between fixing a painting and letting it unfold - The fear of incompletion - and why it's okay not to rush to resolution- How stillness is not a lack of progress, but a part of growth

This week’s creative challenge:

Pick a painting in progress and don’t paint on it.Instead sit with it. Let it speak to you.Observe. Reflect. Write.

Ask yourself:- What is this piece holding?- What does it want to say?- What part of me is showing up here?

And if you feel inspired share your stillness reflections or artwork with us inside the Abstract Horizons Community

Thank you for listening.

In this episode of Totally Abstracted we’re exploring one of the most powerful tools in abstract landscape painting - colour as emotional expression.

Join me as I discuss how to intentionally choose colours that reflect your inner world and create mood-driven work that resonates deeply. I’ll share practical tips, reflective exercises and intuitive prompts to help you build a more personal relationship with colour - one that evolves with your life, memory, and emotional landscape.

🖼 Join the Abstract Horizons community

🎓 Get the Unlock Your Unique Colour Story mini course

Until next time - trust your instincts, paint your mood and keep things Totally Abstracted.

In this episode I’m exploring something we all wrestle with as artists - uncertainty. Whether it’s not knowing where a painting is headed or questioning your voice, uncertainty can feel uncomfortable… but it can also be one of the most freeing parts of the creative process.

I share personal stories from my own practice - including why scraping a painting back with a window squeegee was one of the most liberating things I’ve done - and how embracing the unknown has led me to deeper emotional truth in my abstract landscapes.

You’ll hear about:

• Why uncertainty is essential to expressive art
• What stops us from leaning into not-knowing
• My go-to techniques for inviting spontaneity and discovery
• How different materials (like inks, gouache and pastels) shift control
• Practical tools to help you paint with freedom even when you're unsure

🖌️ This Week’s Creative Challenge

I’m inviting you to get uncomfortable on purpose.

• Start a piece without a plan.
• Use a colour you usually avoid.
• Work fast-and don’t correct.

🎥 Mentioned in this episode:

• 📺 My new YouTube video working with acrylic inks, gouache & pastels
• 🌿 My Abstract Horizons free membership: Monthly masterclasses, demos, painting challenges and a warm, encouraging group of creatives.

In this episode I'm exploring what happens when we feel creatively pulled back toward something we thought we’d left behind.

I share how I’m beginning to weave castles, boats and bridges into my abstract landscapes again, and what that spiral path means for creative growth. If you've ever felt the urge to revisit an old love in your art, this one’s for you.

💭 What I Talk About in This Episode:

• Why I’m returning to figures and objects in my abstract work

• How painting faces and florals taught me lasting lessons

• The cyclical (not linear!) nature of creativity

  Why mixing modes of expression adds richness, not confusion

• The importance of staying open to old inspirations returning in new ways

• Creativity spirals - not in a straight line

• Revisiting old forms brings fresh insights

• Working across styles and subjects strengthens your unique voice

• Your artistic identity is expansive enough to hold it all

• Play and experimentation nourish your creative growth

🎨 This Week’s Creative Challenge:Create a small piece that blends your current style with something you haven’t done in a while. It could be:

• A figure in an abstract landscape

• A familiar object like a house, boat, or tree

• A gesture toward something you used to love painting- like florals or interiors

Let it be loose, expressive and true to who you are now. Then, if you’d like, come share it with others inside my Abstract Horizons community.

In this episode of Totally Abstracted, I'm going deeper than artistic voice - I'm talking about artistic purpose. Why do we paint? Why do we come back to the canvas again and again, even when it’s hard? This isn’t about technique or style. It’s about what our art means to us - and what we hope it offers to others.

I share how abstract landscape painting helps me uncover my own sense of purpose, and how abstract landscapes are a powerful way to express something more than just what’s visible. Whether it's about beauty, belonging, memory or healing - there’s something underneath it all that keeps us creating. That’s what I’m exploring today.

I also offer a reflective prompt to help you connect with your own purpose through painting, and I talk about how tuning into that deeper why can guide your creative decisions and keep you going through thick and thin.

If this speaks to you, come join me inside my free Abstract Horizons membership:
https://www.skool.com/abstract-horizons

Thanks so much for listening.

In this episode of Totally Abstracted, I’m talking about something we all go through as artists - those quiet, uncomfortable times when inspiration seems to vanish.You know the feeling … standing in front of a canvas and just feeling nothing. No spark, no ideas - just stillness. It can be scary, especially when making art is usually how we process life.But I’ve come to realise these slow, quiet seasons aren’t creative failures - they’re actually part of the process. They’re times of gathering, resting and gently reconnecting with what matters most.What I Talk About:

• Why creative stillness is actually a normal (and necessary) part of the artist’s cycle
• How to shift from pushing to noticing
• Ways to ease back into creating - no pressure, no big expectations
• How simple things like changing your tools, working on scrap paper, or noticing the light outside can help
• Why comparison and social media can be unhelpful when you’re in a quiet season

This Week’s Creative Challenge:Just spend 10 minutes making art with no plan or pressure.Pick up whatever’s nearby - paint, pencil, anything - and just play. Smear, scribble, layer, tear. Let it be messy. Let it be fun. Let it be nothing at all.And if you feel like sharing, I’d love to see what comes out of it in the Abstract Horizons community.Links:

• 🎨 Join my free Abstract Horizons group: ⁠https://www.skool.com/abstract-horizons⁠
• 📸 Follow me on Instagram: @michellesleeart

Welcome back to Totally Abstracted, the podcast for artists who want to make expressive, intuitive abstract landscape art that feels deeply personal and unapologetically true to them. I’m Michelle, and in this episode, I'm exploring something that touches all of us at one point or another — confidence. Or more accurately, the slow building of it.

✨ I’ll share how returning to cold wax medium has stirred up thoughts about trusting ourselves, silencing our inner critics, and allowing our voice to evolve over time.

I talk about:- Why confidence rarely arrives before we start creating- How a cold wax medium piece helped me let go of “getting it right”- A personal story about winning an art competition I almost didn’t enter- Why comparing ourselves to others only sabotages our growth

🖼️ Mentioned in the episode:

- The cold wax painting that helped me feel free & the one that won the competition

- This week’s YouTube video- My free artist community, Abstract Horizons

💡 The creative prompt from this episode:

Think back to a medium or method that once made you feel free — even just a little.

What would happen if you revisited it now, with everything you’ve learned since?

And what would you create if no one else would ever see it?

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode…

Please consider leaving a review, sharing with a fellow artist, or tagging me on Instagram @michellesleeart. Your support means the world and helps more artists find their way here.

Until next time — trust the process, trust yourself, and stay Totally Abstracted.

Welcome to Totally Abstracted. In this week’s deeply personal episode I’m sharing something that’s shaped not just my art, but my life: how painting became a way to hold grief, to honour love, and to find moments of grace in the midst of pain.You’ll hear about the hardest moments I’ve ever lived through — almost losing my daughter in 2021, and losing my brother the following year — and how, through all of it, painting gave me a place to breathe.This isn’t just about brushstrokes and colour choices. It’s about what lives beneath the layers — and how abstract landscapes can become emotional landscapes… a place to release, process and simply be.Whether you’re navigating loss, overwhelm or just need a reminder that you’re not alone in the mess — this one’s for you.Thank you for listening to this very special episode. I’m so grateful to share this space with you.

Ever started a painting with one feeling in mind… only to end up somewhere completely unexpected? In this episode of Totally Abstracted, I share a surprising shift that happened while painting what I thought was a peaceful abstract piece—until unexpected colours crept in and revealed something deeper. I explore: How your art can mirror emotions you're not consciously aware of; The emotional language of colour and mark-making; Why painting intuitively can uncover hidden truths; A simple creative challenge to help your next painting speak to you. Whether you're a seasoned abstract landscape artist or just starting out, this episode is a reminder to loosen your grip on control and let your art lead the conversation.🖼️ Want to explore this further? Come join my Abstract Horizons community, where we go deeper into intuitive abstract landscapes and share our creative journeys.🎨 https://www.skool.com/abstract-horizons🎧 Subscribe for more episodes each week.

Are you stuck in your head when you paint abstract landscapes? Overthinking every decision, tweaking endlessly and losing that initial spark of creativity? In this episode of Totally Abstracted, I'm exploring how you can let go of the rules, trust your instincts and create with confidence.I also share insights from my latest Upside-Down Landscape Challenge, where I flipped my abstract landscape painting upside down to break free from perfectionism. It’s a game-changer for loosening up and embracing the unexpected!🎨 Try the challenge! Paint an abstract landscape upside down, then flip it back and see what happens. It’s a fantastic way to break free from hesitation and unlock new possibilities in your art.✨ Join my free Abstract Horizons community! Connect with other abstract landscape artists, share your work and get inspiration → https://www.skool.com/abstract-horizons

In today’s episode we’re exploring the power of alternative tools in abstract landscape painting. Brushes are great, but what happens when we let go of them entirely? The episode is inspired by my latest YouTube video: The No-Brush Challenge, where I used only my palette knife, catalyst wedge, brayer and sponge to create a painting with dynamic texture and depth—and the results surprised me.

Join me as I explore:

✨ Why stepping away from brushes can unlock new creative possibilities

✨ How to use palette knives, catalyst wedges, brayers and sponges to create rich textures

✨ The freedom and expressiveness of embracing the unpredictable

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your painting process, or if you want to experiment with more dynamic, textured landscapes, this episode is for you!

🔗 Watch the No-Brush Challenge Video!

👉 Watch now on YouTube

🎨 Ready to Take This Further? Join Abstract Horizons!

As a member, you’ll get step-by-step painting demos, masterclasses, assignments, challenges and a supportive community to help you grow. More than just techniques, you’ll develop the confidence to trust your instincts, refine your style, and create expressive abstract landscapes that truly feel like yours.

✨ Doors are open for just a few more members! Want in? Join here

📌 Keep in Touch!

📺 YouTube: Subscribe for more painting videos

📸 Instagram: @michellesleeart

🌍 Website: www.michellesleeart.com

🎨 Membership: https://www.skool.com/abstract-horizons

🎙 If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, share and leave a review—it really helps support the podcast!

Until next time—keep experimenting, embrace the process, and stay Totally Abstracted. 🎨

Welcome to Totally Abstracted! In this episode I'm tackling a challenge that every artist—no matter their experience—faces at some point: the fear of the blank canvas. That moment when you’re ready to paint, but suddenly, hesitation creeps in.

In this episode I’ll explore five key strategies to help you move past the initial fear, embrace the process and start painting with confidence. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, these practical tips will help you break through creative blocks and rediscover the joy of making art.

📌 Watch my 10-Minute Abstract Landscape Challenge – A powerful exercise to overcome hesitation and start painting instinctively. Watch here

📌 Join my Abstract Horizons Community – Get structured challenges, support and inspiration to keep you creating. Learn More

The blank canvas isn’t something to fear—it’s an opportunity. When you let go of expectations and embrace the process, starting becomes easier.

Thank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share with fellow artists.

Until next time—stay creative, stay curious and stay Totally Abstracted! 🎨✨

Episode Summary

Finding your artistic voice is one of the most important—and often most challenging—aspects of being an artist. In this episode of Totally Abstracted, we explore what an artistic voice truly is, how it differs from style, and practical steps you can take to uncover and refine your own. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, this conversation will help you connect with what makes your work unique and authentically yours.

We’ll also talk about how community and feedback play a crucial role in this process—and I’m excited to introduce you to Abstract Horizons, my brand-new Skool community for abstract landscape artists. If you’re ready to explore and refine your voice in a supportive environment, doors are open now!

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What an artistic voice really is (and how it differs from style)
• How to uncover your unique creative fingerprint
• Why emotion, intention, and personal themes matter in art
• Practical ways to explore and refine your artistic voice
• How community can accelerate your artistic growth

This Week’s Creative Challenge:
Take a step back and reflect on your own work.

• What choices do you keep making—colours, marks, textures?
• What emotions run through your paintings?
• If you had to describe your art in three words, what would they be?

If you’d like to share your thoughts or a piece you’re working on, come post inside Abstract Horizons!

🎨 Join Abstract Horizons

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Totally Abstracted I’m discussing some of the biggest struggles abstract landscape artists face—and let’s be honest, these are struggles I’ve faced more times than I can count! If you’ve ever wondered, Is this working? Should I add more? Have I added too much?—you’re not alone.

We’ll explore:
🎨 Knowing when to stop—How to step back before overworking a painting.
🌀 Feeling lost in the process—Why getting stuck isn’t failure, and how to break through.
⚡ The fear of ruining a painting—How to take risks and push past hesitation.

And… I’ve got something really exciting coming next weekend that will help you overcome these struggles in a whole new way! Stay tuned for more details.

💡 This Week’s Creative Challenge: Take breaks on purpose while painting! Set a timer, step back and see your work with fresh eyes. Try flipping it upside down or taking a quick photo to gain new perspective.

🎥 Watch my latest video:Through the Dark Woods– A Sketchbook Adventure where I faced (and pushed through) these exact struggles!

📩 Join my email list to be the first to hear the big announcement! Sign up here

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—it really helps more artists find the podcast!

In this episode I explore the concept of movement in abstract landscapes—how to create flow and guide the viewer’s eye using lines, textures and colour transitions. Movement breathes life into a painting, transforming it from a static image into an immersive experience.

🎨Lines & Gesture – How directional lines and gestural marks influence movement.
🎨Texture & Depth – Using tools like sponges, brayers and texture mediums to create pathways for the eye.
🎨Colour Flow & Gradients – The role of light, dark and temperature contrasts in leading the viewer.
🎨Bringing It All Together – How small adjustments can enhance movement and rhythm in your work. And if you'd like more insights and inspiration please check out the resources below.

1. Free Abstract Landscapes Guide

My free guide

Ethereal Expressions: Building Depth and Emotion in Abstract Landscapes

Perfect for artists who want to master soft transitions, explore the emotional power of colour and incorporate subtle textures into their work. Download it today - it’s completely free and filled with actionable tips to elevate your abstract landscapes. Download the guide here:https://www.michellesleeart.com/pages/ethereal-expressions-building-depth-and-emotion-in-abstract-landscapes

2. Abstract Horizons Facebook Group

Come and join my community on Facebook—Abstract Horizons! This group is a space for like-minded artists to share, learn and grow. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your skills, you’ll find support, encouragement and inspiration. Join here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/abstracthorizons

3. Unlock Your Unique Colour Story course

🎨 If you’re ready to unlock the power of colour in your art, check out my course Unlock Your Unique Colour Story! This course is designed to help you:

- Discover and refine your personal colour palette

- Explore how value adds depth and contrast to your work

- Create an abstract landscape that's rich in emotion and meaning.

Enrol here: https://abstractingthelandscape.co.uk/unlockyouruniquecolourstory

In today’s episode I’m exploring abstract landscape simplification. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of detail in a landscape—trees, shifting light, endless textures—you’re not alone. But abstract landscapes aren’t about painting every detail; they’re about capturing the essence of a scene. And the key to doing that? Breaking it down into shapes.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🎨 Why simplifying a landscape into big, bold shapes makes your paintings more powerful.

🎨 How to see the landscape as shapes instead of details—using simple techniques like squinting.

🎨 How thumbnails, value studies and blocking in big shapes can set up a strong abstract composition.

Your Creative Challenge:

This week I challenge you to:

✅ Pick a landscape reference.

✅ Squint at it until you only see the biggest shapes.

✅ Sketch just three simple shapes—foreground, middle ground and background.

✅ Paint your scene using only those shapes first before refining details.

🎯 Bonus challenge: Limit your palette to just three colours for an extra layer of simplicity!

Join the Conversation!

I’d love to see how this challenge works for you! Share your piece in my Abstract Horizons Facebook Group. Let’s take the complexity out of composition and embrace big, bold shapes together!

In today's episode we’re exploring a topic that’s central to every artist’s journey: inspiration. Whether you’re an abstract landscape artist like me or exploring other creative paths, finding and nurturing sources of inspiration is key to uncovering your artistic voice.

In this episode I’ll share how inspiration shapes my creative process and offer ideas for where you can find your own creative spark. From poetry to nature, memory to music, we’ll explore how diverse influences can enrich your work and make it deeply personal and powerful.

1. The Role of Inspiration in Abstract Landscapes

• Why abstract landscapes allow us to interpret and dream rather than recreate.
• How inspiration serves as the “spark” that connects your emotions to your art.

2. My Favourite Sources of Inspiration

• Poetry: Especially Dylan Thomas and how his imagery connects to abstract landscapes.
• Nature: Observing the subtleties of light, colour and texture during walks.
• Memory: Using personal experiences to evoke feelings rather than places.
• Other Artists: Learning from masters like Turner and Richter to spark new ideas.
• Music: Letting rhythm, tone and melody influence brushstrokes and colour choices.

3. A Creative Challenge for You

• Try exploring one new source of inspiration this week: a poem, a walk or a piece of music.
• Create an abstract landscape that reflects how it makes you feel.

• Watch my latest video, The Water Wears the Stone here
• Join my Abstract Horizons Facebook Group for support, inspiration and sharing your work here

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Totally Abstracted and leave a review. Your support helps me reach more artists just like you!

Until next time, stay inspired, embrace the process and keep things Totally Abstracted!

In this episode I share how abstract landscapes can serve as a sanctuary—a space for calm and reflection, both for the artist and the viewer. I’ll guide you through the ways this art form can ground us, evoke emotions and create moments of mindfulness in a busy world.

Here’s what we explore:

• How abstract landscapes invite us to focus on mood and emotion rather than realism.
• The therapeutic benefits of slowing down and embracing intuitive creativity.
• Why abstract landscapes connect us to ourselves and others.

Key Takeaways

1. Intuition leads the way—don’t overthink it.
2. Colours and textures are emotional tools.
3. Art is about the connection: with yourself and others.
4. There’s no wrong way to create abstract art—it’s all about embracing the process.

Weekly Challenge

Create your own abstract landscape with the theme of calm. Use soothing colours, flowing shapes or soft textures to explore what calm feels like for you. Reflect as you paint, and if you’d like share your work in my Abstract Horizons Facebook Group—a supportive community of artists finding their voice through abstract landscapes.

Resources

1. Free Abstract Landscapes Guide

Artful Calm: Unlock Your Inner Peace with Intuitive Abstract Landscapes

Perfect for anyone looking to connect with their emotions and find creative renewal. Learn how to use colour, texture and layers to create a personal and meaningful abstract landscape without the pressure of perfection.

👉 Download the free guide here

2. Abstract Horizons Facebook Group

Join my community of like-minded artists on Facebook—Abstract Horizons. It’s a supportive space where we share our work, encourage one another and explore creative challenges. Whether you’re just starting out or honing your craft, you’ll find inspiration here.

👉 Join Abstract Horizons here

3. Unlock Your Unique Colour Story Course

🎨 Ready to take your abstract landscapes to the next level? My course, Unlock Your Unique Colour Story, is designed to help you:

• Discover and refine your personal colour palette.
• Explore how value adds depth and contrast to your work.
• Create an abstract landscape that’s rich in emotion and meaning.

👉 Enrol here

In this episode I'm exploring the world of layering techniques that can create depth and atmosphere in your art. Whether you’re working with acrylics, oils or mixed media, layering is a powerful tool to add mystery, movement and that ethereal vibe to your work.

Here’s a snapshot of what was explored:

1. Layering creates depth by allowing underlying tones to interact with upper layers, adding subtle variations in colour, value and texture.
2. Colour temperature matters—playing with warm and cool pigments can create luminous, dynamic surfaces.
3. Techniques like veiling and glazing offer unique ways to build mood and vibrancy.
4. Experiment with scumbling, dry brushing, and layering thick over thin paint to create textural interest and organic patterns.
5. Use transparent layers to avoid muddiness and keep your colours vibrant.

This week I challenge you to create a series of small layering studies. Pick three techniques we discussed and see if you can capture a specific atmospheric vibe or theme.

Share your progress in my Facebook group, Abstract Horizons (link below). I’d love to see how you experiment with these techniques and bring depth and emotion to your work.

Resources:

• 1. Free Abstract Landscapes Guide

Ethereal Expressions: Building Depth and Emotion in Abstract Landscapes - perfect for artists who want to master soft transitions, explore the emotional power of colour and incorporate subtle textures into their work. Download it today - it’s completely free and filled with actionable tips to elevate your abstract landscapes. Download the guide here: https://www.michellesleeart.com/pages/ethereal-expressions-building-depth-and-emotion-in-abstract-landscapes

2. Abstract Horizons Facebook Group

Come and join my community on Facebook—Abstract Horizons! This group is a space for like-minded artists to share, learn and grow. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your skills, you’ll find support, encouragement and inspiration. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/abstracthorizons

3. Unlock Your Unique Colour Story course

🎨 If you’re ready to unlock the power of colour in your art, check out my course Unlock Your Unique Colour Story! This course is designed to help you:

• Discover and refine your personal colour palette.
• Explore how value adds depth and contrast to your work.
• Create an abstract landscape that's rich in emotion and meaning. Enrol here: https://abstractingthelandscape.co.uk/unlockyouruniquecolourstory

In this episode, I explore how the cycles of nature and our emotional seasons shape the way we create abstract landscapes.

🎨 Key Takeaways:

• Seasonal Inspiration: Discover how the changing seasons influence our colour palettes, compositions and creative rhythms.
• Emotional Seasons: Reflect on how our inner emotional states align with nature's cycles and affect our artistic expression.
• Practical Tips: My three-step practice to align my art with both nature and my emotional state.

🖌️ Topics Covered:

1. Colour Choices: How the seasons and our emotions guide our palettes—from the moody tones of winter to the vibrant hues of summer.
2. Composition & Rhythm: How nature’s cycles inspire open spaces, dense textures or dynamic flows in our work.
3. Cycles of Creativity: Reflect on the parallels between life’s seasons and our artistic journey, embracing times of rest, renewal or growth.

💡 Final Thoughts:

Abstracting the landscape is not about copying the landscape but about translating the essence of nature and your emotions into your art. As we step into 2025, let’s embrace the inspiration of every season—both outside and within—to fuel our creativity.

🎉 Happy New Year!

Let’s make this a year of artistic discovery and growth. Keep experimenting, keep observing and keep creating!

Resources:

• 1. Free Abstract Landscapes Guide

Ethereal Expressions: Building Depth and Emotion in Abstract Landscapes

is perfect for artists who want to master soft transitions, explore the emotional power of colour and incorporate subtle textures into their work. Download it today - it’s completely free and filled with actionable tips to elevate your abstract landscapes. Download the guide here: https://www.michellesleeart.com/pages/ethereal-expressions-building-depth-and-emotion-in-abstract-landscapes

2. Abstract Horizons Facebook Group

Come and join my community on Facebook—Abstract Horizons! This group is a space for like-minded artists to share, learn and grow. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your skills, you’ll find support, encouragement and inspiration. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/abstracthorizons

3. Unlock Your Unique Colour Story course

🎨 If you’re ready to unlock the power of colour in your art, check out my course Unlock Your Unique Colour Story! This course is designed to help you:

• Discover and refine your personal colour palette.
• Explore how value adds depth and contrast to your work.
• Create an abstract landscape that's rich in emotion and meaning. Enrol here: https://abstractingthelandscape.co.uk/unlockyouruniquecolourstory

In today's episode I'm exploring a question at the heart of many of our art practices: What does it mean to abstract a landscape?

I share insights from my recent creative explorations, including how I create personal pieces that capture the rhythms, pathways and light rather than literal scenes. Abstraction lets us move beyond representation to convey emotional truth.

I explore five key principles to help you approach abstract landscapes with confidence:

1. Emotional Translation – Express how the landscape feels to you rather than how it looks.
2. Identifying Essential Elements – Focus on the relationships, rhythms and interplay of light and shadow.
3. Freedom with Colour – Let go of "realistic" colours and explore combinations that resonate emotionally.
4. Movement and Rhythm – Capture the natural energy and flow of the landscape through repeated shapes and dynamic marks.
5. Personal Interpretation – Embrace your unique perspective and let it guide your abstraction.

I also share the approach I use in my own work, starting with soft pastels and blending with water to create a foundation, followed by intuitive mark-making and layering.

As we head into the holidays, I encourage you to see the world around you with fresh eyes – perhaps letting the unique light and colours of the season spark your creativity. This is the last episode before the break, and I want to thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, enjoying other festivities or simply taking time for yourself, I hope your days are filled with joy and artistic inspiration.

• Watch my abstract landscape process on YouTube.
• Download my free guide, Ethereal Expressions: Building Depth and Emotion in Abstract Landscapes here.
• Join the conversation in my Facebook group Abstract Horizons.

Happy holidays! 🌟

Welcome to Totally Abstracted! In today’s episode I’m exploring the transformative power of limited palettes in abstract landscape painting. This topic was inspired by my latest piece, Breaking Dawn Through Winter Mist.

What I Cover:

• Why Use a Limited Palette?
  I explore how limiting your colours creates harmony, shifts focus to composition and texture and deepens your understanding of colour relationships.

• Choosing Your Palette with Purpose:
  I share how I selected turquoise blues, deep navy, slate greys and white to evoke that magical moment of early light breaking through winter fog.

• Tips for Success with Limited Palettes:
  From creating a value range to mastering your mixing, I gave advice to help you get the most out of fewer colours.

• Pro Tips for Wet-on-Wet Painting:
  I talked about how to use tools like palette knives, catalyst wedges and even sponges to maximize the potential of your chosen colours.

Resources Mentioned:

• Watch me paint Breaking Dawn Through Winter Mist on my YouTube channel.
• Learn how to discover and use your unique colour story in my course Unlock Your Unique Colour Story.

I’d love to see your limited palette experiments! Share your work with me on Instagram (@michellesleeart) or drop me a message about your colour adventures.

Remember, sometimes less is more. A limited palette can open up a world of possibilities in your art by encouraging creativity and focus.

In this episode I’m reflecting on something powerful and deeply moving—the way storms, both literal and emotional, shape our art and our lives.

As I record this from Swansea, Wales, Storm Darragh is raging outside. The winds are wild, the trees are swaying, and there’s a deep sense of awe—and unease. But storms are more than just a dramatic spectacle; they remind us of nature’s raw power and the resilience it takes to weather them.

Here’s what I cover in this episode:

• How storms inspire my abstract landscapes—not as literal depictions, but as emotional expressions.
• The role of layers and textures in reflecting the chaos and calm of storms.
• How my painting Turbulent Days captures the emotional weight of a storm through its sweeping marks.
• The importance of resilience in art and life, and how we can use creativity to process and heal from life’s storms.
• Why abstract landscapes are about connection, not perfection—and how you can use your art to reflect your own experiences.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Turbulent Days — Explore this storm-inspired painting here.
• My YouTube demonstration: Rose Sky Reflections . Watch it here.

Take a moment today to reflect on how storms—whether outside your window or in your life—have shaped you. If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Tag me on Instagram (@MichelleSleeArt) or drop me a message.

And don't forget to check out my mini course, Unlock Your Unique Colour Story—a journey to discover and work with the colour palette that reflects your artistic voice and emotions. It's the perfect way to explore the connection between colour and emotion in your creative process. Find out more here.

Stay safe, take care of one another, and as always, keep creating. 💙

In this episode I explore the heart of abstract landscapes—using atmosphere, colour and composition to create art that resonates emotionally and tells a unique story. From building depth through light and shadow to using colour as an emotional tool, I’ll share practical tips and insights to help you bring your abstract landscapes to life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to create evocative abstract landscapes by focusing on atmosphere.
• The emotional power of colour and how personal connections shape your palette.
• How composition guides the viewer’s journey through your painting.
• How to reflect and set intentions before you start your work.

I’m also thrilled to announce that my course, Unlock Your Unique Colour Story, is now open for enrolment! This course will help you discover your personal colour palette, harness the emotional power of colour and create abstract landscapes that feel deeply personal. You can find all the details at https://abstractingthelandscape.co.uk/unlockyouruniquecolourstory

In this episode I'm exploring a challenge so many artists face—perfectionism. If you’ve ever hesitated to make a mark on your canvas for fear of getting it “wrong” or found yourself endlessly tweaking a piece, this one’s for you.

In the episode I share 5 practical tips to help you break free from perfectionist tendencies and truly enjoy the creative process. Plus, I’ll walk you through 3 fun exercises to help you loosen up and let go of overthinking in your abstract landscapes.

I also talk about how I embrace spontaneity in my own work, even when it means making mistakes, and how you can see that process unfold in my Sketchbook Adventures series on YouTube. Spoiler: It’s not always polished, but it’s real, and it’s all part of the journey.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why perfectionism can hold you back and how to overcome it.
• 5 actionable tips to help you embrace spontaneity and imperfection in your work.
• 3 simple exercises to loosen up and get out of your own head.
• How I use unconventional tools and techniques like palette knives, catalyst wedges and limited palettes to create expressive abstract landscapes.
• Why “happy accidents” can be the best part of your creative process.
• My YouTube Series, Sketchbook Adventures – See my loose and exploratory painting process, mistakes and all!

Download My Free Guide: Feeling inspired but need more tools to let go and dive into your art? Grab my free guide, Ethereal Expressions, for even more ways to build emotion and depth into your abstract landscapes. Download it ⁠here⁠.

In this episode I’m exploring the magic of muted colours.

Muted colours are my safe haven. They’re calming, grounding and incredibly expressive, offering a quiet power that bright colours just can’t replicate. In this episode I share why these subtle hues resonate so deeply with me and how I use them to evoke emotion in my abstract landscapes.

Here’s what I cover in this episode:

• How muted colours evoke emotion and invite interpretation.
• The basics of desaturation and its impact on mood.
• How I used muted browns and greys to capture the stillness of a forest trail in my recent Sketchbook Adventure video, Following the Trail.
• Five reasons muted colours are so powerful in abstract landscapes.
• Three creative experiments to help you explore muted palettes in your work.

Mentioned in this episode:

My free guide: Ethereal Expressions: Building Depth & Emotion in Abstract Landscapes— packed with inspiration to create your own abstract landscapes. Download here.

In this episode of Totally Abstracted I explore the art of texture and its transformative role in abstract landscapes. I discuss how texture can bring life and depth to a painting though two key types of texture: physical and visual. Physical texture, which viewers can feel, adds tangible depth to artwork through mediums like glass bead gel for a shimmering effect, modelling paste for sculptural depth and sand gel for a rugged, earthy quality. Visual texture, on the other hand, creates the illusion of texture, mimicking elements like mist or stone without physical build-up, often achieved through layering techniques and varied paint applications.

I share my favourite tools for creating texture, including the catalyst wedge for large gestural marks, the palette knife for bold edges and the brayer for unexpected patterns. I also love to experiment with tools like combs, scrapers and sponges for unique effects.

Finally I suggest three exercises designed to explore texture: from layering and scraping to reveal hidden depths, creating a texture sampler with various tools and using texture to convey emotions. My Art Randomiser (which you can find on my website here) is also a source of inspiration if you’re looking to bring texture, emotion and spontaneity into your work.