Beyond What We See - Understanding Abstract Landscapes

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.

Links

  • 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! 🌟

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