Discovering the essence of nature: abstracting the Landscape

So .In the vast world of art, the landscape has been a timeless muse for artists. From the serene beauty of Claude Monet's Water Lilies to Turner's atmospheric seascapes, landscapes have been depicted in various styles and forms. Among these lies abstract landscape painting.

Abstract landscape painting offers a rich and dynamic exploration of the natural world, inviting us to engage with the essence of nature in a deeply personal and interpretive manner. Through bold experimentation, emotional expression, and a sense of freedom and interpretation, abstract landscape painting celebrates the beauty and wonder of the landscape in all its diverse forms. It celebrates the enduring power of art to evoke emotion, stir the imagination, and connect us to the world around us.

There are many ways to approach this style of painting, here is one.

This is a photograph of somewhere I walk my dog regularly. It looks depressingly bleak. But the view, leading to a small windswept tree always captures my imagination.

And now for my interpretation ... I gave myself 1 hour to complete this painting. This method stops you from over-thinking and making fussy marks. It keeps the work fresh and spontanious. It doesn't necessarily lead to a finished painting but it's a great way to experiment and stay free.

At the end of the path

Spend some time looking at the work and ask yourself...

How does this painting make me feel?

How would you interpret this? Try moving away from the obvious and think about your life to explain what's going on in this painting.

Enjoy the process.

Take in the colours and the perspective, the treatment of the foreground and the sky.

Look at how the tree is depicted.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this painting and how it affects you!

And if you're interested in finding out more, I have just 2 places left on my Abstracting the Landscape Workshop in my lovely studio in Frome, where we will look at other ways to develop your landscapes. It's suitable for beginners and those trying to break free from painting what you see! And learn to Paint What You Feel!  Check it out here...

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