Totally Abstracted

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.

In this episode of Totally Abstracted I explore the liberating and intuitive world of abstract landscapes. Building on last week's discussion about "Finding Flow," I introduce how abstract landscapes can transform your painting practice by focusing on capturing the emotional essence of a scene rather than the precise details. I break down what it means to abstract a landscape, how this approach allows for creative freedom and a deeper connection to your art. By emphasising what you feel rather than what you see, you can express the atmosphere and energy of a place in ways that are uniquely your own. You will learn six key elements to create impactful abstract landscapes: Colour Palette: Using colours to set the mood and evoke emotions. Texture: Experimenting with layers and tools to add depth and visual interest. Composition: Creating an intentional flow to guide the viewer’s eye. Line and Shape: Simplifying or exaggerating lines to convey calmness or movement. Atmosphere: Using gradients and soft transitions to create a dreamy, ethereal feel. Mark-Making: Adding unique marks for spontaneity and character. Check out my YouTube channel for painting demonstrations and download my Ethereal Expressions: Building Depth and Emotion in Abstract Landscapes guide to get started on your own abstract landscapes.

Episode Summary:Today I’m sharing how I find that magical flow state where everything aligns, distractions fade and creativity feels effortless. It’s a beautiful space, but I know it can feel elusive, so I’m exploring what helps me get there.My Top Tips for Entering Flow:Building a Routine:I find that setting a regular painting time each week helps immensely. Fridays are my go-to painting mornings. I also have a small setup ritual that shifts my mind into a creative space—setting up my MDF board, taping my palette paper, gathering my brushes and palette knife, and mixing paints. These steps help me ease into the process.Handling Distractions:If you’re like me, you know how fast the mind wanders! I keep a notepad nearby to jot down any “to-do’s” that pop up, freeing my mind to stay focused on painting.Embracing Process Over Perfection:I try to start with loose, expressive strokes, not worrying too much about the final result. My goal is to capture a feeling rather than overthinking each mark—letting intuition guide me.Setting a Background Vibe:For me podcasts are the perfect background to keep my focus. They make the time feel even more personal, letting me listen to something I love while painting.Extras & Links:If you’re looking for inspiration, I’ve posted a new Sketchbook Adventures video on YouTube here. These videos are all about spontaneous flow in a low-pressure sketchbook setting.I’ve also released a free guide, Ethereal Expressions: Building Depth and Emotion in Abstract Landscapes. It’s filled with tips on creating atmospheric, layered abstract landscapes. Download it here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellesleeart.substack.com

Time Blocking vs. Task Batching for Creatives Balancing a Day JobWelcome back to Totally Abstracted, where I explore the intersection of art, creativity, and productivity for those of us balancing days jobs with passion projects. I’m your host, Michelle, and in this episode, I explore two popular productivity strategies—Time Blocking and Task Batching—and how they can help you carve out time for your creative work.Highlights from the Episode:Time Blocking: A structured method where your day is divided into specific blocks of time, each dedicated to a task or group of tasks. It’s ideal for creating structure in your day and reducing decision fatigue, especially if you’re someone who thrives with a plan.Task Batching: This technique involves grouping similar tasks together and handling them in one go, which can minimise energy drain from constant mental switching. It’s particularly useful for admin work or repetitive tasks.Which works better for creatives? The answer doesn’t have to be one or the other. I share how I personally use both methods—Time Blocking for my creative work and Task Batching for my admin tasks like emails, social media, and podcast editing.Key Takeaways:Creatives can benefit from trying both strategies depending on the type of task at hand.For those balancing a day job, start small—30-minute time blocks in the evening or a few hours on weekends for creative work. Use task batching to handle repetitive tasks more efficiently.Flexibility is key—experiment with both methods to find what fits your unique rhythm and helps you balance your day job with your creative passion.Free Resource : Get The Creative’s Quick Start Guide to Time Mastery, a free resource with practical tools to help busy creatives manage their time and focus on what matters most. It includes strategies like goal setting, task prioritisation, time blocking, and visual workflows, plus a printable time-blocking template, a task prioritisation worksheet, and a guide to creating your own DIY Kanban board.Download the guide here: https://www.michellesleeart.com/pages/time-mastery-for-creativesConnect with me:Explore my website www.michellesleeart.com for more episodes and resourcesFollow me on social media for daily inspiration and updates. I’m @michellesleeart on Instagram.Final Thoughts:Balancing a job with a creative side hustle isn’t easy, but these tools can help you make time for what you love without burning out. Whether you're more of a time blocker or a task batcher, it’s all about finding what works for you.Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow creative. Let me know which method works best for you—I’d love to hear your thoughts. Until next time, keep creating and stay inspired! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellesleeart.substack.com

Episode Summary:Welcome back to Totally Abstracted! In today’s episode I explore the concept of creative sprints and how they can transform your artistic process. Learn how to use structured bursts of focus and reflection to bring fresh energy to your work, iterate on your ideas and avoid the trap of overworking. I shares insights from using the Agile project management approach and a story about limiting my own time on art projects, resulting in more inspired and refined pieces.Key Takeaways:Creative Sprints Defined: Unlike a race to finish, creative sprints focus on cycles of intentional work, reflection and improvement. Each sprint is an opportunity to experiment, explore and make incremental progress.The Power of Iteration: Inspired by Agile methodologies, iterative cycles allow artists to refine their work, building on what works and releasing what doesn’t. Think of each sprint as a step toward progress, not perfection.A Personal Story on Sprints: I share my experience with setting time limits on my artwork, avoiding overworking, and finding that my work gained freshness and clarity through these short, focused sessions.Challenge for the Week: Pick an art piece, or start a new one, and break it into sprints. Set a timer for 15-20 minutes for each sprint, pause to reflect at the end, and write down your thoughts on the process. See if this approach helps you discover new perspectives or even surprises.Free Resource Mentioned: Get The Creative’s Quick Start Guide to Time Mastery, a free resource with practical tools to help busy creatives manage their time and focus on what matters most. It includes strategies like goal setting, task prioritisation, time blocking, and visual workflows, plus a printable time-blocking template, a task prioritisation worksheet, and a guide to creating your own DIY Kanban board.Download the guide here: https://www.michellesleeart.com/pages/time-mastery-for-creativesConnect with me:Explore my website www.michellesleeart.com for more episodes and resourcesFollow me on social media for daily inspiration and updates. I’m @michellesleeart on Instagram.Closing Reminder: Creativity is a journey, not a destination. Embrace each sprint, savour every iteration and keep growing. Until next time, stay inspired, stay curious, and keep creating! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellesleeart.substack.com

Episode Summary:In this episode of Totally Abstracted I share my passion for keeping your creative spark alive through consistency. Drawing from my experience as both an Agile Scrum Master and an artist, I explore how simple, regular creative “sprints” can help you maintain momentum without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you're balancing a full-time job, family responsibilities, or other demands, I offer actionable insights into building a creative routine that works for you.Key Takeaways:Creative Sprints: Learn how breaking down your creative projects into small, manageable tasks can help you stay consistent without the pressure of completing everything at once.Avoiding Perfectionism: How focusing on progress, not perfection, can free you from creative chaos.Personal Example: I share my journey of creating a large series of abstract landscapes using Agile principles, including brainstorming, exploring, and enjoying the process piece by piece.In This Episode:Why consistency is key to fueling your creative fire.How Agile principles like "sprints" apply to your creative process.Tips on breaking down your creative work into small, achievable goals.Why you don't need hours of free time to make meaningful progress.How to fall in love with the creative process and avoid burnout.Resources Mentioned:Website: www.abstractingthelandscape.comInstagram: @michellesleeartFree Guide: Grab my Creative’s Quick-Start Guide to Time Mastery for actionable tips to balance your creative work with everything else on your plate. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellesleeart.substack.com

Episode Summary:In this episode of Totally Abstracted, I return after a hiatus to share a personal story about the importance of artistic self-care. After a period of burnout, exhaustion, and creative struggle, I discuss how taking care of mental, emotional, and physical well-being is crucial for sustaining long-term creativity. Key Points:* I reflect on my absence from the podcast, detailing my journey through a busy work period that led to burnout and creative block.* I share my attempts to reignite my creativity by experimenting with different mediums and the frustration that followed when nothing seemed to work.* I open up about questioning my identity as an artist, feeling disconnected from my usual creative processes, and considering whether my art journey had reached its end.* Despite these doubts, I continued to participate in art competitions, which kept me connected to my art even when I felt like giving up.* A shift in focus to self-care: improving diet, quitting alcohol, and starting a regular exercise routine.* As physical health improved, so did mental clarity and creative energy, allowing me to reapproach painting with a fresh mindset.Artistic Self-Care Tips:* Take Breaks: the importance of stepping away to recharge when feeling overwhelmed.* Reconnect with Your Body: incorporating physical activity to help reset the mind and stimulate creativity.* Simplify Your Process: creating without the pressure of perfection, allowing for experimentation and play.* Limit Social Media Exposure: the draining effects of seeking validation online and the importance of setting boundaries.* Pursue Other Passions: the value of engaging in other hobbies or interests to fuel creativity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit michellesleeart.substack.com