Exploring Freedom Through Abstract Expressionism

 As an artist, I’ve always been drawn to Abstract Expressionism—a form of art that celebrates emotion, intuition, and personal expression above all else. Unlike representational art, which focuses on realism or capturing the world as it looks, abstract expressionism is about feeling first, creating second. It’s messy, it’s spontaneous, and it’s profoundly freeing.

What Is Abstract Expressionism?

Abstract Expressionism emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily in New York, with artists like Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock leading the movement. These artists weren’t trying to depict objects or landscapes—they were exploring colour, form, and gesture as a way to communicate emotion.

  • Mark Rothko used large areas of colour to evoke deep emotional responses. His works are meditative, inviting the viewer to connect with their own feelings.

  • Gerhard Richter, though slightly later, blurred lines between abstraction and realism, often layering paint and using scraping techniques to create textured, emotive surfaces.

Both demonstrate that art can be as much about the process as the finished piece. The act of creating becomes a way to explore yourself and your emotions.

Why I Love Abstract Expressionism

As a practising artist, abstract expressionism resonates with me because it allows for total creative freedom. There are no rules about composition, perspective, or “getting it right.” Every mark, every layer of colour, and every texture is an honest reflection of the moment—my emotions, my instincts, and sometimes even the natural world around me.

Working in this way is both exhilarating and therapeutic. It encourages me to let go, trust my intuition, and connect with my inner voice. And that’s something I love sharing with others in my workshops.

The Benefits of Expressive Art

Engaging with abstract expressionism isn’t just enjoyable—it’s also beneficial for mental and emotional wellbeing:

  • Stress relief: The act of making marks, layering colour, and experimenting with texture can be incredibly calming.

  • Emotional release: Abstract art allows you to express feelings that might be difficult to put into words.

  • Creativity boost: By letting go of rules, your imagination can flourish in ways that structured art often doesn’t allow.

  • Mindfulness: Working intuitively encourages being present in the moment, noticing your movements, and listening to your instincts.

Even a short session can leave you feeling lighter, more connected, and proud of something you’ve created.

About My Workshop: Exploring Abstract Expressionism

If you’d like to experience this for yourself, I’m running a painting and mixed-media workshop at Kick Up The Arts in Melton Mowbray on Saturday 13th June 2026, 2:30–5:00pm.

During the session, we will:

  • Start with warm-up exercises to loosen up and find inspiration

  • Explore colour, layering, and texture using a variety of media — paint, pastels, charcoal, and mixed materials

  • Experiment with different tools like brushes, palette knives, sponges, and even sand for added texture

  • Learn how to trust your intuition and let your instincts guide your marks, movement, and colour choices

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a unique abstract piece to take home and a fresh sense of confidence in your creative instincts. All materials are provided, and the session is designed to be relaxing, playful, and inspiring, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced maker.

Explore more and book your place > Here





Why Try It?

Abstract expressionism isn’t just about creating art - it’s about connecting with yourself, expressing emotion, and embracing freedom in creativity. Whether you’re looking for a stress-relieving activity, a new way to explore colour and texture, or just a space to play, this workshop offers a safe, supportive environment to dive in.

I can’t wait to share this space, the materials, and the process with you. There’s nothing quite like the joy of seeing colours, textures, and marks come together to form something uniquely yours.


Location: Leicestershire, UK

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