colourful abstract painting on canvas by Canadian artist Susannah Bleasby

The importance of 'colour play' in painting abstract art

Painting Abstracts

Distinctly abstract colour "play" is just as much a part of my art practice as more polished landscape or floral painting. The freedom to just let myself blob paint down and try new shapes and brushstrokes and compositions is complete joy to me. I try to keep my critical voice at bay while I explore (something incredibly difficult for someone like me!) and just give myself permission to experiment.  

colourful abstract painting on canvas by Canadian abstract artist Susannah Bleasby

These 'play' sessions are both incredibly fun as well as ... incredibly frustrating.  There's nothing like the feeling when the piece i'm painting seems to be coming together and somehow ends up as a fabulous curious, colourful abstract.  It's like seeing a tangible reflection of my most connected, joyful self. 

colourful abstract painting on canvas by Canadian abstract artist Susannah Bleasby

The flipside is when the magic isn't there and everything looks terrible and feels forced and I make no progress in any way despite hours trying.

And yet ...and yet. I keep coming back to my paints day after day after day. Call it obsession, call it passion, call it an addiction, affliction or fixation for it is all those things and more. Whatever "it" is, it's what i'm chasing and loving and hoping keeps coming out to play.

colourful abstract painting on canvas by Canadian abstract artist Susannah Bleasby

Contemporary Abstract Art Prints

Over the winter I painted a series of abstract paintings on canvas I called the "Detours" collection. It's a small but mighty series that is all about bold colours with not a drop of white to be seen!  There is an intensity in these paintings that I love. They are curious and weird and definitely not taking themselves too seriously. I wanted each painting to feel like it was giving the viewer a playful wink and a smile. 

The original paintings in the collection have all sold but they're too much fun to let go so the entire collection is now available as fine art prints!

And in keeping with my mission to make the world a more colourful place, I didn't pass up the opportunity to create a line of abstract greeting cards.  They're playful pops of colour that are a lovely way to send a little hello to a friend through the post.

 Follow along with my painting adventures on Instagram @susannah_bee_art or @thisbeeisme and sign up to my newsletter  to stay in the loop on new collection previews and early access!

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