Abstract Mini Paintings | Metallic Trees

This dynamic series of paintings, “Metallic Trees,” began with experimentation in the studio with acrylic paint pouring techniques.

Metallic Trees 1

Metallic Trees 1. 6″ x 6″, Acrylic on Wood, © 2025 Cedar Lee

With paint pouring, I’m able to choose the colors I want, and where I pour them onto my wood panel.

Closeup detail of black and white marbled effect in abstract painting by Cedar Lee

But the exact way that the swirls of paint will develop, and the exact way the colors will intermix, is mostly unpredicable and out of my control.

Closeup detail showing marbled area with black lines of brushwork

So, this method of painting very much requires the artist to go with the flow, so to speak.

Deep edges of abstract painting by Cedar Lee: Metallic Trees 1

Metallic Trees 2

Metallic Trees 2. 6″ x 6″, Acrylic on Wood, © 2025 Cedar Lee

First, I create a poured painting that is aesthetically beautiful to me.

Closeup detail: The shapes of trees painted with a brush

Then, much to my delight, I start to see the shapes of trees in it!

Closeup detail: Liquid poured paint alongside black lines painted with a brush

At this point, I add brushwork on top of the abstract painting to highlight the shapes of the branches and roots of these interesting, weaving trees.

Abstract painting by Cedar Lee: Metallic Trees 2

Metallic Trees 3

Metallic Trees 3. 6″ x 6″, Acrylic on Wood, © 2025 Cedar Lee

These paintings, while they have a distinctive look and a life of their own, are reminiscent of my earlier Tree of Life series.

Closeup detail: A fantasy golden sky

The metallic color palette creates a fantasy world of golden skies.

Closeup detail: Translucent brush strokes

In some area, I add translucent brushstrokes on top of the poured paint, creating many layers.

Abstract painting by Cedar Lee: Metallic Trees 3

Metallic Trees 4

Metallic Trees 4. 6″ x 6″, Acrylic on Wood, © 2025 Cedar Lee

The painted trees are more prominent in some of the paintings, as I follow the images that appear to me in the organic shapes created by the liquid paint.

Closeup detail: Tree branches and leaves blowing in the wind

These images are “semi-abstract.” They are heavily abstract in style, while still including representational images.

Abstract painting by Cedar Lee: Metallic Trees 4

Metallic Trees 5

Metallic Trees 5. 6″ x 6″, Acrylic on Wood, © 2025 Cedar Lee

The marbled cells of poured paint are particularly beautiful when imagined as clouds, or the leaves of trees.

Closeup detail: Curved and curling tree branches and roots

Some of the paintings include not only branches reaching up into a metallic sky, but also curved roots anchored into the dark ground.

Deep edges of abstract painting by Cedar Lee: Metallic Trees 5

Metallic Trees 6

Metallic Trees 6. 6″ x 6″, Acrylic on Wood, © 2025 Cedar Lee

In this fantasy world, it’s amazing how a few simple black lines painted with a brush bring forth the image of a unique winding tree against the abstract background.

Closeup detail: Gold and white shapes outlined in black

With the very deep edges of the 6″ square panels, these metallic-toned paintings are gleaming and three-dimensional when hung on the wall.

Abstract painting by Cedar Lee: Metallic Trees 6

The original paintings as well as fine art reproductions are available. Reproductions can be made much larger than the originals. While the originals can’t be beat because of the texture in the artwork, these images are very dramatic on a larger scale!

Fine art reproduction of “Metallic Trees 1” by Cedar Lee

Contact me with any questions.

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