Episode 156: The Layering Mistake That's Making Your Abstract Art Look Flat (And How to Fix It)

Most abstract painters think layering means adding more. More color. More texture. More paint.

But there's a version of layering that suffocates a painting, and a version that gives it real depth. The difference isn't talent. It's intention. And you don't need art school to develop it.

In this episode, Jodie breaks down how five artists used layering in completely different ways, and exactly what you can steal from each of them for your own studio practice today.

You'll walk away knowing:

• How Richter used scraping and trowels to reveal the painting underneath and how to do it yourself with tools you already own

• Why Rothko's transparent glazes created depth that opaque paint simply cannot touch

• What Van Gogh's impasto marks teach us about building texture that reads as intentional, not chaotic

• How Cy Twombly left things unresolved on purpose and why it draws the viewer in deeper

• The three questions to ask yourself before you add another layer

Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And come hang with Jodie on Instagram @jodie_king_.

Interested in being a guest on a future episode of Honest Art®? Email amy@jodieking.com!

Resources mentioned:

• Ready to push your work to the next level? Join Jodie at an in-person Honest Art® Workshop: https://jodieking.com/workshop

• Curious about Studio Elite? Next cohort begins September 2026: https://www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite

• Join the Honest Art® Society: https://www.jodiekingart.com/has

• Color Course for Rebels: https://www.jodiekingart.com/ccfr

• Enjoyed this technique podcast? Check out Episode 103: The Texture Toolbox: https://jodieking.com/episode-103-the-texture-toolbox-tips-on-how-to-elevate-your-art-with-texture/

• Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6

• Full show notes: https://www.jodieking.com/podcast