"Walden", a large abstract oil painting by Gabrielle B. McLean, featuring layered brushstrokes in soft whites, warm grays, muted blues, and earthy tones, suggesting a quiet landscape.

Walden

42 in. x 60 in.

oil on wood

This abstract landscape was created to bring the room together without competing for attention. Its subtle texture and tonal variations complement the bedroom's neutral palette, adding just enough depth and interest to make everything feel complete. I think of it like the perfect accessory to an outfit. It doesn't need to steal the show to make everything else look better.

Abstract encaustic painting titled Above and Below by Gabrielle B. McLean, featuring translucent layers of pale blue, ivory, and gray wax with earthy accents and textured surface markings.

Above and Below

36 in. x 36 in.

Encaustic and graphite on Cellulose

I didn't set out to create an aerial view, but as I worked with layers of melted wax, an unexpected perspective began to emerge. The colors suggested a coastline, and the composition took on a wonderful sense of openness.

Encaustic is an ancient painting technique that combines beeswax, resin, and pigment. What I love most about it is the way each translucent layer can both conceal and reveal what's beneath, creating a sense of depth and mystery that's difficult to achieve with other materials.

Mufasa Erased, a 54-inch abstract oil painting by Gabrielle B. McLean, featuring expressive, layered brushstrokes in soft lavender, ivory, muted green, and deep blue.

Mufasa Erased

54 in. x 54 in.

oil on wood


This painting began with another painting of mine, Mufasa, inspired by a dear friend's beautiful cat. The designer loved the original but wanted something more abstract for this room. So I took the colors of his fur and the structure of his face and began playing with them until the recognizable features disappeared, leaving only color, movement, and composition.

You'd never know a cat was behind it all, but I love that the painting carries a little of his personality without revealing its source.

Field Notes III, a 24 × 48-inch abstract floral oil painting by Gabrielle B. McLean, featuring energetic, textured brushstrokes in ivory, pale pink, muted gold, and soft blue.

Field Notes III

24 in. x 48 in.

oil on canvas

This is one of three paintings that were created as a series for the bathroom, each inspired by a field of flowers. I wanted the brushwork to feel loose and energetic, full of movement and life, while keeping the color palette deliberately limited. That balance allows the paintings to feel expressive without overwhelming the room, adding a little warmth and lightness while preserving the peaceful atmosphere.