Chase Adventure

A Magical Season in Nature’s Studio

Wow, what an incredible year it’s been! We can’t even begin to express how grateful we are to everyone who joined us this season.

From painting under the pines to creating in the coastal breeze, this year has truly been one for the books! 🌲🎨

We kicked things off with new outdoor studios, expanded our reach with traveling adventures, and met so many amazing emerging artists – some who had never picked up a paintbrush before, let alone a palette knife!

Whether you joined us for a fun date night, girls day or family adventure, every group made this year so special. Thanks for sharing creativity and exploration together.

As we close out the 2024 season, we’re taking some time to rest, recharge, and reflect on everything that made this year magical. But don’t worry—there are already plans for an even bigger, better 2025! We can’t wait to bring you new locations, fresh artist collabs, and of course, more painting among the pines.

In the meantime, don’t forget: Abstract Adventures gift cards are now available, the perfect way to treat your loved ones to a unique experience near Denver next year!

🎁 GRAB HIKE & PAINT GIFT CARDS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

We’ll see you again in the spring of 2025, but until then, we’re sending all the creative vibes your way. Keep an eye out for updates, and we’ll be back in May to kick off another amazing season!

Impact Adventures

Impact Adventures with Great Outdoors San Diego

In September 2024, Abstract Adventures packed up our brushes and headed west for a few impact adventures with Great Outdoors San Diego!

We were thrilled to host two traveling hike & paint events with folks building community through inclusive, fun outdoor events in SoCal! Painting along the Pacific? Yes, sign us up!

Sea to Peaks at Sunset Cliffs and Palomar Mountain

We traded our usual Denver alpine views and kicked off our first adventure at Sunset Cliffs, with a stroll & paint inspired by amazing sunset views along the west coast. Pelicans soared overhead while we captured the waves, cliffs and vibrant sky across the horizon. It was a magical evening full of creativity and community – the sunset was even at the top of its game.

Our next adventure was Palomar Mountain, a serene escape filled with peaceful trails and towering cedars. We made our way up to the Boucher Lookout for panoramic views of the valleys and back to a tucked away studio nearby to learn palette knife peaks and more.

From bold brushstrokes to subtle details, everyone’s unique painting style came to life in these awesome outdoor studios.

Spreading the Joy of Outdoor Art

Impact adventures are part of our company mission to make outdoor art and the joy of painting in nature accessible to every type of adventurer – through reduced-cost partnerships and events with nonprofit organizations.

By hosting these community events, we not only bring people together to explore new landscapes and find their inner artist, but also support organizations that are making a difference. Great Outdoors San Diego creates welcoming spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies to connect through outdoor adventures, and we were thrilled to join forces to inspire their members trailside.

The Power of Community

Seeing the power of community and nature combine to fuel creativity is priceless. These impact adventures helped participants express themselves in new ways, connect with others, and find inspiration in the world around them. From the laughter shared on the trails to the thoughtful reflection spent on the canvas, it’s hard to choose a favorite moment.

A huge thanks to everyone who joined us trailside for these adventures, and to Great Outdoors San Diego for collaborating with us to create such a memorable experience! If you’re in SoCal, be sure to check them out for more fun ways to get outside and connect with the community.

Chase

Top Colorado Thing to Do: Fall Hike & Paint

As the vibrant hues of fall sweep across the Rockies, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the magic of the season. If you’re looking for Colorado fall things to do, we’ve got just the adventure for you! 🍁

Imagine hiking among golden aspens near Guanella Pass in the stunning Pike San Isabel National Forest and pausing to capture the beauty on canvas. This fall, we’ve partnered with WildWork to bring you a truly unforgettable autumn experience: Aspen Trailblazer Hike & Paint Tours.

Fall Hike & Paint Tour at WildWork

There’s something magical about autumn in Colorado. The crisp mountain air, the sea of golden leaves, and the peaceful escape into nature all come together to create an unforgettable experience. Now, imagine adding creativity to the mix with outdoor painting!

Whether you’re an experienced artist or someone looking to try something new, this aspen hike & paint is designed for everyone. Our guided tour will take you on a moderate 2-mile hike through aspens in their peak golden glow. Once we reach our scenic destination, we’ll provide you with everything you need to paint the landscape inspired by the beauty around you.

Plus, you’ll pick up some fresh painting techniques, perfect for capturing the essence of autumn. This is one of the most unique ways to soak in the beauty of fall and tap into your creative side.

Upcoming Special-Edition Fall Tour Dates

September 29
October 2
October 4

These limited dates offer a prime opportunity to experience Colorado’s fall foliage at its best. We’ve carefully planned them to align with peak leaf-peeping season, so you can bask in the vibrant colors while you create your masterpiece.

What to Expect:

A guided hike through blazing aspens
Outdoor painting session with supplies provided
Fun painting tips and techniques
Plenty of leaf-peeping magic and photo opportunities

If you’re searching for Colorado fall things to do, our Aspen Trailblazer Hike & Paint offers an adventure unlike any other. It’s the perfect combination of outdoor exploration and artistic creativity, making it ideal for individuals, friends, and even groups.

Ready to experience fall in Colorado like never before? Spots for our September 29 and October 2 tours are limited, so be sure to sign up ASAP. Grab your hiking boots, your creative spirit, and join us for a fall adventure you’ll never forget!

Click here to secure your spot

There are also cabins onsite and available to continue the adventure >>> book a stay with WildWork to keep soaking in the mountain relaxation.

Don’t miss out on one of the best Colorado fall things to do this season. We can’t wait to see you trailside! 🎨🍂

Chase

A Stellar Summer Adventure Awaits

Hey there, nature lovers and creative souls! 🌲🎨

We’re beyond excited to announce that our hike & paint tours are officially back for the spring and summer 2024 season! We can’t wait to hit the trails and start creating unforgettable memories with everyone.

This year, we’re taking things to a whole new level with some exciting updates… BOOK TODAY AND JOIN US!

New Locations and Partnerships

We’ve been hard at work exploring new locations and forming partnerships to bring you the best hike & paint experiences yet. Keep an eye out for announcements about our Impact Adventure partnerships and creative collaborations – we might even have a few special traveling hike & paint events up our sleeves! More info on that coming soon.

Flagstaff Mountain: Our Newest Outdoor Studio

We’re thrilled to officially launch a BRAND NEW outdoor studio location in the beautiful and iconic Boulder, CO.

Artist Point: Get ready to be inspired by gorgeous Rocky Mountain vistas, blooming wildflowers, and endless views. Choose between two adventure levels:

Nature Lover: Settle in at a scenic picnic table nestled on a ridge overlooking the Rockies. Perfect for those who prefer a rejuvenating light hike and a bit more comfort while they paint.
Trailblazer: For the adventurous spirits looking to embark on a more moderate hike, our outdoor studio at May’s Point offers a ground-level painting experience just a short detour from Artist Point. This is our favorite spot yet – I mean, just look at this view!

>>> Book Your Summer Adventure

With all these exciting new offerings, spots are filling up fast. Make sure to book your summer adventure soon to secure your place on one of our unforgettable tours. We have options available for everyday explorers, private parties and teams looking to hit the trails and paint among the pines.

We can’t wait to see you trailside and share in the joy of painting in nature. Here’s to exploring outside the ordinary and an amazing 2024 season ahead!

Team Adventures

Trailside Team Building with Autodesk

Recently, Autodesk joined us trailside for team building and to paint among the stunning Flatirons in Boulder, CO! It was an unforgettable day filled with creativity, collaboration and play.

Why Choose a Hike & Paint Team Event?

Are you tired of the usual happy hour and looking for a unique team-building experience? Our hike & paint adventures offer the perfect blend of nature and creativity, providing a refreshing alternative that encourages your team to think outside the box.

Tailored Experiences: We customize each event to ensure it’s perfect for your team. Whether your group is full of seasoned hikers or casual strollers, we’ll find the ideal trail that suits everyone’s comfort and skill levels.

Creative Flow: Our guided painting sessions are designed to be fun and engaging for everyone, regardless of their artistic background. This isn’t your typical paint-by-numbers activity – we’ll guide your team through a landscape painting, offering easy techniques while encouraging them to play, take risks, and follow their creative flow.

Lasting Memories: Each participant will leave with a unique piece of art they can proudly call their own. More importantly, they’ll take away memories of a day spent bonding with their colleagues in a beautiful natural setting.

Highlights from Our Autodesk Adventure

The Autodesk team came ready to explore and create!

Special thanks to our guest community artist, Eric Pflug, who brought some seriously cool techniques to our outdoor studio. His guidance and inspiration helped everyone tap into their artistic potential and produce some truly unique works of art.

We couldn’t have asked for a better group to kick off our team events. Autodesk’s energy and creativity inspires us to look forward to the next one!

Ready to Book Your Team’s Adventure?

Our hike & paint adventures just might be the one-of-a-kind team-building experience your crew is looking for. Let us help you plan a day that your team will never forget.

Contact us to discuss the perfect trail and customize an experience tailored to your crew.

Chase

Fall Hike & Paint Tours Among the Aspens

September has just begun but before you know it golden aspens will be glittering all across Colorado…

We’re here to help you level up your leaf peeping this year with special fall hike & paint tours among one of Boulder’s largest aspen groves – 50 minutes from Denver!

BOOK OUR ASPEN TRAILBLAZER TOUR

Create an adventure to remember and learn how to paint aspens plein air style! Abstract Adventures is hosting limited fall hike & paint tours only available from September 22 to October 8. We’ll be journeying 4 miles roundtrip along the Walker Ranch Meyers Homestead Trail, which offers unique views of a historical old sawmill, colorful valleys and changing aspens. Adventurers will settle into a scenic rustic studio next to the aspen grove for a Colorful Colorado autumn painting lesson.

Tours will fill up fast, come join us for an unforgettable half-day adventure and discover your inner artist in Colorado’s beautiful autumn studio!

Capture

Canvas Rebel Feature

Abstract Adventures Founder Sarah Leistico sat down with Canvas Rebel to share more about the journey, mission and what’s next for hike & paint adventures. Check it out!

AUGUST 31, 2023

This article was originally published on Canvas Rebel

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Leistico. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sarah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
In riding the wave of launching Abstract Adventures, I’ve learned to embrace the art of balancing risk and research. A couple months ago I bid farewell to my corporate job for the world of creative entrepreneurship. My spirit was tugging me to shift directions and refocus priorities, and after years of research, planning, and encouragement from others I took the leap. It’s been a whirlwind of meaningful changes and I’ve been surprised each day by the puzzle pieces that continue to fit into this journey.

So many of us, including myself, are afraid of diving off the deep end to pursue our dreams because there is a possibility of failure. Whether that is making moves in your life, business, or across the canvas, it takes bravery to step out into the unknown. Pushing past that fear helps us all rediscover our path forward.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a self-taught landscape artist with a passion for connections, creativity, and community. A few years ago, my love of painting trailside ignited an idea that has now transformed into Abstract Adventures — hike & paint tours that empower folks to reconnect with nature and discover their inner artist among Colorado’s stunning scenery.

Locals and travelers alike are always looking for fun things to do near Denver and this is an opportunity for them to escape the everyday and explore outside the ordinary. Whether you’ve picked up a paintbrush before or not, we’re making outdoor painting (plein air, if you’re fancy) a breeze by providing all the tools and techniques needed to create unforgettable memories and leave inspired with a unique piece of art to call your own.

What truly excites me is the impact off the canvas and trail that our adventures spark, with participants finding fresh perspective, new connections, and some even picking up painting or other creative ventures after their experience!

Check out the full article on Canvas Rebel

Impact Adventures

Impact Adventure with Sober Hangs Denver

We had a blast partnering with Sober Hangs Denver this weekend for a Trailblazer Hike & Paint and Impact Adventure at Mt. Falcon!

It was a beautiful summer morning reconnecting with nature, taking in views and discovering creativity among the pines. The vibes were impeccable. We learned about wildflowers and Miner’s Candles, the history behind the famous Walker Mansion Ruins, and even saw a family of wild turkeys out for their morning stroll.

This hike & paint was extra special as it kicked off our very first Impact Adventure!

Impact Adventures are our company initiative to expand community access to outdoor art. We are partnering with nonprofits to host community hike & paint events that are completely free or significantly discounted for participants. Abstract Adventures wants to spread the joy and healing of painting outdoors with folks on all types of journeys, and this is our way of giving back and empowering others, no matter their ability.

Stay tuned for more community events and contact us if you’re interested in organizing an Impact Adventure with your organization! ✨

Chase

Colorado Hike & Paint Tours

Abstract Adventures has officially launched bookings for our Colorado Hike & Paint Tours at Mt. Falcon! After much anticipation and behind-the-scenes effort it’s finally here!

BOOK A HIKE & PAINT TOUR TODAY

Abstract Adventures Hike & Paints are a unique way to connect with nature and celebrate your creativity. Trails have been hand selected to teach you a bit more about Colorado nature and all the inspirations it has to offer. We provide and handle all the supplies, you just need to bring your sense of adventure.

“It was a really calming and freeing experience that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique outdoor experience!”

EVERY HIKE & PAINT INCLUDES:

Guided hike & painting lesson with supplies
Take-home canvas as a souvenir
Light refreshments (gluten free/vegan snack bar, nuts and fruit)
Wilderness First Aid certified guide & first aid gear

The painting portion of our adventure is not your “typical” art class. Everyone follows the same lesson and learns the same techniques, but you will be encouraged to play, take risks and follow the flow. Whether you’ve picked up a paintbrush before or not, you’ll leave inspired with a distinctive piece of art you can call your own.

Basic color theory
Color wash & choosing a horizon
Palette knife peaks
Techniques and more!

We offer two adventure levels when booking so you can choose the trail and outdoor studio that works best for you.

Nature Lover: Unwind on an easy trail among the pines and try something new, while also staying comfortable at a table during your painting lesson.

Trailblazer: Embark on a moderate hike and fully immerse yourself. Get to know nature up close and personal with a rustic outdoor painting class on covered ground. We recommend this level if you want to the full Abstract Adventures experience.

Summer 2023 tours will fill up fast, so whether you call Colorado home or are traveling to the Mile High City, make sure to book your adventure today!

Time to explore outside the ordinary. See you trailside!

Chase

Colorful Colorado Adventure – Abyss Trail

Fall in Colorful Colorado is like a treasure hunt. Where can you spot the most gold?

There are plentiful opportunities across the state, but I was looking for a choice closer to home and stumbled upon Abyss Trail – a local favorite. Upon arriving at the trailhead, I began to understand why so many add this fall hike to their list.

The trail winds up from a substantial parking lot into the forest. The incline was manageable and I found it to be the most challenging section of the trail we hiked.*

*Note that we only completed about 3.5 miles and went back, but if you plan to hike up to Abyss Lake be prepared for a much longer and strenuous trail with generous incline.

Eventually you cross an itty bitty stream and notice the ground beneath your feet start to soften and even out. After enjoying a somewhat easy path, the rush of a larger creek (Scott Gomer Creek) with pebbles and a footbridge greets you. Getting ready for jaw dropping awesome…

Take in the wall of fiery marigold, persimmon, and vermillion that stretches across the valley mountainside. You will be starstruck by nature’s magnificent paintbrush. After properly absorbing this view, we continued on – descending around the bend into the cornucopia of color.

It is HARD to keep your eyes in front of you, I wanted to keep my head on a 360 degree swivel. Regardless, the trail does begin to get rocky again and the incline picks up a bit so don’t forget to watch out for tripping hazards.

Pauses are important when adventuring, nature has a special way of healing us and I like to make sure I always get a hefty dose of her medicine while there. Today it was glittering amber aspens warmed by the sunshine that fluttered in the wind.

After venturing about a mile northeast you will hit the rushing creek again. I noticed a clearing here with a boulder that would make the perfect impromptu afternoon studio. I carefully made my way down to the water and unzipped my backpack, this could not have been a more perfect spot for creativity.

Enveloped by the wash of color my senses felt on fire, inspiration was everywhere. I balanced my tupperware of water in a crevice and pulled out some shades that matched the mood. My canvas was one that has lived many lives before. I took a wash of burgundy over the entire board and squeezed amber and tangerine onto my palette. My palette knife was ready and the creativity was flowing.

Dipping my knife into the warm bright shades, I lined it to the brim. The leaves around me were brought to life with generous amounts of textured brief swatches across the piece.

Once the canopy was complete, I incorporated a technique that another artist passed along to create aspen trunks. It was my first time trying it, and I had a blast exploring the process.

Aspen Trunk Tutorial

Line your palette knife with whatever color you want the trunk to be, in this case it was white.
Take the edge of your knife and dab it onto the canvas, creating a line. You can be funky with this, the line doesn’t need to be straight – it can curve and sit at an angle.
Once the outline of your trunk is done, take the clean edge of you knife and pull paint from your border inward, this will create a realistic bark effect. Then repeat the same steps for the other border of your trunk.

After adding a few more aspens, an unexpected guest arrived upstream. A mother moose with her calf. While beautiful, this was a good point to pause the painting and head back – moose with offspring can be somewhat temperamental and taking caution is wise. I stuffed my supplies back in my bag and took in one last magical vista before descending back down to the car.

It’s not always easy to decide when your paintings are complete. I knew this piece still required some final touches so I brought it with for another adventure to Estes Park, finishing the last misfit aspen from the open trunk of my Forester.

Here’s the finished piece “Zest”

Wow, what an incredible year it’s been! We can’t even begin to express how grateful we are to everyone who joined us this season.

From painting under the pines to creating in the coastal breeze, this year has truly been one for the books! 🌲🎨

In the meantime, don’t forget: Abstract Adventures gift cards are now available, the perfect way to treat your loved ones to a unique experience near Denver next year!

🎁 GRAB HIKE & PAINT GIFT CARDS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

In September 2024, Abstract Adventures packed up our brushes and headed west for a few impact adventures with Great Outdoors San Diego!

Sea to Peaks at Sunset Cliffs and Palomar Mountain

Spreading the Joy of Outdoor Art

The Power of Community

A huge thanks to everyone who joined us trailside for these adventures, and to Great Outdoors San Diego for collaborating with us to create such a memorable experience! If you’re in SoCal, be sure to check them out for more fun ways to get outside and connect with the community.

As the vibrant hues of fall sweep across the Rockies, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the magic of the season. If you’re looking for Colorado fall things to do, we’ve got just the adventure for you! 🍁

Fall Hike & Paint Tour at WildWork

Upcoming Special-Edition Fall Tour Dates

Ready to experience fall in Colorado like never before? Spots for our September 29 and October 2 tours are limited, so be sure to sign up ASAP. Grab your hiking boots, your creative spirit, and join us for a fall adventure you’ll never forget!

Hey there, nature lovers and creative souls! 🌲🎨

We’re beyond excited to announce that our hike & paint tours are officially back for the spring and summer 2024 season! We can’t wait to hit the trails and start creating unforgettable memories with everyone.

This year, we’re taking things to a whole new level with some exciting updates… BOOK TODAY AND JOIN US!

New Locations and Partnerships

Flagstaff Mountain: Our Newest Outdoor Studio

Artist Point: Get ready to be inspired by gorgeous Rocky Mountain vistas, blooming wildflowers, and endless views. Choose between two adventure levels:

Recently, Autodesk joined us trailside for team building and to paint among the stunning Flatirons in Boulder, CO! It was an unforgettable day filled with creativity, collaboration and play.

Why Choose a Hike & Paint Team Event?

Are you tired of the usual happy hour and looking for a unique team-building experience? Our hike & paint adventures offer the perfect blend of nature and creativity, providing a refreshing alternative that encourages your team to think outside the box.

Highlights from Our Autodesk Adventure

Ready to Book Your Team’s Adventure?

Contact us to discuss the perfect trail and customize an experience tailored to your crew.

September has just begun but before you know it golden aspens will be glittering all across Colorado…

Abstract Adventures Founder Sarah Leistico sat down with Canvas Rebel to share more about the journey, mission and what’s next for hike & paint adventures. Check it out!

We had a blast partnering with Sober Hangs Denver this weekend for a Trailblazer Hike & Paint and Impact Adventure at Mt. Falcon!

Abstract Adventures has officially launched bookings for our Colorado Hike & Paint Tours at Mt. Falcon! After much anticipation and behind-the-scenes effort it’s finally here!

“It was a really calming and freeing experience that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique outdoor experience!”

Summer 2023 tours will fill up fast, so whether you call Colorado home or are traveling to the Mile High City, make sure to book your adventure today!

Fall in Colorful Colorado is like a treasure hunt. Where can you spot the most gold?

Pauses are important when adventuring, nature has a special way of healing us and I like to make sure I always get a hefty dose of her medicine while there. Today it was glittering amber aspens warmed by the sunshine that fluttered in the wind.

Aspen Trunk Tutorial

Line your palette knife with whatever color you want the trunk to be, in this case it was white.

Take the edge of your knife and dab it onto the canvas, creating a line. You can be funky with this, the line doesn’t need to be straight – it can curve and sit at an angle.

Once the outline of your trunk is done, take the clean edge of you knife and pull paint from your border inward, this will create a realistic bark effect. Then repeat the same steps for the other border of your trunk.