In this paper, van Meer offers an exploration in the context of action learning doctoral research in which she explores leadership consultancy practice. The purpose is to grow insight on learning as a lived experience. Artful knowing offers a way to learn about life and practice, through a deeply personal, reflective and sense-making process. The paper is structured into four sections as follows: the introduction, defining learning, introducing artful practice and sharing what it has taught about learning, and reviewing how arts and extended epistemology can contribute to research, practice and social processes.