It’s been a busy year and I’ve had very little time for my artwork. When weeks turned into months, I began to really miss that creative energy. Towards the end of August, I finally got myself outside to paint at Mount Auburn Cemetery. I went to Willow Pond and immediately felt a spark of inspiration return. My connection to the natural world ignites my creative flow!
The Scene
I love Willow Pond. There are lots of birds and wildlife. Reflections in the water intrigue me with their colors and shadows. I am calmed by all the different ways water moves, whether it’s from the wind, insects, or animal activity. I felt relaxed and happy while setting up my workspace.
The Experience
As I painted, my feelings were the filter through which I expressed what I was viewing. The actual scene had many shades of green. But my joy inspired me to infuse new colors to enhance what was subdued or partially visible. Painting landscapes is all about making adjustments, as well as sometimes simplifying. I excluded some trees, made space for more sky, and focused on balance, light, and contrast.
Painting is my meditation. When I finished, my mind was clear. My breathing had slowed and I felt reconnected to the earth.
Video of the Completed Painting
How Do You Re-ignite a Creative Flow?
What tools or techniques do you use to get your creative juices flowing again? I’d love to hear about your process! Please share in the comments section.
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Love this painting!! Especially the shadow under the shrubs directly across. Keep making more!!
Wonderful, those sparks of creativity.
Thanks Lisa! Good to hear your feedback and know you like the shrub shadows.