Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty if only we have the eyes to see them.
John Ruskin (1819-1900)
I am always inspired by nature. Its colors, its strength, its softness, its beauty. Whether it is a sunny day or a cloudy one there is always something to see and appreciate. I love to be out on the water and watch the sunlight dance on the waves or listen as the waves rush up to the shore. I love to be in a garden filled with beautiful flowers or go walking in the woods surrounded by strong silent trees. I don't always have the opportunity to do these things but I am finding that I can recreate my experiences again and again through the things I paint. The more I paint, the more I am inspired by nature. The more I am inspired by nature, the more I paint.
When I look at the painting above, I am reminded of how much fun we used to have when we went kayaking. Most of the time we kayaked down slow silent rivers surrounded by trees but once in awhile we went through rapids or up and over small waves and it was always so exciting. We kayaked with the manatees and in the ocean - both experiences I will never forget. Each time was different but each time was magical. When I look at the simple picture above, I remember all of those special Sunday afternoons.
Do you have a picture that you have taken or painted that brings back special memories? I would love to know what inspires you to paint and what makes a painting special to you.
What a great picture! I am reminded of all the times I spent on the lake racing in my friend's sailboat. We were always the slowest boat out there, but always had the most fun!
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