Finding Art Inspiration Where You Can
Summer Petunias 9x12
I was ill the other day and it was completely unexpected; I was down and out--definitely unable to paint. My heart was broken because it would have been an ideal plein air day (70s sunny) and alas I was stuck in bed!
Needless to say, the next day I was feeling better. I was determined to paint although I did not want to push myself, I had to take it easy. Sunny and cool it was another lovely summer day, just gorgeous, I had to paint outside. I thought about going to the green space in my neighborhood but the lawn and maintenance guys were there--those blowers are loud!
Ultimately, I just wanted to paint outside, to enjoy the sunshine. In the cool morning, I had sat outside on my back deck enjoying my coffee and the quiet. I have flower boxes along the back deck filled with light and bright flowers and I am on a greenbelt (lush trees). I just had to look around, my subject matter was there all along.
I set up my art stuff on my deck table. A tabletop easel, a paper palette and my plein air backpack (brushes paint etc). I was ready to go! With my patio umbrella my easel (and I) could be in the shade. I painted my flowers-those hot pink and pale yellow petunias against the dark greens of the trees. The flowers were lit by sunlight and the dark trees behind really helped bring the bright flowers forward. I was so thrilled to be painting--to be painting outside on this glorious summer day.
I didn't get the opportunity to go to the park or to find the perfect plein air location but that is not what mattered on this day. This day was about the beauty of painting outside and finding that bit of joy.
Maybe we all need to hit pause and Just Look Around--inspiration could be closer thank we think.
