I'm hopping around in this blog lately (and my painting), as we find our way through this pandemic together. Right now, I'm feeling like most of us could use some uplifting and inspiring words. I know I could!
With that in mind, I'm turning my 'blogging attention' today to the natural world and painting - settling, calming and centering for me - where I can always uncover a trail of hope that leads to a bigger well. I'm mixing in some inspiring quotes for good measure, with my wish that it will 'lighten the load' just a bit for you too.
The deep roots never doubt spring will come.
―Marty Rubin
Here, out my windows, it's starting... the greens of Spring are coming to Montana. I live on a seasonal cycle. After a long winter, the greens of Spring feel like a breath of fresh air. And with it comes a bubbling up of life. This year, I'm particularly soaking that in. New growth and hope all around! So it's been even more exciting to see those vivid green colors again peek out - after so much winter white.
Spring will come and so will happiness. Hold on. Life will get warmer.
--Anita Krizzan
Now, I turn my artistic attentions to GREEN. These early spring greens are so strong and bright. Seeming so loud after the quiet winter whites. Almost yelling for attention as they first burst out. Many new greens unfurl on the brighter yellower side and mellow as the summer progresses. Often becoming a deeper, darker, 'matured' version. ;) Not quite as flamboyant as that early growth.
When I'm capturing the landscape moment plein air, I try to be cognizant of those differences of greens, to capture that instant in time. Giving those attention-seeking greens their dues when they deserve it. And right now, they are new and young and fresh.
That sense of Spring renewal is everywhere, and it is reassuring to watch it unfold. Nature goes on.
But only a person in the depths of despair neglected to look beyond winter to the spring that inevitably followed, bringing back color and life and hope.
– Mary Balogh
Join me... Whether you have a brush in your hand or not. This is such a great time to hone your eye and pay attention to the vast variety of greens out there. Open yourself to the natural world and really give it your attention. LOOK and soak in the beauty, the variety, the amazing world before you - both big and small.
.The first blooms of spring always make my heart sing.
--S. Brown
Yes, it's time to paint GREEN and the hope of Spring - in every way shape and form. And this year, I am hunting down those signs of hope and I will be painting that feeling of renewal with a vengeance.
If winter comes, can spring be far behind?
--Percy Bysshe Shelley
From past experience, I expect that by the end of the summer, I will tire of painting greens. Even though that's hard to imagine now. I know the feeling well, when I see those first auburn and russet hints of fall - by then I will feel a deep relief from so much GREEN. Excited to mix just a little more red into my color palette. Ready for the next season and the gifts it holds.
But those thoughts, I set aside now. It's time to soak in these greens. Revel in them and enjoy the freshness they bring. Feel the hope and renewal that comes with Spring. There is joy mixed in with that yellow and blue - yes, even in the midst of this pandemic.
Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.
―Henry David Thoreau
Comments