Spring Happenings
A lot of my paintings this time of year are done en plein air. I can’t resist the call to be outside. Sometimes I finish a painting on-site and sometimes I’ll start it outside and finish it up in the studio. Though, this time of year I often drag my studio easel onto the patio! Nonetheless; the inspiration right now is out of control. There is so much beauty around that I want to capture! That’s why I always make sure to take a lot of reference photos so I can get back to whatever I missed when winter rolls around.
What have I been working on lately?
My Garden
I find so much inspiration from my own garden. It feels like everyday there is a new flower blooming that I want to paint. The same easel that I use in my lap when traveling also attaches to a tripod. This is a great setup for sketching and painting. I paint what I can on site but there is honestly so much to get to that alot will be completed from reference photos later on.
A sampling of the beautiful reference photos taken in my garden.
This painting was completed on-site. It is what I am working on in the featured image up top.
Local Parks
I have been making time to visit local parks. Parks are a great spot to relax and paint. I like to find a quiet area to take it all in. I will usually bring a backpacking chair or a blanket along with my travel art supplies and tripod.
I sat in a chair at this park with my watercolor setup on my lap.
At a different park, I brought my pastels and tripod.
Camping
My gear is light enough to take along while backpacking and hiking. (Watercolors not pastels.) Once you are done hiking for the day and camp has been set up you usually have a lot of time to relax and take everything in. I would love to take my art supplies with me while I’m rock climbing but I’m usually too busy setting up the ropes for my climbing party, climbing, or cheering another climber on. One day!
Overnight backpacking with my watercolors and tripod.
The Beach
Ahh the beach. Of course you can paint and sketch at the beach! It’s a great way to pass the time! I will usually use my watercolors on my lap. This past Memorial Day weekend I enjoyed sketching a beautiful beach house near the entrance of the beach.
Created while relaxing on the beach.
I frequent the shore throughout the spring and summer. This is a big source of inspiration for the seascapes and sunsets that I love to paint.
It’s easy to gather great reference photos from all the beautiful coastal gardens and scenery.
I love finding ways to squeeze a little creativity into my day. The next time you have that itch to scroll through your feed maybe try making a little doodle, writing a poem, singing a song, or playing an instrument. Who knows – it might just be fun! It’s not about the results. It’s about the joy found in the act of creating.
