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There's an ever-changing masterpiece just outside my back door, teeming with inspiration!
For me, the journey from blank canvas to finished piece often begins not in front of an easel, but pottering in the garden, surrounded by the quiet symphony of my beloved plants.
It often feels like my garden's a living, breathing sketchbook. It's a place where I constantly discover new forms, unexpected combinations of pattern & colour that spark my imagination. Every leaf, blade of grass & delicate petal holds a world of artistic possibilities, waiting to be translated into my work.
Patterns:
One of the most captivating aspects of the garden is its incredible array of natural patterns. Think of the intricate, fractal-like unfurling of a fern frond, or the mesmerizing spirals of a succulent. The way clematis clings to the trunk of an apple tree or the radial symmetry of a simple daisy.
I often find myself getting lost in these patterns, mentally tracing lines then trying to replicate the sense of their beauty onto paper. Sometimes, it's the stark contrast between a smooth leaf and a heavily veined one that catches my eye, prompting me to explore textures in my art.
Shapes:
The sheer variety of organic shapes is a constant source of wonder to me. The elegant curves of an acer, the sharp angles of a bamboo leaf, the rounded mounds of alliums, or the spiky drama of a thistle. Each form has its own character and contributes to the overall composition of my outdoor studio.
I love to observe how these shapes interact, how they create negative space, and how light and shadow play across their surfaces.
Colour:
And then there's the colour! My garden is a living palette, shifting with the seasons and the time of day. The fresh green of new spring growth, the fiery golds, oranges, and deep reds of autumn, and the subtle, muted browns and silvers of winter grasses.
It’s not just the individual colours, but how they blend and contrast. The way a chocolate cosmos pops against the backdrop of a white daisy or the subtle variations of green within a single plant.
These combinations and transitions teach me about harmony, contrast, and how to evoke emotion through the colours I choose to use in my artwork.
Light:
The Golden Hour, that magical window just before sunset, is undeniably my favourite time to observe the garden. It transforms the world into a living, breathing canvas of warmth.
There's an inherent sense of tranquillity and drama in the Golden Hour that fuels my work. It’s a fleeting moment, and my painting process becomes an attempt to capture and hold onto that brief, glorious intensity of contrast & saturation.
My garden is more than just a place to relax; it's an indispensable part of my creative process. It teaches me patience, observation, and the profound beauty that lies in the details. So, the next time you see one of my pieces, know that there's a good chance its roots can be found not just in my studio, but nestled amongst the petals, leaves, patterns, shapes and colours of my beautiful garden.
It's a reminder that sometimes, the greatest inspiration is right outside our door, waiting to be seen.
Do you find inspiration in nature too? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
