"A Pocket of Time"
A Closer Look--Part 2
“By tapping into nature’s inherent peacefulness, we can become quiet and still enough to truly find where our contentment lies.”
~Ruth Allen
Before I began this larger format painting, I wanted to set an intention based on my earlier experience of painting on location. To do so I referred to my notes written on site and also my memory of how I felt while there. There were a few points and emotions that really hit home with me.
Perched on a high point in the park overlooking the inner harbor, gave me a great sense of freedom and joyfulness. It felt so exclusive watching the scene from afar, marveling at the grandeur of clouds drifting by. It almost felt like you could float along with them at any moment.
Not only was it visually pleasing, but also the gentle sounds of breezes and lapping water created a melodic state of being as I painted. At times the unexpected happened within the quiet, such as a seagull screech or the flapping of wings. But both the visually and auditory aspects of the scene created a sense of belonging and melding into one’s surroundings. Like stepping in time with the rhythm of place.
So my intention for this piece was to depict both a great sense of spaciousness and freedom along with bits of delight. I hope you the viewer feel transported into “This Pocket of Time” and it brings a bit of joy to your day!
After I completed my plein air sketch, I took time to write a reflection about my experience.
Audio Version:
A Pocket of Time
Life has interrupted my flow. I have missed the calm of working on location. Alone in nature quietly recording the scene before me makes only the present time relevant.
It is a warm afternoon with billowing clouds transforming into a myriad of shapes. Pinkish orange clouds along the horizon are especially joyful as they ribbon their way along.
The park is quiet today as most people have escaped to larger beaches. A calmness envelops the space around me, slight breezes with tiny nature sounds create an intimacy felt when one sits alone in nature. I feel like I could stay here forever caught in nature’s time bubble.
But alas, the weather suddenly changes, as often happens by the sea. Brisk winds, drifting clouds and a spattering of rain dictates my departure. I am truly grateful for this window of time spent in nature’s haven.
~Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
P.S. “Pocket of Time” is now available for purchase. It just needs a second coat of paint on the canvas sides and a coat of varnish on the front. If interested or you have questions, please feel free to contact me by replying to this email. Thanks
Details
A few close ups of sections of “Pocket of Time
Supported Research Regarding Nature’s Benefits
Highlighting the positive affects nature has on our physical well being was expressed in Ruth Allen’s book Grounded. She shares research conducted by Green Exercise Research Team at the University of Essex that highlighted three types of beneficial engagement with nature: natural views, contact with nearby nature and participation in nature based activities.
It was stated that natural vistas have been shown to: “…help us recover from fatigue, enhance cognition, reduce stress levels and generate an overall improvement in mental well being.” 1
Research found that even viewing pictures of nature can improve mood and self-esteem. Also, “The physiological benefits include reducing heart rate and blood pressure and having a relaxing effect on the cardiovascular system and autonomic function.” 2
Thus, these are very good reasons to surround your living or work environment with beautiful nature scenes. I have always felt nature scenes offer visual and emotional escapes from the busyness of everyday life. Another reason why original nature based artwork is often collected and displayed in homes, work places and healing establishments.
With my artwork, I try to convey the emotion and joy felt from my personal experiences of being on location while witnessing nature’s grandeur. Hopefully, this is felt and transferred to you the viewer! One of my greatest joys is when a piece of work resonates with a collector on a personal level bringing a sense of joy or evoking pleasant memories. It is like a full circle moment!
Thanks for reading!
Warmly,
Debbie
Allen, Ruth. Grounded. Mortimer Books, 2021, p. 42.
Allen, Ruth. Grounded. Mortimer Books, 2021, p. 42.
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