After the Rain,

a magical evening captured in paint

Note: In my last Studio News, I mentioned that I would elaborate on the inspiration and details from an incredible evening where I derived inspiration for this newest piece of work. I’ll also include details from behind the scenes of my process and thoughts. So here we go!

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Inspiration

On August 15, 2024, the weather had been rainy and gray all day, but by early evening pockets of light began to peek through inky clouds. Showers had subsided momentarily and at that moment I had a strong urge to venture out on location. Intuitively, I had a feeling it was a perfect night to experience nature’s magic!

So off I went with my plein air gear, camera and phone, to one of my favorite locations Grant’s Lake, Nova Scotia. Oh my goodness, I am so happy I listened to that urge to immerse myself in nature that evening. The sights and sounds were so entrancing, I can still recall particular moments and feelings I experienced!

When I first arrived to the upper area of the lake, a sun shower occurred accompanied by a beautiful hazy rainbow, while thunder rumbled in the background. I loved watching rain drops hit the lake’s surface creating concentric circles. It was so profoundly calm and quiet that evening; small nature sounds echoed within this capsule of time.

Photo of my inspiration

I ventured down the road to the middle section of the lake and there I was greeted with the drama of the evening! Large inky clouds, pockets of bright light throughout the sky which then hit foliage creating beautiful lit areas and deep shadows.

A loon hauntingly called out, making one aware of the life that existed around and within the lake. Suddenly, I saw ripples belonging to what I believed was a muskrat swimming quietly in the still water. The moon made its appearance adding to the enchantment of the evening.

Short video clip of that evening

As the sun lowered, I witnessed the most unusual circles of light in the sky to the right side of the lake. The light changed by the minute throughout the whole evening. The experience was so riveting, I knew I needed to translate it with paint the best that I could.

Here is an excerpt from my notebook that I wrote while in my car that evening.

“I feel humbled and grateful to be able to witness such beauty which evoked feelings of calm and ease. Everyone needs this connection to nature. It is where we find our grounding and deeper compassion. "

As darkness fell upon the lake, I drove home with my emotional cup full.

Process

While on location, I quickly scribbled down notes and a quick pencil sketch highlighting pertinent information. I didn’t have much time as the light was changing quickly.

Very messy notes and sketch as I had to work quickly to record my observations.

I also returned a second time to observe both the land and water in order to jot down color notes for both the time of day and year.

Studio Oil study (4x4in.) with color notes and two graphite sketches on top…testing whether I wanted 1/4 or a 1/3 of of the canvas depicting the land/water.

With my own personal experience and gathered field data, I was well equipped to create a study for an intended larger painting. I enjoyed painting this little oil study in a sketch book of heavy weighted paper. I also created color notes in preparation of the larger work.

Once the study was complete I proceeded to the larger canvas —24x30in. After many hours and paint layers, I brought this one to completion. (Still deciding between a few titles)

Quick photo on the easel

Detailed section above. I really loved painting the glow in the light filled areas of this piece!

And a fun outside shoot I did the other day with a few paintings. Next on my agenda is to take high quality photos for my archives.

Out in the wild! Notice we are finally seeing some spring growth in our area. My Solomon Seal are to the left. I can’t believe how much they have grown over the last two weeks. One of my fav spring blooms.

I envision this moody piece as an interesting focal point in a room or even in a cozy reading corner. I love how original art transforms a space, injecting it with a sense of place or a much needed escape!

I hope you’ve felt some of the magic I experienced the night I discovered this captivating moment. I would love to know what emotions this piece evokes or memories it has stirred for you. Feel free to share in the comments below. Thanks so much for reading!

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