Finding Expansiveness
In the blue above
I recently shared this post with my Studio News Subscribers. Since not everyone here is subscribed to my Studio News, I felt it important to share here as well. Soooo if you are already familiar with this post, please feel free to skip this one. That being said, I just want to thank all my subscribers for keeping me company on this artistic journey! You are all greatly appreciated! xx
“Smell the sea and feel the sky, let your soul and spirit fly.”
~Van Morrison
Have you ever noticed how viewing the expansion of sky and water allow your mind to soar freely? The very act of observing is like a big sigh, bringing you into a present moment. An organic connection with nature and your surroundings is felt, causing mundane thoughts to fall away.
This season I have felt a strong pull towards both witnessing and creating in wide open spaces. Spaces where I observe the ever-changing sky with a particular interest in clouds.
After a long winter and just life in general, I was feeling the need for a greater sense of freedom. Freedom to explore, observe and align with the beauty of these wide open spaces. Art and emotions always unite---making sure to listen and follow these intuitive leads is where the magic truly begins.
Soooo that is what I've been doing! Frequently observing skies, clouds and waterways. Drinking in the kaleidoscope of cloud shapes and colors as they enter and exit the blue above. Honestly, they are a challenging subject to paint from life! They actually change shape and position faster than flowers. lol
I love large cloud masses but especially love observing these small airy patches and streaks of delicate clouds as they dissipate before your eyes.
In July, we vacationed at one of our favorite places on a secluded lake. It really is a slice of paradise. So serene and unoccupied!
Early morning swims on the lake allowed me to look up at the clouds observing as I floated along. Such a great sense of freedom was felt and I love the perspective of being on water, while looking up into the sky. Now that is an expansive feeling!
I've been working on a variety of substrates to capture these subjects--oil paper, linen and wood panels. Already, I've accumulated a small collection of work that I will be sharing at a later time with you. So stay tuned!
I would love to hear if you are a cloud/sky watcher? How do they make you feel? Do they evoke pleasant memories? I bet they bring up childhood memories.
A quick capture —- will be taking more accurate photos, but gives you an idea of what I've been up to.
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Warmly,
Debbie xx
I’ve just read your post Debbie after spending some time in a park with Mr B lying under a huge tree for shade staring up at the sky, listening to the susurration of the leaves and wondering how I might paint the feeling of being protected by this tree and it’s boughs. Sky gazing is definitely where it’s at and I’m loving your clouds.