Intimacy Found In Nature

through sensory experiences

Hi Friends, I’ve been thinking about why I need to experience my subjects within their natural environment. A deep knowing or understanding of my subjects is what I prefer before I begin to capture them in an art form. I’ve attempted to share a bit about this truth in my post today. Also, for those who would like to view more of my work you can find a variety of work on my companion Website. Thanks for looking!

Caribou/Munroes Island Provincial Park, Nova Scotia

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.”

~William Shakespeare

One to one relationships are always my preferred mode of communication. I love the intimacy and closeness acquired when speaking to a single person. Taking the position of an attentive listener, allows greater insight into a person’s uniqueness and points of view.

This chosen form of communication, carries over into my choice of subject matter for my art practice. Floral paintings are captured in a portraiture style where I observe each subject’s unique structure and habits. Close observation of their intricacies peak my interest and reverence for each subject. These experiences are always derived from spending time with my subjects in their natural environment.

Painting nasturtiums from life in my gardens.

Likewise, with regards to landscape work. I feel most comfortable and connected with a location after spending time there with all senses engaged! Spending large amounts of time in one particular place allows me to understand the natural rhythm of that environment. Thus, triggering my emotional response, which hopefully gets translated into my work. The main reason why I work from life is to ignite a full sensory experience that taps into emotions I would not otherwise experience.

Recent cloud study painted in the park during morning hours.

Lately, I have been visiting and painting in a local park. Specifically, observing clouds and their many states of being. With the park’s vast sky and ocean views, it is the perfect location to become intimately acquainted with this new subject. While present, I not only take in the area visually, but also with other senses as well.

Another cloud study painted in the park.

Below is a listing of various sensory experiences that have formed my deep appreciation for both the park and it’s skies. At the moment I’m collecting reference material in the form of painting studies and notes for larger studio works of this location. My observations and experiences in the park, will further inform future work. Crossing my fingers I can translate all that I am learning and feeling into larger paintings. Capturing the serenity and freedom felt in Caribou park will be one of my goals.

Loved these clouds and the tide pools visible at low tide in the park.

A listing of full bodied experiences acquired through the senses!

Sight:

• Seagulls soaring within clouds

• Wide blue expanses

• Seals swimming

• Hazy distances/ wide open spaces

• Billowy clouds that change endlessly

• People slowing down to the pace of their environment

Sound:

• Gentle lapping of the ocean or surging waves

• Delight found in children’s laughter and play

• Bird wings motioning in the air above

• People in conversation within nature’s beauty

Smell:

• Salty sea air

• Freshly cut grass

• Fresh oil paint from cloud study work

• Food scents wafting by

Taste:

• Salt water while swimming

• Fresh picnic food with hot cups of tea

Touch:

• My brush sweeping across oil paper

• Gentle breezes or gusts of wind

• Moist warm air

Your turn?! What ignites your senses while in nature? Are your intimate conversations more enjoyable with humans or nature? Or maybe you enjoy both! I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Warmly,

Debbie xx

I love hearing from you, so feel free to comment below!

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