Exploring simplicity…or simply exploring? - 3/20/24
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say the bleak, gray days of late winter-early Spring seem to last too long. The little hints are telling us that Spring is on the way…the slightly longer days, tiny little buds on the trees, and a few sunny days sprinkled into the mix. We’re all eagerly awaiting Spring but it can’t come soon enough!
The cold, rainy days mostly inspire me to stay inside, so I try to keep myself motivated with creative pursuits. I’ve recently discovered Sumi-E Ink, which is very black matte ink. I’m wondering how I can incorporate it into my paintings.
The Seattle Art Museum began an exhibit of Japanese Art and Prints as well as a wonderful exhibit of Calder’s creations! I got to visit James and Kate who live in Seattle, and we really enjoyed both of those special exhibits.
Being able to see how some of the most famous Japanese artists use ink and color in their compositions was inspiring! I really like how they keep their compositions simple, and the main focus is nature.
I had to take advantage of the times when it’s NOT raining, so I bundled up and headed to the local Fern Hill Park and got some good photos…
I love the silhouette of Herons and Egrets! They look so ‘large and in charge’!
This beautiful Egret was watching and judging how close he was willing to let me come. It just looks so soft and fluffy, it’s hard not to try to get closer!
I was inspired to try some paintings using Sumi-E Ink and a limited color palette. I really enjoyed the simplistic Japanese paintings we saw at the Seattle Art Museum as well as the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. last year. So the challenge was to create compelling images that were also simple.
How exciting and wonderful when we finally start seeing the first blooms of the season! Oh the colors after months of gray and dark green!
And seeing glorious sunshine filtering through the trees just lifts the spirits! I’ve read that there is compelling research in support of ‘Forest Bathing’ and it’s benefits. It sure feels good, doesn’t it?
And of course it feels magical whenever we happen upon sweet, innocent deer grazing peacefully. We don’t often get to see that and it makes my heart smile!
Ah, seeing such cheerful Spring blooms always brings a smile!
I started researching different blooming vines that might make good subjects for using my new Sumi-E Ink. One of them is the Chocolate Vine, which inspired this painting….
