Friday, April 24, 2009

Painting Outdoors Can Be A Vacation


Nothing like a spring day in the mountains of Colorado. This is a portion of the Swan River, not 5 minutes from my home. I discovered this spot this morning while looking for the willows that are turning. It was a little blustery, but this place was fairly protected. I loved the light hitting the willows and the snow. I did a 10"x10" painting and was happy about it in general. What could be better than painting along a rushing little river, hearing the chickadees, and watching the light show!
I reflected on how wonderful it is to paint outdoors in nature. While painting you lose yourself in order to concentrate on what you are seeing...often called being in the zone..you let your eyes tell you what you are seeing, not your head. It is a relaxing time. All your senses take in your surroundings. Here I felt the breeze, heard the sounds of the river, the birds, the wind, and smelled the scent of pines mixed with damp earth. No matter what the painting outcome, when one paints outdoors it becomes a special experience if the right attitude is maintained...to enjoy the moment. A vacation from the worries of life...

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