Nature Is My Muse

How Observing the Beauty of the Natural World Shapes My Creative Process as an Abstract Artist

As an abstract artist, my work is deeply inspired by the natural world around me. The vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and raw textures found in nature never fail to captivate me and serve as a boundless well of creative inspiration. In this blog post, I want to delve into how observing the beauty of nature shapes my creative process and influences the emotional response I aim to evoke in my abstract paintings.

Colour

One of the most powerful ways in which nature influences my work is through its rich and diverse colour palette. From the fiery oranges and deep blues of a sunset to the lush greens and earthy browns of a forest, nature offers an endless array of hues that I strive to capture in my art. By observing the subtle shifts in colour and light in the natural world, I am able to infuse my paintings with a sense of depth and vibrancy that resonates with viewers.

So the first stage of creating a painting is to decide which five colours I am going to use.

I use a limited palette but will extend the actual mediums that I employ to make the marks so for example I might use Golden (my brand of choice) acrylic paint in Napthol Red and use a 2” brush to apply it, but will also use a bright red chalk pastel, or a rigger brush in red drawing ink. This limited palette but selection of tools creates a cohesive but interesting painting.

Marks

In addition to color, the intricate patterns and textures found in nature also play a crucial role in shaping my creative process. Whether it's the delicate veins of a leaf, the swirling patterns of a seashell, or the rough texture of a tree bark, I am constantly inspired by the intricate details and organic shapes that abound in the natural world. These elements find their way into my paintings through the use of expressive mark making techniques, which help me to create a sense of movement and energy that mirrors the dynamic beauty of nature.

Emotion

But perhaps the most profound way in which nature influences my work is through its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and awe. By immersing myself in the natural world, I am reminded of the vastness and beauty of the universe, and the interconnectedness of all living things. This sense of awe fuels my creativity and drives me to create art that speaks to the universal human experience, tapping into emotions that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.

In conclusion, nature serves as a powerful muse for my work as an abstract artist, shaping my creative process in profound ways. By drawing inspiration from the colours, patterns, textures, and emotions found in the natural world, I am able to create art that not only captures the beauty of nature but also invites viewers to reflect on their own place within the Universe. Through my paintings, I hope to inspire others to pause, observe, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, and to find solace and joy in the ever-changing world of nature.

I would love to know what inspires you in life. Maybe you live by the sea and are transfixed by the ever changing weather patterns, maybe walks with the dog? Maybe your journey to work? People you see from a cafe window?