On my daily walks, I often take a few steps off the path to get closer to a tree, some moss, or a branch.
I think, if I pause and really notice nature it will give me ideas for my art making.
I often have my phone available to take pictures. I want to remember the colors, texture and mood that I am feeling. Sometimes I can capture the moment, but often the photo is lacking.
So I decided to savor the time in the woods and not to worry about bringing it back to the studio. The daily walk can inform my mark making rather than be a photographic reference.
Getting super close to textures and patterns turns the everyday into abstraction. This can spark creative ideas. These ideas don’t have to be literal or linear.
That is where I got the idea to create the mixed media class, Torn Trees. After being surrounded be trees on my walks, decided to play with printing some. My first inspiration was the tall pine trees with nubby branches that stand on the hill by the lake.
These abstract tree prints are about using shape, line and texture to create a feel of the forest. I suggest that you get closer to nature in your day and see what it does for your creativity.
If you would like to play with printing, collaging and drawing to make abstract forests, then check out the details on the Torn Trees Workshop page.