In this day and age where valuable free time is so hard to come by, where do we find relaxation, peace or solitude from the frantic life of today with all it’s trials and tribulations. People use their time in different ways but I am convinced that many opt for some sort of peace and tranquility.

As a contemporary artist that appreciates nature, I often head for the country to admire the gorgeous landscapes, mountains, trees, lakes, flowers, birds etc. The effect they have on me is relaxing. The rare beauty of this awakens my emotions. Often I capture these emotions on camera, so that the memory remains with me.

The colours in the country are inspiring - whether in winter or summer. I appreciate the starkness of winter when the trees are stripped empty, the first snows and of course the pattern that frost makes, whether on the window panes, cars,etc…. Possibly the colours are at their Sunday best in the autumn.

Wonderful too are the tumbling leaves and falling twigs as they seem to dance like an Autumn Concerto. The reds, browns, golden yellow and the leaves partly disintegrated are quite something together with the conkers falling at your feet.

I have spent an enjoyable time in County Kerry where the scenes are naturally rugged which is fascinating to the eye of a contemporary painter. If you head onward towards Dingle the natural movement of the waterfalls at Muckross Pass takes your breath away. The early morning mists too are something to behold.

Many things capture peoples emotions, personally I am quite happy to walk along a deserted beach at any season of the year. Observe the birds, watch the sun dappling on the water, or the flow of the tide as it comes in and goes out. Or see children playing, running in and out of the water, erecting sandcastles, or dogs roaming free off the leash. One thing is for sure, maybe one of the finest things to capture is the early morning sunrise or the evening sunset in all their glory. This is beauty at it’s finest.

Spring too, is an beautiful season when you see the first fragile buds appearing on trees, hedges and bushes. Snowdrops and gentle Celandiles working their way up through the ground.
Easter onward towards May brings the gorgeous array of nodding Bluebells which are abound in plenty of our local woods and forests mingling amongst the Buttercups and Ferns.

Then we are into the colourful surprise of summer. At this time the trees are ready to be adored. Flowers are in full bloom creating magical displays which lift our spirits. Hues and patches of tender tones which warm the soul, to very bright and passionate colours which knock our socks off.

Skylines too are amazing. The cloud formations are always enjoyable with their delicate and also very strong tints. Red skies are beautiful, relating to you that the next day is going to be golden.

Is it any surprise then people love painting Landscapes? You have all the inspiration you could possibly need. As you can see you are surrounded by subjects. Whether you capture them on camera first, or do them from memory. Pick up you pencil and seize the day!

This article was written by Anna Meenaghan of http://annameenaghanart.com

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Posted in: Drawing Tips | | January 2009