Art-ology

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

As a contemporary artist that appreciates nature, I often head to the country to admire the wonderful landscapes, mountains, trees, lakes, flowers, birds etc. The effect they have on me is calming. The rare beauty of this stirs 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 love the starkness of winter when the trees are stripped bare, the first snows and naturally the pattern that frost makes, whether on the window panes, cars,etc…. Perhaps the colours are at their Sunday best in the autumn.

Amazing too are the rustling leaves and falling twigs as they appear to dance like an Autumn Concerto. The reds, browns, golden yellow and the leaves partly disintegrated are really something together with the conkers falling at your feet.

I have spent a fair bit of time in County Kerry where the landscapes 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 as well are something to behold.

A variety of 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 bouncing on the water, or the flow of the tide as it comes in and moves out. Or see children playing, running in and out of the water, building sandcastles, or dogs roaming free off the leash. One thing is for sure, possibly 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 interesting season when you see the first gentle buds appearing on trees, hedges and bushes. Snowdrops and delicate Celandiles pushing their way up through the ground.
Easter onward towards May brings the amazing array of nodding Bluebells which are abound in many of our local woods and forests mingling amongst the Buttercups and Ferns.

Then we are into the colourful blaze of summer. At this time the trees are ready to be adored. Flowers are in full bloom creating amazing displays which warm our spirits. Hues and patches of delicate 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 enjoy painting Landscapes? You have all the inspiration you could possibly need. As you can gather you are surrounded by subjects. Whether you catch 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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