My top 5 places to get you in the mood to make art
It’s no mystery that artists are inspired by their surroundings and I’m no exception. As a landscape inspired painter and photographer, travelling to new locations and exploring places in depth is essential to my creative process.
Here are some of my favourite spots:
Jokurlsarlon Glacial Lagoon, Iceland
Who can resist these angles and colour variations in the ice formations? Not me! This amazing spot has inspired many of the paintings in my Geometrics Series.
It was at Jokurlsarlon Glacial Lagoon that I saw a glacier calve up close for the first time (from a zodiac). The sound was thunderous and the waves that came afterwards were surprisingly large. It was at that moment, after witnessing climate change first hand that I vowed to make caring for the earth we live on a deep priority.
2. Smuggler’s Cove, Sunshine Coast Canada
Perspective is a funny little animal. I never realized how different the world appears from the water looking onto land.
It’s sort of like how when I learned to walk on stilts, I could see what it would be like to live as a tall person (something I my 5’2” self could never grasp). It’s actually pretty awesome up there.
I like to imagine what lies underneath these tiny islands, seeing shapes growing under the reflections like the deep ice formations under a glacier.
3. Whistler mountain, Canada
I just can’t resist the graphic black and white contrasts of winter on Whistler and Blackcomb mountain. It’s hard not to stop on every turn while skiing through this barren forest ski run. From ice caves to mountain peaks to the tiny details on a snowflake, Whistler has so much to offer the exploring artist. It’s just too bad it’s too chilly to stop and paint. (You can see me paint this scene in the studio here on Instagram!)
4. Kyoto, Japan
I have to be true to my Japanese roots here and appreciate how much Japan has influenced my work. From shrines to cherry blossoms, from woodblock prints to calligraphic brushstrokes it’s all infused into my art. Visiting Kyoto you will see an enchanting mix of the traditional and the modern that will make you want to slow down and contemplate the simple life.
5. Lynn Valley Headwaters, North Vancouver Canada
North Vancouver is where I call home now and during Covid there were many a trail to explore - on repeat. While hiking past ancient cedars, rushing riverbeds and snow capped mountains I came to truly appreciate the benefits of forest bathing.
I wrote this list on Earth Day with the hopes that you will be encouraged to make every day Earth Day. I also hope this gives you some ideas on how to ignite that creative spark through exploring new places while honouring the natural gifts we have been given. Let this be an invite to slow down, breath deeply and take note of the little things.
If you’d like to see more of my process and finished artwork follow me on Instagram or have a peek at my website.
xoArleigh