As I write the wind is howling outside on this bleak January day and so I’m glad to be in my cosy studio. I wish you all a Happy New Year, a bit belatedly, and hope it will prove to be a wonderful creative one for everyone, including me!
I have been seeking inspiration to paint over the last few months and it has been a fallow time for me. But I sense an upturn with the new year. I enjoyed writing the four articles, one for each season, on keeping a garden journal last year for Leisure Painter magazine. Did you see the articles? They gave me a chance to enjoy the garden as well as experimenting with keeping a journal.
As I look out on the garden today, I’m reminded of my Winter article. The starkness of the Winter branches against a grey stormy sky.
Today the crab apples on our tree provide a touch of welcome colour to the wintry scene.
Another beacon of colour today is provided by the Winter Jasmine, lovely golden speckles against the dark fence behind and a giving us a hint of Spring to come.
I love the way the jasmine gets itself in a tangle and the way the bright yellow flowers stand out against the dark background.
Time to be freshly inspired I hope…!
I’d love to hear from you in the comments with your stories about how you find inspiration to paint. We should stand together and encourage each other, don’t you think?
Ann Mortimer Art 