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?
