In these times of quarantine, we are surrounded by uncertainty and loss everyday - even if we are fortunate enough to still be employed… My entire life, I have found great comfort in connecting with nature. Research shows that being in or even just viewing images or artwork of nature can reduce stress, anxiety, anger, and contribute to your physical well-being including decreased blood-pressure or muscle tension. Before I heard and read theories related to “Forest Bathing”, the benefits of gardening, or taking care of house plants - I was doing this because it just made me feel better.
As my art making has developed over the years, the presence of nature has been consistent. Even after moving to New York City, with limited “nature”, I have sought out every opportunity to connect with and appreciate a beautiful allée of street trees, a sunrise/ sunset from the waterfront, a view of the rippling water from one of our many bridges; also the city parks, public and private gardens, and forested areas through the 5-boroughs and beyond.
In the last few months, I have found great comfort in daily walks through our local forest with my dog Stanley. As a regular practice I sometimes take photos during the walks as inspiration for future paintings. In the desire to create an almost-daily-ritual, I have been making small watercolor paintings I call “sketches”. Each sketch expresses a moment of beauty during one of those walks. The sketches are for my well-being, and also in hopes by sharing these sketches of nature with friends and others I can help brighten someone else’s day. I hope we can all find small moments of beauty everyday to help us connect to the present in a meaningful way that bring hope for a better future.
“Spring Beauty” - a flowering dogwood tree. I love the whimsical white petals as they almost glow in the late afternoon sun, and shift back-and-forth from the wind.
“Squirrel Watching” - my dog loves to stand on fallen trees to watch for squirrels.
