Reference and Inspiration for my Art

Looking for a reference photo and finding inspiration is my first step. Nature is my go to. I am a keen observer in nature; sights, smells, textures, movement… nature hikes affect my soul deeply. Feelings, response, breath, thought… I leave reluctantly. 

When creating my oil pastel pieces, I use a photo for reference. I select photos based on my relation to them: does the photo trigger memories, awake emotion, am I transported by this photo? I take many photos when on hikes and walks. I have to remind myself to just ‘be’ sometimes, to remember that nature will impress itself on my soul, and it’s this ‘being’ that I paint from.