Storms Replenish

During quarantine, I plunged myself into my work. I spent countless hours teaching myself to be a better painter which diverted me from the chaos and uncertainty during Covid. Being able to turn to my work in times of hardships brought me into a place of stillness and tranquility.

    I went back to good ol YouTube. The video tutorials helped me grasp painting fundamentals when I first started. Following inspiring artists also fostered my love for art. Among these artists are: Lena Danya, Val from Vals Art Diary, Tim Gagnon and Andrew Tischler. Years later, I received a degree in Studio Art and although I gained vital art skills, I needed more. If anything, the more knowledge a person gains, the more you realize that there is so much that you don't know.

    During quarantine I dug deeper into the art world. I studied inspiring artists such as Swedish painter, Anders Zorn. He used a restricted color palette which allowed him to capture form and light with care free brush work. The Zorn palette consists of four colors, vermilion, yellow ochre, ivory black and titanium white. I played with this color palette on a few studies. Although my paintings have the human figure I discovered that I need to use blue and green in my paintings. I work with nature scenes so I need a broader color spectrum. However, I can see how the Zorn Palette can be convenient for portrait paintings.

    While I studied, Anders Zorn, I found his work, In The Woods inspirational. His painting motivated me to paint, Hot Summer Day.

Anders Zorn, In The Woods, 1893

"Hot Summer Day" 12x16"  Oil on Linen

I studied the values in his work. There is an array of color values with lights and darks which I believe makes a better painting.

"Tabitha Brown" 12x16"  Oil on Linen

    I discovered amazing people on instagram which also inspired my creativity and soul. One beautiful and empowering person that I came across is Tabitha Brown. Her words of wisdom and tasty vegan food have influenced thousands of people. A soul like hers is much needed these days and I am so grateful I found her. Her words of wisdom, "These moments will pass, no matter how great it's is, no matter how bad it is, it's temporary...Storms are meant to replenish." Check out her video if you need a little pick-me-up: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CBRXKOSnayt/?igshid=7sr4de9f35k5

    Althought we are no longer in quarintine, my passion for learning will continue because there is so much out there that needs to be unfolded. This not only applies to the arts but to any subject that brings you joy.