As a hunter I have spent hours sitting quietly observing nature and I always carry a sketch book. One sunny fall day I was sitting under a stand of sumac branches turkey hunting. I got my sketch book out and the sumac branches cast the most interesting pattern on the paper. I traced the pattern and later colored it creating this unusual abstract image. Since that day the idea of “Nature as the Origin of Abstract” has been floating around in my head. One definition of abstract is the expression of ideas and emotions by using elements such as colors and lines without attempting to create a realistic picture. My vision was to create a series of paintings, starting with realistic pictures of different patterns in nature, to inspire abstract finished pieces. I decided to apply for a Southwest Minnesota Art Council (SMAC) Emerging Artist Grant to create a series of ten abstract paintings using this process. After being awarded the grant I began the process by taking several photographs of patterns in Nature (Mother Nature’s part of the collaboration). I had them printed on canvas and painted over the images letting the patterns guide me in a spontaneous process. I will be posting these paintings in my website gallery over the next few days. A virtual exhibit so to speak.

My message today. Get outside. Look closely at the inspiring artistic textures and patterns nature has to offer. We can always find beauty in nature…even in challenging times like these.

I am thankful for the support I received to create this series of paintings. This activity is made possible by a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council with funds from The McKnight Foundation.