Artistic Influences - early nature studies

Having been inspired by the Van Gogh's detailed responses 

to the natural world

 it was time to go back to the drawing board.

  

 I hadn't  worked with coloured pencils 

but as a former student of mine had left some behind

 I thought it was a good place to begin.

In these early sketches 

I tried to be non-judgemental about composition

 and respond purely to the colour and energy of the filtered light.

Artistic Influences

In July of 2012 
I posted a very brief review of the Van Gogh exhibit  - Up Close.  

I noted that,

 "This excellent show examines Van Gogh's study of nature,

particularly his close examination of the humble, the everyday, 

the often over looked details at our feet. 

These intimate details are used to draw the viewer 
 into the broader expanse of his landscapes 
resulting in a powerful synergy 

between near and far."

 Worth repeating 

as this show triggered a new direction

as to how I might interpret my environment.

Of special interest was 

Van Gogh's use of complex texture and pattern.

 His intricate color relationships

 resonated with my own experience as

I live in a forested area where daily walks 

take me through mixed forest, hidden ponds, 

farmers fields and scrub land. 

To this end

 I began a concentrated study of the nature

 on my doorstep.