Drifting Clouds

I'm not yet inspired 

by the muted colours 

of a slow to arrive spring

so....

I'm reaching into my photos

from last summer. 

Drifting Clouds - Leslie Snider

In this piece

 I was working with a relatively

 small palette of colours,

but was interested

 in the textural differences

between the airy summer clouds 

and the shimmering quality of the water.

As time passes 

I see I'm strongly attracted 

to compositions with 

strong horizontals 

and fairly shallow depth.

I think that is the influence

 of Tom Thomson,

an artist I admire. 

 

 

Nature Studies

Restricting myself to coloured pencils has proved limiting 

so I will continue my experiments by exploring other media.

However I will continue the general theme of "patterns in nature".

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.