It’s winter here in the northern hemisphere and that means a whole new element to create with- SNOW! Whether we tramp down pathways …
I am inspired by fleeting moments of beauty in the world around me—a bird’s song, the play of light on water, the movement of water striders. I paint to be drawn in more deeply, to create with nature’s beauty- seen, heard and deeply felt- so that I may resonate with its rhythms anytime, anywhere.
Over 30 years ago, I discovered the transformative power of engaging directly with living landscapes—through touch, sound, intuition, and pattern—while painting with both hands, often with my eyes closed to awaken less familiar senses. This practice brings me into sync with the flow of creativity, almost like flipping a switch. I’ve developed this approach into the Creative by Nature Art Method, and through this blog, I share a variety of these nature-inspired art encounters. My hope is to inspire you to tap into your own natural creativity, fostering joy, connection, and expressive art-making. I’d love to hear what inspires you, so please share your experiences. Let’s explore and create in harmony with nature together. Stay connected and inspired by subscribing to receive new blog posts directly in your inbox—just enter your email address on the right (or scroll down if you’re on a mobile device). If you enjoy what you find here, I’d love for you to share the posts with others and give a “like” on Facebook. Thank you for helping to spread the joy of Natural Painting and bringing more creativity and connection into the world!Moving Light
Maybe it’s these long deep-dark nights at the winter solstice here in the northern hemisphere. Or maybe it’s the hours spent by the fire. But at …
Flip-Your-World Drawing
“It is a familiar fact that colours of a landscape become more vivid when seen with the head upside-down. The change of physical position does …
Doodling and the Spontaneous Art of Nature Connection
We are here to become integral with the larger Earth community. The community itself and each of its members has ultimately a wild component, a creative …
Snow Art
View Post Snow ArtLight and Shadow
“I thought the most beautiful thing in the world must be shadow.”-Sylvia Plath Drawing and painting with light and shadow is one of my absolute …
A Light-Hearted Approach to Serious Art-Making
This is the challenge facing present generations of artists- if not those now well into their careers, then those just beginning or soon to begin …
Artist Journey to the Cortes Children’s Forest Follow Up
I want to make sure you know about this lovely video about the Artist Journey to the Cortes Children’s Forest that was filmed and edited …
The Dream of a Cortes Children’s Forest Trust
Sometimes art gives nature the voice it desperately needs. Artist orientation with Sabine Mense Leader and Christine Robinson Beautiful forest light in the Cortes Children`s …
Ancient Light: Images from a Mayan Crystal Cave
I’ve discovered that Light Painting can spark exciting creative journeys. This first image is a Light Painting done in a Mayan crystal cave in Belize, …
Art as if the Earth Mattered: Art Educators Conference
If you are planning to attend the annual National Art Educators conference in New York City this Wednesday Feb 29th, there is an exciting pre-conference …
Ocean Academy & The Grandfather Tree
Teachers- if you think you don’t have enough plants and animals in your school yard to teach Creative Nature Connection, celebrate the various ways a diverse class …
Solstice Communion
It feels so natural to gather together with others tonight to share the light, create ritual and make art. I partnered with a good friend …
Creative Nature Connection Article
I’m so excited to be sharing this hands-on article published in the winter 2011 issue of Green Teacher Magazine. The process of Creative Nature Connection …
Tree-HEART Tattoo
Sap coating a Douglas Fir trunk Oozing out of the heart of trees (especially Broad Leaf Maples and Douglas Fir) this time of year, is …