Inspiration In The Natural World

Paintings by  Lee J. Nixon
 I am inspired by the skill and imagination abounding in the natural world. So, I have re-created the exquisite patterns found on trees, the intricate pattern of flowers and rolling hills with bundles of hay.

Several paintings were inspired by the application of natural elements such as: gravel and sand for 'actual' textures. Also, I have experimented with tissue paper to simulate the rugged textures of trees, to the solid mass of smooth rocks and stones.

By utilizing the science of optics, I often apply strokes of pure contrasting complementary colors to excite the viewer's eye so that the color appears to leap off the canvas.

Golden Nuggets of Orange

Youth Contemplating The Future

Colorful Winter Garden

Scenic View Alongside a Gravel Road

Creative Imagination

A good explanation for Art is found in Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, which says that art is "the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects."

What about creative imagination? Skill and imagination abound in the natural world. One can easily become inspired by using their powers of perception and observing the natural world. Take time and observe the exquisite patterns on the bark of various trees, or the intricate patterns found on sea-shells as you walk along the beach, to pine needles, the blossoms of flowers and the elaborate designs of insects and many other natural elements all around us!

Textural surfaces which form a natural pattern, plays a major role in the aesthetic appeal of a painting, and can be a valuable tool for the imaginative mind. Recently, I experimented with crushed gravel found in the driveway and utilized it for actual texture. It can be seen and touched in "SCENIC VIEW ALONGSIDE A GRAVEL ROAD."

I often cover the entire canvas with rice paper. A gloss on matte medium is first applied to the selected area, then I apply the rice paper. The next step involves applying more medium onto the rice paper. You can maneuver the rice paper with a palette knife or crimple it before placing it onto the canvas. Allow it to dry, then experiment by applying thin washes of color that bleeds into all the crevices and nooks. I enjoyed using this technique in "RUNNING RAPIDS NEAR NATURAL BRIDGE." Now your imagination can run wild!!!

Yes, skill and creative imagination abound in the natural world. Why not use such beauty as an inspiration for your paintings!
Please revisit my blog for forthcoming information on Sweet Inspirations!!!!

Just remember; Nixon the name, Art is the game, ask me again, and I will tell you the same!