In these days, where cities are packed with people and artists find it beneficial to paint indoors, it's always nice to take a break and enjoy nature. I'm a 19 year old wildlife artist (nearing 20) and, even though I paint indoors (acrylic paint + sun = dried mess.) I am deeply inspired by nature. I find my greatest work coming from animals, especially since I've lived with them all of my young life. There's so much nature can teach you that no television, radio, or lecture ever could. It teaches you to listen. It teaches you about yourself. Hear the rustling of the trees, the many calls of the birds, the buzzing of bugs that make nature alive. In the silence one can hear thier own thoughts and, in the process, unwind thier own tangled story. Even if you live in a city where nature isn't readily available (I live on a 127 acre farm...), you can still find natural inspiration. A window plant? A roosting pidgeon? How simple and overlooked these things are, but oh how inspirational they COULD be if one was only willing to listen - to the world and themselves.

I'm a nature nut, I can't help thinking this way. ^_^;

Cara Bevan

www.carabevanartfromtheheart.blogspot.com

(painting is titled "Crustacean Salutation" 16x20" acrylic on canvas. (C) Cara Bevan)