As an outdoor lover, having to cancel outdoor adventures and being cooped up inside has been difficult, but as an introverted creative person, I’ve not minded the extended time at home. While the news is unsettling and the future is uncertain, I’m trying my best to stay positive, and one thing that’s really helped me has been creating a daily(ish) art practice focused on the landscapes of places I’ve travelled to and loved.

My practice looks like this: I start by looking through photos from a past trip and find pictures that I’m inspired by or that I know I took thinking that I’d paint the image when I got home (but never did). Some photos I want to paint because it has a strong emotion or memory tied to it.  Sometimes I’m inspired by a color combination in the landscape that I’ll want to use in a more abstract way. Other times, I like the composition of the whole picture and want to create a more literal representation of it. On days I need some comfort, I use my regular sketchbook with my favorite supplies. On days that I feel a little better, I’ve been trying out new things - bigger paper! The gouache paints I was gifted but don’t know how to use! - giving myself permission to make a mess or make something that doesn’t look perfect or exactly how I envisioned. 

Ideally, this time is spent peacefully - a sort of meditation on the outdoors while creating. A time to get out of my mind and focus on color, shapes and creating something beautiful. In reality, most days I sit down to create next to my 3 year old, which is not peaceful. I often feel frustrated that the painting isn’t progressing how I’d like (especially on the day’s I’m trying to push myself), or that our art time only lasted 10 minutes before the little dude starts painting his hands, or accidentally knocks over the paint water or desperately needs a snack. (anyone else quarantining with a toddler?!?) 

No matter what happens during my art time, or what emotions it brings, I still feel like the time is worthwhile. I’m holding onto happy memories, improving a skill, and staying off my phone/the news for at least a little while. I’m so looking forward to getting outside and travelling again, but in the meantime, this is satisfying my wanderlust somewhat :) 

Cover photo: Drawing at the Grand Canyon

Drawing outdoor adventures at home

 My next painting inspiration

-JIll GilmoreDirector of Training and Risk Management