Landscapes . . .

Do landscapes inspire me? Yes, in nature they inspire every aspect of my life, but I don’t feel a real pull to recreate them. I’ve done a few landscapes as commissions, yes, and I’ve learned a ton about painting in the process. And I never pass up on staring at a good one when I get the chance. I mean, I’d be an idiot not to, right? I can’t even count the number of times a brilliantly painted landscape has left me completely speechless.

For me though, there’s no clear explanation. Maybe it’s because I’m so incredibly spellbound when I witness the real thing in nature that I doubt I could do one justice. Or maybe it’s because the landscapes that I’m most drawn to are by the likes of Van Gogh or, more recently, Emily Carr (more on her in an upcoming post) where interpretation has morphed the natural into something otherworldly.

Honestly though, if there’s one thing I’ve learned over my umpteen years on this planet it’s to never say ‘never.’ I could be wrapped up in portraits or still lifes for many years only to suddenly get obsessed with trees. Or beaches. Or clouds (hmm, I think I may already have a major crush on those fluffy bits of loveliness).

And why is any of this even worth mentioning? Because I don’t believe that creative expression needs to be limited to one thing and one thing only. I’m constantly hearing from creatives that I respect that I should “create for myself” and people will respond to the passion in my work. That makes perfect sense to me. If I were consistently creating what others wanted me to, I’d be depleted. When I choose what I create, I’m fulfilled. Simple as that. How could either not be palpable to a viewer?

For now I’ll remain obsessed with still lifes, portraits, figures and concept paintings that involve a combination of each. The concept thing is totally new to me, but man am I having a good time with it - experiencing real joy in piecing together several of my own images into one interesting, expressive, and potentially humorous result. I’m so pumped about pushing myself in new directions that I can hardly stand it. And I can’t wait to share each new painting with all of you.

Speaking of which, if you’re not following me on Instagram to see updates on results, you can do so at @leanamcguire_art

And please comment below to share your thoughts on anything I’ve mentioned above. I’ll take input, advise, anger, bitterness, whatever. Let’s share the journey together.

What are you working on?

xo

DID YOU KNOW that Joseph Mallord William Turnerand Claude Monetareglobally regarded as the absolute masters of landscape paintings?