The world is like a classroom for artists- the workings of the earth moving always and everywhere and waiting patiently for someone to come see the beauty, big or small. Spending time outdoors, especially, is infinitely more rewarding when I look with the eye of an artist. Whether I file away the shape of greenery on a crooked cliff to recreate later, or bring a sketchbook or canvas to the scene to capture a quiver of splinters erupting like a bouquet from the broken trunk of a tree before any of the details can be lost in my mind, every new sight takes on a new depth when you try to analyze how the colors and composition combine to make it stunning. I have been doing plein air painting for a few years. I also have done oil paintings from picture references, not of the natural world but of everyday objects and people and pets. I think any time spent painting is worthwhile, and my hope is that the better I get at capturing the world around me, the more I can inspire the awe of it in others. I attached 3 files- one of them is a plein air painting I did at a local reserve, one is a pet portrait for a friend, and one is based on a photograph I took as reference.

My back-to-school tip is to keep yourself focused on what matters- which in my opinion is whatever helps your achieve your personal goals. Don't get distracted by drama or shallow desires. Only you know what your version of success or happiness looks like. Anyone trying to persuade you otherwise probably doesn't have your best interests at heart. Keep your eyes on your goals and don't ever give up on them- it is the only way to make them happen. I don't have an instagram account, I just hope this helps someone.