I allude affectionately to the tagline for my website Driftwilde — views of getting lost — as a state of mind. I enter it constantly because I’m gob-smacked by the visual world. Every shadow is provocative, every angle builds intrigue, and life paints a full spectrum. My mind wanders and ponders. Anyone creating art surely must tap into such a state of mind. 

My inspiration for the tagline is two-fold. It definitely reflects the way I actually feel when viewing or creating art. And secondly, it’s an ongoing and appreciative nod to the awakening I felt reading Rebecca Solnit’s book, “The Field Guide to Getting Lost”. This gem of a book really touches me. As much as anything, I gravitate toward the way Solnit ties imagery of place to a state of mind.

Getting lost in inspiration

The view is a visual chord. We hear it playing simultaneously as it resonates within, taking us to that inner place where we are inspired to create. The rawness of our feelings reverberates into our paint strokes. 

The source of inspiration is everywhere: plein air settings, reference photographs, and exploring one’s imagination or feelings. A painter can project the honest and gripping tenor of the photo’s story or the astounding beauty reflected in it. Our imaginations run wild with possibilities of reinterpretation as one view inspires the next.

Narrate your view

I generally include a brief description of the inner journey for each artwork I sell on Driftwilde. You can find these narratives by clicking on the individual art piece In Driftwilde’s shop galleries (Shop Originals and Shop Reprints), where I curate my current portfolio. I figure that since I like to know what other artists experience when painting, others may want to know the same of me.

For example, in “Water Buffalo”, I wrote: 

“Finding a path isn’t hard, but finding the better path can be elusive, and taking the right path for yourself is always profound. Not every one of them leads to where you need to be. Speak the truth on your journey. Oddly, I painted this from left to right (lefty’s prerogative?) and ended up with the water buffalo, surprised and delighted to see it emerge. Loving the pairing of indigo with pink and coral.”

And in “Weeds for the Birds”, I wrote: 

“My lingering thoughts from the previous day’s hike to Julien Price Memorial Park in North Carolina came out in this gouache. I love that weeds alongside the paths are perfect for birds to forage, hide and nest. We might not see them, but we hear their rustling and singing. I found the negative space as interesting to capture as the positive.”

And in “Coast 2”, I wrote: 

“Simplifying an experience to its basics gives you a chance to enjoy the movement. In this gouache painting, who knows where you’ve been or where you’re going on your journey. Somewhat like at the seashore, I remind myself to enjoy things as they are instead of hurrying them to become something else.” 

Perhaps as you read the comments it gives you another faceted view of the artwork. I’d be interested in your thoughts.

Driftwilde original and print artwork of beguiling views is available at Driftwilde.com.