Drifting In Gold | 11x14" painting

“Drifting In Gold” is an original 11x14” acrylic painting on canvas inspired by the spaces out west, where the land feels open and vast, while the mountains are standing guard in the distance. The river calmly flows through the woods, and time nearly stands still.
 
This painting came to life during a time I felt the weight of the world pressing in. I wanted to lift the gloom from the cumulation of news headlines off of me. I turned to color. I chose to make this painting colorful to create to a place of beauty and peace. I stopped listening to the noise of the news and reminded myself to take respite in what inspires me instead. It helps me to reframe and get a different perspective on life.
 
I believe that everyone and everything has a voice and a message. I strive to hear these coming from what it is I’m painting. So I opened myself up to the messages of peace in this river and in the beauty of the golden leaves of these trees, and I created a secluded place which to unwind.
 
My process really begins before I ever dip a brush into paint. I have a quiet moment with my subject and ask what it wants to say, or I just listen and allow the ambiance of the scene to fill me. I intuitively take the vibes I gather along throughout my work in the form of color so that the painting conveys not only my message, but also what my subject needs to say.
 
In this case, I heard comfort in the consistency of the seasons changing predictably each year, and the solitude of breezes rustling distant branches. You can imagine yourself drifting along in the boat, being guided by the gentle flow of this river, maybe catching some fish and enjoying a slow day.