For eleven days, I traded the familiar rhythm of my life in Maryland for the quiet of western North Carolina's forests. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, I spent my days walking wooded trails, breathing fresh air, reading under the trees, and simply slowing down. There were countless moments when I found myself looking up, taking in what felt like a million beautiful trees stretching toward the sky. What a stunning area! And as you know me, I painted!
Camping has always been one of my favorite ways to travel. I love spending my days outdoors. And I notice that my creativity often wakes up in the quiet spaces where there is nothing to rush toward, and thus, the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains found its way into my painting practice. I painted four new works in my Healing Garden series, each inspired by flowers I encountered along the trails. Some of these blooms were completely new to me: it was fun to identify the plants.
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One of the four paintings is especially meaningful because it is my first "landscape" in the Healing Garden series. While flowers have long been at the heart of this collection, the mountain ridges caught my attention.
Travel often leaves me with photographs and memories. This trip gave me something even more lasting: a renewed appreciation for slowing down, looking closely, and letting nature guide my work. These new paintings are reminders of fresh air, quiet trails, towering trees, unexpected flowers, and the calm that comes from spending time in quiet places. Enjoy!