nature

"The dragonfly hangs like a blue thread loosened from the sky” Dante Gabriel Rosetti. An English poet, illustrator, painter and translator in the 1800s.  During a walk through the Belle Isle Nature Center, I witnessed these amazing creatures flitting about. I snapped my camera! 

“A flower blossoms for its own joy” Ralph Waldo Emerson. This American was an essayist, lecturer, philosopher, abolitionist and poet in the mid-19th century. I took a few artistic liberties with these flowers growing along the Mackinaw Island shoreline, giving them a somewhat dreamy, tropical feel. 

"Butterflies, flowers that fly and all but sing” Robert Frost. This poet became one of America’s rare public literary figures, an artistic institution, writing of rural life in the early 20th century. Inspired at the Butterfly House on Mackinaw Island and Detroit Zoo, I saw several of these emerge from their chrysalis and fly into dense foliage to dry their wings.

"The earth laughs in flowers" Ralph Waldo Emerson. It would be difficult to disagree with him. When you look at a flower, your entire mood is lightened and you smile. I like to think the same for Mother Earth. These orchids grow at a neighbor's home in Florida. 

“Each bird loves to hear himself sing” Arapaho Proverb. The message here from Native American wisdom tells us that everybody likes to hear themselves talk about themselves. Captured this fellow on a hike up north. This species sings with a cheerful gusto, hence the quote I chose.

"The soul of music slumbers in its shell” Samuel Rodgers. A celebrated English poet, in the late 1700s and early 1800s. I found this Junonia shell in Florida, which are very rare because they live deep on the ocean floor. Perhaps it holds secrets within its beauty waiting to be awakened.

“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere” Vincent Van Gogh. From one of the world’s most influential painters, he reminds us that the wonder and beauty of nature is all around us. A beautiful flower found in the southern US and Mediterranean. So simple, yet stunning and fragrant.

“A little bird told me” William Shakespeare. This quote has been attributed to many from the Bible to Hans Christian Anderson-meaning information from a source is not to be exposed. These creatures are abundant in our Michigan woods and backyards, and captured my attention with their bold pattern.

"In order to see birds, it is necessary to become part of the silence" Robert Lynd. An Irish writer, editor of poetry and essayist spells it out so clearly... to be passive is in some circumstances the most efficient form of activity. I see these birds on occasion and am attracted to their strong graphic beauty -- another great design of nature. 

“Hurt not animals” Triptolemus. A figure in Greek mythology, he is credited with this quote and with the arts of agriculture. One of his commandments was to spare the animals. I came across this fellow in Idaho and was compelled to capture his presence.

"Animals are such agreeable friends" George Elliott. We all know these familiar little creatures that become quite tame when you feed them. Asking no questions and passing no criticisms. Mary Ann Evans used the above pen name during the Victorian era and was one of the leading writers of her time. 

"Food is our common ground, a universal experience" James Beard. He was an American chef, cookbook author, teacher and tv personality who paved the way for cooking shows. Mealtimes are sensory experiences, as is shopping for ingredients. I captured this scene at an island marketplace after they had just set out their produce. 

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" Chinese Proverb. These words are motivational, expressing deep insight about determination and avoiding procrastination. I think her face captures that feeling. I refer to this painting when I need that extra boost. 

"He walks with nature and his paths are peace" Young. A prolific English writer on agriculture, politics and economics. Always take time to go outside and replenish with nature. Your body and soul will thank you. I witnessed a similar procession and added exotic elements to complete the feel. 

“Nature is full of genius” Henry David Thoreau. An American naturalist, essayist, poet and philosopher, best known for his book Walden. Patterns in nature are remarkable and are found everywhere. These zebras are a perfect example.

"What is a man without the beasts” Seattle. This Indian chief tells us that if all the beasts are gone, man would die from a great loneliness of the spirit, which means nature. I wished to capture his quiet dignity as he ventured out. 

"Let us permit nature to take her own way" Montaigne. I agree and believe that nature takes care of herself, if we just step back and move aside. She understands her business better than we do says this philosopher of the French Revolution. I saw this lioness at a preserve and took a more abstract approach in painting her. 

"The music of the brook silenced all conversation" Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He was an American poet and educator widely known and very much loved during the 19th century. Deep in the Wyoming woods I found this stream, just right to sit beside and enjoy quietly. A perfect respite. 

“I will find comfort in the rhythm of the seas” Charlotte Erickson, a more contemporary poet. We are naturally drawn to the oceans, with dreams of faraway places, mystery and exploration. What stories could these vessels tell, I wondered when I came across them on an island beach?

"For him there's a story in every breeze, and a picture in every wave" Thomas Moore, an Irish poet that was closely attuned to the taste and artistic sensibility of his age. One of my favorite places to be is near or on the water -- as every day tells a different tale. 

"There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort” wrote Jane Austen, an  English novelist in the early 1800s, who penned six major works. I like to imagine that she would be seated in this pretty room, composing one of her works of literature, surrounded by books and art. I painted this scene with a soft palette of colors to create a relaxing space.

“People are usually happiest at home” said William Shakespeare, the greatest writer in the English language. His wisdom is simple and true for most of us. I love to travel and explore, gathering images of inspiration, to enjoy from the comfort of familiar surroundings. So I painted a room, using soothing colors, where I would be content to spend a lovely afternoon. 

"In France, cooking is a serious art form and a national sport” stated Julia Child, a famous American cooking teacher, author and television personality. Shopping for ingredients, preparing the food, setting a beautiful table - all create a memorable meal. With lively colors and gourmet images, I wanted to represent the full experience of the French culinary arts.

“Beautiful memories tell our story, and wrap themselves in ribbons of the heart” commented Flavia Cacace, an Italian-British professional dancer, winner of competitions worldwide. Many special moments take place during mealtimes, where we celebrate life and each other. I was capturing this sentiment with the use of pleasing tones and weaving shapes, representing conversation and connectedness.