Careful observation is the key to strategic thinking and to staying creative. Instead of relying solely on the computer, I stay fresh through drawing and painting which enhance my observation skills, nurtures my appreciation for nature, and provides time to reflect. Here are some watercolors from my recent four day trip to Fire Island. Enjoy…
Two trees on the bay side of Davis Park, Fire Island, the most remote community – peaceful – with nothing to do but paint.
Fire Island National Seashore: Scene with a park ranger house in the background.
A forked tree emerges from a small clearing with little pond.
A difficult scene to capture – miles of distance, nondescript reeds and the reflection of water. I like how the overcast sky turned out.
The rugged beauty of the Federal Park.
An Asian style monochromatic watercolor to capture the raw, wiry beauty of these windswept trees.
A quick watercolor of the beach showing the tall grasses planted on the dunes to keep the beach from eroding.
Wiry trees emerge from a bed of tall reeds near the marina.
A lone tree on Watch Hill on a windy day.
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For more of my illustration, check out my Drawing a Day Diary and Construction by Pen websites. Let me know what you think. And of course, if you need illustration, you know who to contact.
WAKE UP CALL: How do you stay fresh, invigorated and creative?
Hi Howard. Your trees remind me of people – they interact with each other. They lean into each other and group as if in conversation. I actually thought of captions. The first looks (to me anyway) like a “guy” tree introducing himself to a “girl” tree. The second group just needs to be holding cocktail glasses and you could have “a good time was had by all”. Anyway, the pictures are so interesting. And you’re right, we all have to stay creative.
Interesting observation. I never thought of trees as people before, but now I won’t be able to look at them without thinking of them that way.