As you may already know, I love using the hashtag #itravelwithartsupplies

I paint on airplanes, in cars (not while driving!), in coffee shops, in hotels, on hikes, in parks & beyond!

Nature has been one of the most amazing sources of inspiration as long as humans have been alive. When I feel creatively stuck, I have found connecting to nature is the quickest way to recharge. Here are 6 simple and wonderful ways to be creative in nature:

1. Go for a nature walk or hike with a sketchbook and a pencil.

This is my first and favorite suggestion because it can be done by everyone and happen almost anywhere. Get outside, whether it’s in your backyard, your neighborhood or on a hike. You don’t need much…just take a sketchbook and a pencil. You could certainly bring more supplies if desired but this is all you really need. If you are interested in my favorite on-the-go art supplies, make sure to download before your next trip!

2. Be still & be quiet.

I know, I know… this is easier said than done. No music, no noise and if you can, *leave your phone behind* (unless you are taking photos for inspiration) Taking time to pause, be still, be quiet and simply observe is a gift. The more you do this, the more you will crave the practice.

3. Take photos for inspiration.

I know I just suggested you leave your phone behind and perhaps you can if you have a point & shoot camera you can take instead. That way you can be inspired without distraction. I take photos everywhere I go and am constantly in awe of God’s amazing creation and all that nature offers. Art is everywhere!

Join me in sharing art in nature with the hashtag #artiseverywhere

4. Create found object art.

One of my favorite activities to do when I lead my domestic and international art retreats is to create art using found objects from nature. This can be done almost anywhere and appeals to a variety of ages. I also love how it will vary by season and location. So many objects to choose from: rocks, pebbles, shells, seaweed, moss, lichen, sticks, leaves, flowers, acorns, etc

Here is a fun example:

5. Play with printmaking.

Take a bag with you on your nature walk and gather leaves, wildflowers and greenery such as ferns. When you return home, use a stamp pad for ink and press into your sketchbook. You can embellish with watercolor or colored pencils too!

6. Trace Nature.

Use your leaves or other found objects from nature and trace their shapes into your sketchbook using your pencil. Simple shapes are best and you can even create a repeating pattern then once you are back home, feel free to color or paint your shapes in a creative way.

7. Look for Love in Nature!

Last but not least….my favorite! Look for hearts in nature. They are everywhere and I’ve enjoyed discovering them for years! Open your eyes and I promise, you will see hearts all over the place in nature! Join me and tag #heartshapediscoveries

I hope these suggestions will help you to connect to nature in a creative way!

“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” Vincent van Gogh