Inspirations -- part 1

I was asked where I get my inspiration, and these days, much of it comes from looking at Pinterest.  If you haven’t checked it out, take a look at my various boards: http://pinterest.com/drcre8ive/.  

Clouds, Lake Superior by Lawren Harris

I also thought more about my long-standing inspirations.  I grew up in an artist’s household (my mom) and remember as a child leafing through huge art history books.  From an early age, I began to love the impressionists, especially Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, and Cassatt.  As an adult I came to know the Canadian impressionists known as the Group of Seven including Emily Carr, Arthur Lismer and Lawren Harris.  While the European impressionists inspire through their color and form, the Canadian impressions show North America, and the kind of landscape I know and love.  There is a muted quality to the colors they use which I see in my own work.

Metchosin by Emily Carr

Kitwancool by Emily Carr

Sheeps Nose by Arthur Lismer

In my next post, I’ll discuss more influences including Art Nouveau, and the Arts and Crafts movement.